How are Departmental PCs supplied?

In August 2021, the University centralised the procurement of staff PC equipment.

Benefits

• By centralising the procurement we are able to benefit from bulk purchase discounts, delivering significant savings over ad-hoc, individual, departmental purchases.
• It enables Information Services to ensure that all PCs can run current versions of Microsoft Windows and Office and ensure that PCs are kept up to date with security updates and security improvements such as drive encryption.

How will it work?

• Information Services will identify devices that are end of life and:
  • where the main user is a member of staff
  • where the main user does not have an alternative compliant device (maximum one device per person)
  • where computer use is a core part of the role

will provide a replacement.

• Equipment will be provided for core, permanent staff only
• Equipment will be provided for core staff, new to the University, whose role requires personal computing equipment.
• Emeritus, Honorary, Temporary or 0 hours staff are not eligible for equipment as part of this project 
• PCs needed for student use, shared devices or by staff at a point outside of the main procurement must be provided from Departmental funds
• Devices will be issued to individuals for the duration of their contract, or until the device needs replacement, and must be returned to Information Services when requested.
• Returned devices that are still compliant will be reimaged and issued to the next user.  

What equipment will be provided?

• The standard setup will be:
• Laptop
• Intel Core i5 12th Gen Processor
• 15.6” FHD Screen
• 16GB Memory
• 256GB Storage
• Laptop bag

What about alternative equipment and/or peripherals?

• Departments needing equipment of a higher specification, or of an alternative make such as Apple, will be able to build these requirements into the annual procurement, subject to budget. Departments will need to cover the cost difference beyond the standard offering.
• Accessories and peripherals are not included in this project and will need to be purchased from Departmental funds.
• Monitors, keyboards and mice for use at home are not provided as part of this project.

What happens when someone changes department?

• If a member of staff is moving to a role which requires personal computing equipment in another department then they should take their laptop with them.
• If the new role does not require personal computing equipment, then their laptop must be returned to Information Services
• If the member of staff leaving is not being replaced then the monitor hub must be returned to Information Services so it can be reallocated to another user.

Important information

• All IT equipment provided will remain the property of Aberystwyth University and must be returned to Information Services when finished with or when ending employment.
• Staff are expected and required to look after the items provided. Information Services will repair or replace equipment as needed but any loss or damage due to negligence will be notified to the relevant Head of Department and will be chargeable.
• The laptops will be centrally managed to comply with the Device Management Policy.
• The equipment is solely provided for work use, must not be shared with third parties or family members, and must not have software installed without seeking approval from Information Services.