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Instructional & Information Technology Services

Computer Hardware Support & Purchasing

IITS supports computers, including software, for the campus community in a variety of ways.

Computer Hardware Support

Hardware support provided by the IT Service Desk varies depending upon whether or not your computer was purchased with personal funds or with college funds. All devices intended to connect to the college network should also follow the criteria outlined in the Department/Grant Funded Purchases section.

  • Personally-Owned Computers

    IITS does not service personally-owned hardware.  

    Students, faculty, and staff who have purchased their own computers/devices may need assistance in making hardware repairs.  To make hardware repairs easy and affordable, we always recommend that you purchase the manufacturer’s extended warranty (up to at least 4 years).  Also, consider complete care or accidental damage protection warranties (if available from your manufacturer) to protect devices from operation or structural damage caused by common accidents

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  • College-Issued Equipment

    If your college-funded computer, printer or other related device malfunctions, IITS will facilitate, and in some cases fund, repairs in accordance with our policy stated below. Upon request and when available, we will also loan computers to faculty and staff temporarily while their primary college-owned computer is being repaired.

    System Type Purchased By Purchased With Coverage Temporary Loaner
    Desktop Computers/
    Monitors (Less Than 4 Yrs. Old)    		 IITS All Fund Sources IITS will pay for repairs. Based on availability
    Depts. Departmental or Grant Funds IITS will facilitate repairs for equipment that meet the minimum hardware requirements. Department, individual or grant is responsible for the cost of repairs. Based on availability
    Laptops
    Tablets
    Mobile Devices (Less Than 4 Yrs. Old)    		 IITS All Fund Sources

    IITS will pay for repairs except in the case of accidental physical damage.In the case of accidental physical damage IITS will facilitate repairs for equipment that meet the minimum hardware requirements.

    Department, individual or grant is responsible for the cost of repairs.

    		 Based on availability
    Depts. Departmental or Grant Funds IITS will facilitate repairs for equipment that met the minimum hardware requirements. Department, individual or grant is responsible for the cost of repairs. Based on availability
    Printers IITS Any Fund Source IITS will pay for repairs. Not Available
    Depts. Any Fund Source Department, individual or grant is responsible for all aspects of repairs. Not Available

    Additional Notes

    • Grant Funds refers to grants for which Haverford College is a party and custodian of the funds.  Equipment purchased with grants held individually and administered outside of the auspices of Haverford College is not covered under this policy.
    • Mobile devices older than two years, printers older than six years and other equipment older than four years will generally not be repaired because the costs of repairs typically exceed the value of the equipment.
    • College-issued desktop computers are purchased with a four year life-cycle in mind.  More details about the stewardship of college owned and issued computers is available on the IITS-Funded Purchases section of this site.
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  • Visiting Faculty

    Visiting Faculty Members are encouraged to bring their own computers to campus; however, in order to receive support from the IT Service Desk, the following conditions must be met:

    • The computer must meet our minimum requirements for support.
    • The computer may not be more than four years old.
    • The College requires and up to date Antivirus program, we currently recommend the free version of Bitdefender . 

    Visiting faculty members with computers that meet the minimum requirements for support may schedule an appointment with the IT Service Desk for assistance.  Appointments can be made by calling the IT Service Desk at 610-896-1480.

    A Note About Securing Your Computer

    Although thefts on campus are not the norm, the Haverford College campus is not immune to them.  All Faculty are strongly encouraged to use particular care in locking their offices.  In most cases of theft, computers were stolen from unlocked offices.

    Visiting Faculty Loaner Pool

    Although the College does not provide computers for visiting faculty, we do have a limited number of previously used desktop computers available for semester or academic year loans.  Visiting faculty who do not have a computer to bring to campus may request a computer from our pool of previously used desktop computers for the duration of their appointment.  To make a request please fill out the form below.  Mac and Windows computers are typically available but quantities are limited and requests are fulfilled based on availability.

    Note: Delivery date is not guaranteed as computers can take up to 2 weeks to prepare. Please contact IT Service Desk if request requires urgent attention.

    Visiting Faculty Computer Request

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  • Hardware Disposal

    Consistent with the College’s environmental sustainability efforts, IITS handles the disposal of computer equipment in an environmentally responsible manner.

    For College Owned Equipment

    IITS works with an outside contractor to collect, recycle or reuse any irreparable equipment or technology that no longer meets our needs or standards. Computing equipment purchased and maintained by the College will be recycled free of charge to departments.

    In most cases College-owned computer equipment will be automatically collected when it is replaced with newer equipment. If you have computer-equipment that needs recycling that hasn’t been collected by us, contact the IT Service Desk at 610-896-1480 and arrange a pick-up.

    Batteries, including large lead-acid and small rechargeable batteries (typical in cell phones and laptops) are collected by several departments, including IITS, and recycled through Campus Security.

    For Personally Owned Equipment

    As part of our commitment to sustainability, IITS will accept single intact computer-related items no more than six years old from faculty, staff, or students for recycling at no charge. Please note:

    • We strongly recommend individuals securely delete data from equipment before recycling.  IITS is not responsible for data on personally owned equipment.  There are a number of freely available tools to destroy your data before letting go of your equipment.  Darik’s Boot And Nuke is one of the more widely used tools.  Use this with care.
    • There is no pickup service available, but you can contact the IT Service Desk at 610-896-1480 to set up a time to drop an item off.
    • For multiple pieces of equipment, technology older than six years, or equipment that has been disassembled or is in many pieces, IITS will help you coordinate with a local recycler.  Recyclers typically charge for these services and individuals are responsible for any charges they incur in the disposal of personally owned equipment.

    Learn More About Sustainable Computer Disposal

    See the Pennsylvania EPA web page for Electronic Management.

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Computer Hardware Purchasing

The systems listed are the current baseline choices for faculty and staff whose computers are due for replacement in this cycle.  These systems will be supported by IITS for a minimum of four years.

  Recommended Hardware

Note Haverford College’s baseline specifications are typically updated twice annually, to coincide with the semi-annual replacement process, in June and December. Occasionally changes in product availability will require a mid-cycle update as well.

  • Student or Personal Purchases

    There are public computing labs available on campus, as well as a virtual lab, so buying a computer is not a requirement for students. However, most students do bring a personal computer to campus.

    Of course it’s important, when first purchasing a computer, to make sure you’re spending wisely. Part of a “good buy” means making sure your computer will remain with you as a partner throughout your four years at Haverford. We recommend you use the specifications below as a guide. With the many options available in stores today, these will help you narrow down your choices. These apply to both Mac and Windows purchases.

    Recommended Minimum
    Processor Intel Core i5 Intel Core i5
    Storage 256GB Solid State 128GB Solid State
    Memory 16 GB 8 GB
    Screen Size 14″ or higher 11″
    Operating System MacOS 10.14 (Mojave) or MacOS 10.15 (Catalina)
    Windows 10 64-bit    		 Mac OS 10.13 (High Sierra)
    Windows 10 32-bit

    In addition to these basics, consider a good warranty. If you’re interested in purchasing the same professional-grade computer that IITS purchases for our faculty and staff, check out our current baseline specifications.

    Mac or PC?

    Haverford is a cross-platform campus, which means that we support the use of both Windows and Mac on campus. The choice between a Mac and a PC is a very personal one. Cost, personal preference, comfort and style – as well as which tool is best for the job at hand – all play pivotal roles in making the decision. Haverford College supports the use of either MacOS or Windows. The IITS ProDesk Staff can help you through a decision-making process if you need assistance in making a choice.

    Students, faculty and staff can order computers Apple and Lenovo computers for personal use at an academic discount.

    To get the Apple discount you must call Apple directly or order via Apple’s educational sales web site. Most MacBook Pro laptops meet Haverford’s minimum standards for students. You may order by phone: 1-800-MY-APPLE or online.

    For a Lenovo discount, visit our vendor partner’s website. On that site you’ll find lots of different models. When ordering, please check to make sure the model you’re selecting meets or exceeds the minimum recommended standards for new computer purchases listed above.

    Printers

    Printing is free of charge for Haverford students and printers are available in all public computing labs and libraries on campus.

    Some students still prefer the convenience of a personal printer in their dorm room. IITS does not have a specific printer recommendation, but we can offer the following tips for shopping:

    • When purchasing a computer you’ll often see printer options – frequently at promotional pricing.
    • If you wish to look at some options before buying, you may prefer to get your printer at a local office supply or computer store.
    • Be sure to check the printer specifications to make sure it will work with your computer and operating system.
    • Order a cable with your printer. Cables are not usually included. Wireless printing to personal printers is not supported anywhere on the Haverford College campus.
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  • IITS Funded Purchases

    Who’s Eligible for an IITS Funded Computer?

    Computers are purchased for staff and faculty positions (as opposed to individuals) at Haverford and stay with the position regardless of a change in staffing. Computers for positions are typically funded and purchased centrally by IITS.   We pay for computers assigned to positions under the following circumstances:

    • Position is in a non-grant funded administrative or academic department.
    • Position must be full-time and permanent. (Tenure track faculty meet this criteria for purposes of this policy.  Visiting faculty do not.)
    • Position’s responsibilities must require a computer.
    • IITS has not previously funded a computer for this position.

    We use a logical workflow for making decisions about new or replacement computers for positions (we are, after all, computer geeks at heart).  If you’re curious, you can view the logic chart that we use:

    When Computers are Replaced

    IITS plans hardware replacements as part of a multi-year budget for computing equipment and related peripherals, taking into consideration the relative computing demands of the various staff and faculty positions at Haverford, and adjusting as appropriate.   This principle of fairness relative to need drives the computing selections for positions requiring a college-issued computer.  Typically computers are selected with the expectation of a four-year life cycle and hardware specifications are adjusted to meet the demands of a position.

    How We Determine What to Buy

    For most positions at Haverford the baseline specifications meets or exceeds the four-year expectations for consistency, sustainability and reliability.  Where IITS and the department agree that the requirements of a job in turn require a configuration other than the baseline specification, IITS will provide one of the other supported configurations.

    Departments may use discretionary or grant funds to cover the difference in cost in cases where:

    1. IITS and the department do not agree that an alternative configuration is required,
    2. in cases where the cost of the required configuration exceeds available budgeted funds, or
    3. an additional computer is requested, departments may use discretionary or grant funds to cover the difference in cost.

    Please Note, IITS does not support or fund the purchase of iPads or tablets as a primary system.  These are intended as supplemental for those who travel extensively or have specific lightweight computing needs.

    Sustainability

    IITS maintains a practice of choosing equipment with an EPEAT rating of Silver or better when possible when purchasing college-owned equipment. The vast majority of EPEAT-rated equipment we purchase is rated at EPEAT Gold.

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  • Department/Grant Funded Purchases

    Computers

    In cases where a computer is needed by a department, faculty or staff member but the criteria for IITS funding cannot be met, the computer may be purchased with department or grant funds; however, the following must apply in order to be eligible for support by IITS:

    • IITS must be consulted regarding the purchase to insure that the current recommended hardware specifications are met
    • IITS makes the purchase for you with the account number you furnish*
    • The hardware must be asset tagged by IITS (contact ProDesk to make arrangements if necessary)

    *IITS may require the approval of your department head or grant administrator

    A Note About Securing Your Investment

    The College provides insurance coverage on the computer and, at your request, anti-theft cables to secure the computer to a desk.  Laptops may, of course, be used both in and out of the office.  Additional anti-theft cables designed specifically for laptops can be ordered through IITS or purchased at computing stores.

    Employees are strongly encouraged to use particular care in locking their offices.  In most cases of theft, computers were stolen from unlocked offices.

    iPads and Tablets

    IITS does not support or fund the purchase of iPads as a primary system. These are intended as supplemental for those who travel extensively or have specific lightweight computing needs and must be funded by the department or grant funds.

    In order for this equipment to be eligible for support by IIITS:

    • IITS must be consulted regarding the purchase
    • IITS makes the purchase for you with the account number you furnish*
    • The hardware must be asset tagged by IITS (contact ProDesk to make arrangements if necessary)

    *IITS may require the approval of your department head or grant administrator

    Printers

    IITS supports networked printers in every department, and the college funds copier/printer/scanner devices in every department.  If a department wishes to purchase networked printers, a request needs to be submitted to IITS.  Where IITS and the department agree that an additional networked printer(s) is necessary for the functioning of the department, IITS will process the departmentally funded purchase and facilitate installation. Departments may use discretionary or grant funds (if permitted by the grant) to cover the purchase.

    In order for the additional printer(s) to be eligible for support by IIITS:

    • IITS must be consulted regarding the purchase
    • IITS makes the purchase for you with the account number you furnish*
    • The hardware must be asset tagged by IITS (contact ProDesk to make arrangements if necessary)

    *IITS may require the approval of your department head or grant administrator

    Desktop or non-networked printers must be paid for by department or grant funds and should be ordered through the Purchasing Department.  The ProDesk can be contacted for assistance in installing the printer on your college-funded computer.

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Computer Loans

IITS offers Haverford faculty and staff with short term computer loans at a period of 1 week per loan. We do not provide laptop loans to students since campus labs are available as well as Haverford College Virtual Lab.

All laptops available are on a first-come, first-served basis. In some cases, IITS may grant extended equipment loans during college breaks.  We prioritize academic needs and may not be able to accommodate every request.

Computer Loan Request