Computer Refresh FAQ

Skip to a question:

• Background:
  • What is the Computer Refresh Program? 
  • How do I sign up? 
  • How can I identify a device that needs to be replaced?
  • Can I keep my old computer and get a new device?
  • Do I have to upgrade if my device is identified for replacement?
• Funding:
  • How is funding allocated by division/department?
  • Can I use department funds outside of CRP or personal funds to supplement the cost of a more expensive device?
  • Why are Mac and desktop exception devices for CRP funding? 
•  Process:
  • What data will be moved from my old to new device?
  • How long does an in-person data migration appointment take?
  • What are the system and application standards for new Mac & Windows devices?
  • How do I request admin rights for my device?
• Accessories & Upgrades:
  • What acessories can CRP funding be used for?
  • Do I need a docking station for my laptop?
  • What if I need more RAM or memory?

Background

What is the Computer Refresh Program?

The Computer Refresh Program (CRP) ensures the efficient replacement of the computers used in our classrooms, computer labs, public spaces, and offices. The goal of this initiative is to provide Seattle University students, faculty, and staff with updated and reliable technological tools for their work and studies. Yearly, Information Technology Services is given funding by the university to replace devices in event spaces, labs, and public areas of campus. ITS then allocates the remaining funding to divisions, which is managed by CRP coordinators.

How do I sign up?

CRP Coordinators will identify who is has the greatest need for a device. If you feel you need a new device reach out to your coordinator. 

How can I identify a device that needs to be replaced?  

Computers with the following should be considered first for CRP funding:

Required replacement  

• Devices running Windows 7  

Recommended replacement 

• Any computer you have been advised should be replaced due to performance, security, or wear issues
• Any computer older than four years 

Can I keep my old computer and get a new device?

Old devices identified to be replaced must be recycled through the Computer Refresh Program to ensure that our inventory is accurate, secure, and up to date with technology standards. Considering this, we replace each computer one for one.  

Do I have to upgrade if my device is identified for replacement?

Devices are identified due to a variety of factors, such as the age of the device or if it is a security risk. If your device matches the qualities outlined in the FAQ question “How to identify a device that needs to be replaced?” then most likely yes, you should have your device replaced. Please work with your coordinator as they manage individual division’s Computer Refresh Program if you have questions. 

Funding

How is funding allocated by division/department?

CRP funding is allocated proportionally by size. Full-time faculty are weighted as 1.0, part-time (under 0.8 FTE) as 0.5, and student workers as 0.25. The supplemental faculty funding uses the same logic but counts only faculty.  

Can I use department funds outside of CRP or personal funds to supplement the cost of a more expensive device?  

Currently, no. We want to ensure that CRP funds are being used to purchase computers and not department funds or personal funds. 

Why are Mac and desktop exception devices for CRP funding? 

The CRP standard device offerings approved for funding: 13” Lenovo X13 Laptop, and 13” Yoga (touchscreen) Laptop. CRP is limiting the devices that can be used with allocated funding due to: 

• More remote work encourages portable laptops for use at home or around campus 
• The standard offerings are lightweight and portable 
• Standard devices offer an affordable price point in comparison to non-standard devices. This allows for more devices to be purchased with the overall funding allocation per division 
• Keeping fewer device types on campus aids our virtual environment, making updates cleaner and less complicated 

Specifically for Apple devices: 

• Seattle University is trying to better leverage our finite resources and one way is to not buy Macs as they are more expensive. We have found very few use cases on campus that require Macs and often we are talking about a user preference for Mac rather than a business need. 
• Apple has announced that they are moving away from Intel to their own chips, this means new devices won’t have the same long-term abilities as the previous Mac devices. There is a risk that Apple will only distribute their software for the new chips which will affect device performance for other software not supported by Apple. This will diminish the performance of the device causing Macs purchased going forward to not have the useful lifespan they previously enjoyed. 

Process

What data will be moved from my old to new device?  

Your data includes the saved my documents, my pictures, and desktop files on your device. Depending on delivery method and customer data requirements, users will be able to perform data migrations remotely or come to campus for ITS to migrate data. A CRP representative will work with the customer to determine the best fit. There are also instructions available for moving over bookmarks and browser data available. 
 
Note: The downloads and trash folders are never moved over.   

How long does an in-person data migration appointment take? 

An in-person appointment window is approximately 60-90 minutes, from drop-off of your old device to pick-up of your new device. A CRP Team member will notify you once it is ready. 

What are the system and application standards for new Mac & Windows devices?   

All Devices come with:  

Office 365 (Excel, OneDrive Desktop, OneNote 2016, Outlook, PowerPoint, Teams, Word), Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Adobe Reader, VLC, Zoom, Jabber, Global Protect VPN, Print Client, and Endpoint protection. Windows devices also include Edge. 

If you need additional software/applications on your new device, during the refresh process ITS reaches out to customers for additional software requirements.  

How do I request admin rights for my device?

Users must provide business reasoning for requiring admin rights and submit a ticket to the Service Desk which will be reviewed by our Security Team. Note: Software Installation is not considered a business justification. If you need to install software on your device, please submit the software installation request form instead for a remote appointment and a technician will assist you.

Accessories & Upgrades

What accessories can CRP funding be used for?

CRP does not include monitors, but does include docking stations and locks. If you would like to purchase a monitor, that can be done with departmental funds. Please contact Technical Purchasing at TechPurchasing@seattleu.edu or 206-296-2240 for further pricing and quotes.

Note: A mouse and keyboard are provided for new desktops.

Do I need a docking station for my laptop? 

We offer two docking stations, the Lenovo ThinkPad USB-C Docking Station, and the Lenovo Powered USB-c Travel Doc, and both are compatible with Apple machines. With today’s computers coming with fewer ports it is recommended to have a dock if you need more ports.  Review your device specifics to determine what ports come with your model and if you need more. Please see the dock decision tree for more information on which dock will fit your needs. 

What if I need more RAM or memory?

Additional RAM and memory are included in your CRP budget. Please let your Department Coordinator know so they can add it to the order form.