[section=Computer Replacement]
The quantity of computers replaced in a fiscal year is based on the available computer replacement budget.
Computers are replaced in the same order they were purchased with the following exceptions:
- If a computer is deemed inoperable by the desktop support team and is outside of the manufacturer’s maintenance period (currently 3 years), it will be moved to the front of the replacement queue.
- Staff workstations: If the computers for a whole department meet the replacement year criteria and the majority of the workstations are next in the replacement queue, all workstations in the department will be replaced at the same time.
Mac, PC, Desktop, and Laptops are all in the same replacement pool.
The Budget:
- For the last 10 years there has been a $150,000 budget per year for faculty and staff replacement computers. (recently reduced by $6,750 as a result of low enrollment)
- When computers were purchased in 2013 there was an additional $150,000 that was used to purchase additional computers, for a total of $300,000.
- Because of the additional dollars provided in 2013, it has taken several years to replace the 2013 computers.
- When all the general fund 2013 computers have been replaced, 2014 computers will go into the replacement queue.
New hire computers are purchased from the replacement budget.
The Standard:
- There is a standard configuration for each type of computer, such as PC, Mac, Desktop, or Laptop.
- The current standard includes the OS, the Microsoft Office Suite, and 16 gigabyte of RAM, except 8 gigabyte for the Mac laptop.
- If additional memory, peripherals, or software is required, the faculty or staff member’s department will pickup the difference between the standard cost and the overage.
Additional Notes:
- A computer that begins with a 2013 inventory number will have been purchased anywhere between July 2013 and June 2014. The larger the number, the later the equipment was purchased.
- The budget includes 1 primary workstation per user per position at the standard configuration level.
- Tricia Flaherty will contact you when your computer reaches the top of the queue.
- If your computer is failing, please contact the Service Request Desk at 88925 and submit a support ticket.
- Computer Specifications can be found here:
[endsection]
[section=Cybersecurity Training]
Information Security Training will be offered, beginning 12/2/19. This tool, released via Portal, will deliver a new 3-5min lesson every 2 weeks to everyone at WOU. It tracks who has taken which lessons, how long it took, etc…
Michael Ellis expects to begin working with UTAC in the near future to solicit feedback, and improve the consumability of the material we deliver to campus.
Best of all, the application is fully responsive. UCS wants employees and students alike to access it on the device that is best for them!
If anyone has questions about these projects, Michael is happy to answer them by phone (88629) or email: ellism@wou.edu
[endsection]
[section=DUO – multi-factor authentication]
As of 11/25 2019, 555 of our 908 Employees are using DUO! Michael Ellis continues to send bi-monthly emails to Directors and Division Chairs, offering assistance to help with those not yet in DUO. Overall, feedback has been very positive. This is WOU’s first big step forward toward changing the culture and making us more secure. We continue to listen to users’ experience, and work with them to minimize any impact to teaching/learning in the classroom.
As we draw to the close of the Employee signup process, I’m hopeful we can open up DUO to students during Winter Term.
[endsection]
[section=Windows 10]
As of November 26, 2019 there are 1,300 computers running Windows 10 and just under 200 machines left to upgrade to Windows 10 by 1/14/2020!
If you still have a Windows 7 computer, Michael Ellis will be emailing your department with a reminder, and he will work with you to coordinate upgrades. The “upgrade in place” option (vs re-image at UCS) is simple, quick and hasn’t had many problems.
If you have a computer that is required to stay on Windows 7, Michael will be working with you on how to secure your computer.
[endsection]