Union College Laptop policy
DRAFT 9-15-2001  (proposed changed in bold)

Introduction. The College is committed to providing an appropriate office desktop computer system for each fulltime faculty member.

Each year the College standardizes on a desktop computer for faculty. The configuration is based on 1) speed of processor; 2) memory requirements; 3) disk space requirements; 4) CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, CD-RW drive(s); 4) other storage, including Zip drives, floppy drives, etc. The College also provides a standard software configuration. Currently, the software configuration includes 1) Microsoft Office Premium (includes Word, Excel, Access, Frontpage, Powerpoint) or MS Office for the Macintosh; 2) internet applications (browser, Eudora, etc. – these are usually free products); virus protection software (for which the College has purchased a site license.) This year the computer system hardware costs approximately $1,400 with another $65 for the Microsoft Office Premium license.

This policy addresses the need by some faculty members to have a laptop computer instead of a desktop computer. Only one computer will be provided by the College for each faculty member.

Union College is establishing a regular replacement cycle for faculty desktop computers. It is only at the time for replacement that a laptop purchase will be considered. It is of course dependent on available funding.

• The College will pay for the purchase of a laptop up to the amount currently being spent for a desktop computer and software ($1400 as of today).
• The laptop must be a configuration, model and brand approved by OCS and must meet minimum specifications.
• All orders for laptops must be processed through the Office of Computer Services.
• A 3-year parts and labor onsite (extended) warranty must be purchased at the time that the laptop is purchased.
• If the laptop costs more than the price of the current office desktop configuration, the faculty member or the department must pay the difference.
• Ownership of the laptop computer will reside with the College.
• The laptop must be covered by insurance which will be purchased by the faculty member or the department. The insurance should cover theft and damage that is not covered under the warranty/service contract.  In case of damage or theft, the faculty member is solely responsible for repair/replacement costs. [The computer can apparently be covered under a homeowners policy – as a rider]
• The faculty member or department is responsible for the purchase of additional office accessories such as monitor, keyboard, mouse, docking station or a desktop computer
• The faculty member or the department is responsible for the purchase of additional batteries or other consumables.
• If the faculty member leaves the College before three complete years, ownership of the computer remains with the College. After 3 years, the faculty member would have the option to purchase the computer for a price equal to 25% of the original College contribution.