Policy on Faculty SMU Maintenance-Funded Computer Upgrades

Computer Operations (CO) manages the SMU Maintenance funds for replacement of all desktop computers. SMU Maintenance funds may only be used to purchase replacements for existing equipment. New faculty positions must have computers provided by the Lyle School of Engineering or purchased from start-up funds first before the systems can be entered into the Engineering desktop resource database for future replacement.

The effort is made to upgrade all faculty desktop resources after they have reached their third year of age. At the time of the upgrade, CO notifies the faculty member of the upcoming change and makes every effort to assist with the transition of file and reloading programs as necessary. In many cases faculty members want to add hardware to the standard configuration. This is coordinated with CO staff and paid for with faculty or department funds as arranged.

The computer listed as a desktop resource must be turned in before or when the replacement computer is installed. Monitors and CPUs are treated independently within the Lyle School of Engineering. The transition has been made to LCD flat panel monitors and it is hoped that they will last substantially longer than the four years allocated to CPUs.

The rules and guidelines for SMU Maintenance Fund Desktop resource expenses are fully adhered to by the Lyle School of Engineering under the guidance of CO. CO is also advised by the Lyle School of Engineering CPPC committee who helps determine how SMU Maintenance money is spent within the confines of SMU Maintenance rules and regulations.

At present, one desktop resource per faculty member may be supported using SMU Maintenance funds. The only exception to this rule is related to department chairs and associate deans. The amount of money allocated for desktop computer equipment per faculty member is determined by SMU Maintenance regulations, available money, and CPPC agreement. To date only the CPU and monitor may be supported using desktop funds. Personal printers, scanners and other peripheral devices are not supported with SMU Maintenance replacement funds at the present time.

Faculty members are those listed as paid SMU faculty members by the Lyle School of Engineering’s financial office. They do not include Research Assistants, Teaching Assistants or any other temporary or visiting employee. Computers for the offices of department chairs and associate deans are provided for under the staff policy.