Have questions about the Laptop Choice program? Check out these frequently asked questions.

CHANGES TO LAPTOP CHOICE PROGRAM

Due to university-wide budgetary constraints, the Laptop Choice Program has been suspended for the remainder of the 2023-2024 fiscal year.

For the remainder of the 2023-2024 fiscal year, IT will only replace laptops eligible for the Laptop Choice Program that cannot otherwise be repaired. No exceptions.

In addition, effective 11/7/2023 the following changes will be implemented:

  1. The computer refresh lifecycle has been extended from 4 years to 5 years for a Windows computer and from 5 years to 6 years for a Mac computer.
  2. IT will not be providing peripherals (i.e. additional monitors, mouse, keyboards, etc.). No exceptions.
  3. We will review the Laptop Choice Program again starting July 1, 2024 to determine feasibility of the current policy.

What is the Laptop Choice program?

Laptop Choice is a Computer Lifecycle Replenishment Program for full-time faculty and staff. In concept, it’s a very simple program. The Laptop Choice program provides each full-time faculty and staff member with one laptop (only)-a Windows or Mac laptop.

How does the Laptop Choice program work?

The program was originally conceived with these key features:

One other item of importance: this program is designed to be flexible and agile. As our technology ecosystem changes, so may this program and the offerings.

What are the goals of the program?

  • Agility: Provide laptops with integrated components (camera, speakers, etc.) that can easily go anywhere and support remote work/modern work environment
  • Collaboration: Enable faculty and staff to seamlessly engage in online collaborative work activities, meetings, and teaching and learning
  • Sustainability: Laptops that use less power and reduce eWaste compared with desktop computers
  • Cost Savings/Financial Planning: Providing only one computer per person reduces costs in the longer term. Better fiscal planning with a documented replacement cycle

What is included in the program?

  • One standard laptop (Windows or Mac)
  • NOTE: extra monitors, keyboards, mice, and other accessories are not included. Accessories may be purchased with departmental funds.

How will the program change due to budgetary constraints?

Computer refresh lifecycle has been extended from 4 years for a Windows computer to 5 years and from 5 years for a Mac computer to 6 years.

My computer is really old! How do I get my new laptop?

IT Central and the department manager will communicate which computers will be up for a replacement for the upcoming year.

Candidates will receive a chance to inform both their department and IT Central about their platform preferences.

What is a standard laptop?

Faculty and staff can choose between a standard Mac or Windows computer. Click here to see the comparison sheet.

What if the standard laptop does not fit my needs?

If the standard laptop options do not fit your needs your manager will notify IT Central and a consultation process will occur and the department will need to cover any additional costs associated with a non-standard laptop request.