The need for new or upgraded technology on campus is initially defined by the individual faculty or staff member in conjunction with their management. Computer Services is available to “consult” on any technological needs as desired or needed. Once the need is defined it should be submitted for approval and action according to one of the following procedures.
There are currently four sources for providing the financial support for the technology needs of the Community.
- The first is for the person requesting the technology to go to the person in their department who has budget responsibility. The requestor presents their needs, cost and justification to the department’s budget manager. If the department’s budget can support this request it is approved and the Director of Technology is told to fulfill the approved request, charging the individual’s department. If the department is not able to fully fund the request, it is suggested that the requestor contact the Director of Technology to determine if alternatives to technology and funding sources exist to address the need.
- In preparation for each new fiscal year, in January the Committee on Academic Computing (CAC) solicits “technology requests” from the faculty. These requests may be for technology in an individual’s office, classrooms, technology labs, the Library or infrastructure to support technology. These requests are returned to the CAC where they are reviewed, prioritizedand submitted to the Director of Technology to assign monetary cost to each. Upon assignment of costs and priority, the list of requests is submitted to the Dean of the College for evaluation and approval. Once approved this list is given to the Director of Technology for procurement once the new fiscal year has started,in adherence to guidelines given by the Dean of the College.
- Based on feedback from faculty, students and staff, separate from either of the two methods referenced previously, the Director of Technology evaluates the needs for upgrades or additions to our infrastructure, classrooms, technology laboratories and personal office technology. Based on fiscal, physical, staff and technological resources and needs the Director of Technology initiates plans to support and improve the technologies on campus that other sources are unable to address.
- The final method for supporting technology is targeted funding such as grants and donations. The fiscal decisions are made in conjunction with the Business Office, the Development Office and the person or persons assigned to manage the grant(s).
The members of the Computer Services department are available to all members of the community to assist in the definition of needs andin the configuration of appropriate solutions and costs. Requests for specific hardware or software may be easily addressed if the resources already exist. Alternative solutions may also be proposed to provide a better service to the requestor or to minimize the fiscal impact.