Desktop Equipment Purchase Program
For departments that have chosen to participate, SSCF will provide one standard computer with monitor for business office staff members. All of the Social Sciences academic departments paying the standard “tax” (or a comparable SSCF subsidy) are eligible to participate in this program. Arts & Humanities departments, EAOP/TRIO, CREATE, DesignLab and most of the other standalone research programs do not currently participate.
For covered employees with an approved hybrid work agreement, we will provide a standard docking monitor setup for the secondary site as well.
If the customer has more than one machine, all of them must be SSCF-managed to receive a machine from SSCF and all must meet minimum performance standards.
Who are they and what do they need?
What do they get from SSCF?
When do they get a new one (or a new subsidy)?
Who owns it when it is replaced/retired?
SSCF standard laptop for business office staff member
Standard laptop from SSCF hardware pool, laptop bag if needed.
27" monitor with built-in docking station/webcam/speakers
(24" option is also available)
Keyboard & mouse
When it no longer meets our minimum performance standards
SSCF
Work-from home setup for business office staff member with approved hybrid work agreement
27" monitor with built-in docking station/webcam/speakers
(24" option is also available)
Additional keyboard & mouse
When it stops working.
SSCF
SSCF standard Mac system for business office staff member.
27" monitor with built-in docking station/webcam/speakers
(24" option is also available)
Keyboard & mouse
When it no longer meets our minimum performance standards.
SSCF if department takes any subsidy, otherwise department.
Non-standard system otherwise meeting SSCF performance standards for business office staff
Subsidy not generally available, contact SSCF for special circumstances.
When it no longer meets our minimum performance standards.
SSCF if department receives any subsidy, otherwise department.
Computer for faculty, researchers, grad students, non-business office staff
SSCF provides purchasing advice and assistance, but purchase is made using department or grant funds.
Department's discretion
Department
A standard mouse and keyboard are included. The wired Microsoft Natural Keyboard is available for no extra cost.
A standard laptop bag will be provided if desired.
Keyboards and mice provided will be PC-style for all systems, if department desires Apple-branded peripherals they must be purchased on department funds.
We are currently providing monitors with built-in docking stations, ethernet ports, webcams, and speakers.
Note that our standard Mac model (Macbook Air) can only support one external monitor.
For people with additional accessibility requirements, we will work to make reasonable accommodations. (There is often campus funding available for this.)
Systems were formerly replaced on a 3-to-4-year schedule, but this no longer makes sense given the performance of modern machines, so instead we have switched to a refresh cycle based on minimum specifications. We generally replace machines when they no longer meet the following specifications:
Processor: cpubenchmark.net score over 8000
Memory: 16gb - SSCF will not pay any subsidy toward a machine with only 8gb RAM since we believe this will significantly shorten its usable life. We are currently in the process of upgrading some older machines to 16gb RAM if they otherwise meet our performance specifications.
Storage: Solid state drive, at least 256gb ("Fusion/hybrid" drives OK on existing machines, not on new purchases.)
Other requirements: Windows machines must have a TPM (Trusted Platform Module). Newly purchased machines must have one that meets TPM 2.0 standards.
Can run currently-supported operating system. (Currently Windows 10, Ubuntu 20.04, MacOS 10.14)
Note that if it is reasonable to upgrade the system rather than replacing it, we may at our option do component upgrades rather than purchasing a new machine.
SSCF does not contribute toward personal printers, personal A/V equipment, or non-standard monitors/keyboards/mice - the department must pay 100% of the purchase price.
Laptop warranties do not cover damage. Repair or replacement of damaged laptops will be paid by the department.
There are also many ChromeOS machines which can receive the full subsidy - please contact SSCF to see if a ChromeOS device will meet your needs. Newly purchased ChromeOS devices must have at least 4 years of support remaining from Google to receive a subsidy.
Current example machines which receive the full subsidy (no department contribution required) are available on our standard configurations page.