University researchers are now exempt from purchasing university-standard computers when buying computer equipment with research funds. The change in the policy was announced by Roger Côté, vice-president, services, at the January 18 Senate meeting.
However, the change in the policy on computer provisioning (VPS-32), places greater responsibility on researchers to ensure that the non-standard computer equipment is protected by installing university anti-virus software themselves.
Additionally, researchers will be contacted to tag and engrave their new computer equipment and to register it in Concordia’s inventory system. Researchers will be responsible for any necessary repairs and for managing the warranty.
The policy on computer provisioning (VPS-32) specifies that no support or services are provided for non-standard computer equipment either by Instructional and Information Technology Services (IITS) or local IT staff. This will continue to be the case.
“We strongly encourage researchers to continue purchasing standard computer equipment to take advantage of benefits and services offered by the university,” says Chief Information Officer Marc Denoncourt.
These benefits include reduced procurement lead time, pre-installed software including anti-virus, a three-year warranty through Concordia, technical support and workstation configurations adapted to research as selected by representatives from various Faculties.
Computer equipment acquisitions will still require a purchase order supported by two quotes and must be placed through Concordia’s purchasing department. University-standard computers are defined on the Computer Store web page.
Related links:
• Computer Store
• Policy on computer provisioning (VPS-32)
• IITS
