Computer Upgrade Information

• This KB article helps provide information about the WesternU Computer Upgrade Program and eligibility.

• WesternU computers have a 5-year lifecycle 

  • This is based on the date of purchase (e.g. purchased: July 1, 2020 / end-of-life: June 30, 2025)

  • This lifecycle reflects the University Financial Services and Treasury (UFST) standard capital depreciation schedule as well as the expected usefulness of a computer

• Computers

  • Standard model: Laptops (sharepoint.com) (marked as standard model)

  • Supported computers

    • Laptops (sharepoint.com)

    • Desktops (sharepoint.com)

• Only Primary (-P) computers are eligible for upgrade

• WesternU IT will only provide a standard device (generally a laptop, see below) for upgrade

  • If a non-standard device is desired or required, WesternU IT will provide a $500 credit towards the purchase of a supported device

    • The $500 credit is available until the Fiscal Year IT Upgrade budget is depleted and at discretion of the IT department and is subject to chance based on yearly allotted IT budgets

  • Apple MacBooks and Apple desktop-type devices are considered non-standard

• For most employees, a laptop is standard assigned device 

  • Generally this is a laptop, 2 monitors, a docking station, a wired keyboard and mouse.

    • A laptop allows for remote or hybrid work for positions that are able to work in that modality. While not every employee's position may be authorized to work remote, a laptop provides the option to work remotely

    • If an employees laptop requires service that will last longer than a business day, a loaner laptop will be provided until the device can be repaired or replaced. 

  • Some employees (e.g. those in patient care areas) may be assigned a desktop computer

• WesternU has One Computing Device policy

• All standard laptops are procured with a required 3-year warranty

  • A 5-year warranty to match the lifespan of the device would be ideal, however, a 5-year warranty is cost prohibitive. 

  • If a laptop requires replacement after the warranty expires but before the lifecycle is up, WesternU IT will provide a standard laptop as a replacement

    • If a replacement is required this will reset the lifecycle and the new device will have a new 5-year lifecycle 

• The following types of computer are NOT eligible for the upgrade

  • Common computers (XXX-XC or XXX-C)

  • Exam computers (XXX-XE or XXX-E)

  • Unsupported computers (XXX-XX or XXX-XU)

  • Secondary computers (XXX-XS or XXX-S)

Additional Information

The computer upgrade program is based upon available budget and the current needs of the university. This program is not a policy, but rather a living procedure that may change as the university and IT departments resources change. The information provided above is for reference.