Policy on Staff 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 staff positions must have computers provided by the Lyle School of Engineering first before the systems can be entered into the Engineering desktop resource database for future replacement.

The effort is made to upgrade all staff desktop resources after they have reached their fourth year of age. At the time of the upgrade, CO notifies the staff member of the upcoming change and makes every effort to assist with the transition of file and reloading programs as necessary.

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 staff member may be supported using SMU Maintenance funds. The amount of money allocated for desktop computer equipment per staff 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.

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

Questions about this or other Lyle School of Engineering Computer Operations policies should be directed to help@lyle.smu.edu.