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)
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.