Replacing Your Clark Computer
All Clark faculty and staff are eligible to receive new primary work computers approximately every 4 years. Replacing these devices on a consistent schedule ensures university operations continue with the highest level of efficiency and accuracy.
ITS is responsible for identifying candidates for computer replacement, coordinating purchases, and scheduling the delivery and set-up of these new devices. The replacement process, outlined below, requires the cooperation of different groups around campus and aims to make the transition as seamless as possible for all involved.
Step 1: Fill out Replacement Request Form
The online replacement form asks questions regarding your current computer, your new computer, any software you use, peripheral tools you need (webcams, monitors, etc.,) and how you store and back up your files. Once the form is completed, you’ll receive a confirmation email. You may also receive an email inviting you to meet with Clark’s technology training specialist to discuss file back-up options.
Please note that while the university is responsible for the purchase of the device itself, your department is responsible for the purchase of accessories such as monitors, speakers, webcams, and mice, and you may need to provide the email address of your department’s purchasing manager.
Step 2: Back up files
In order to make the transition from one computer to another as seamless as possible, you’ll need to back up your files so they can be transferred to your new device. Depending on your current device and the amount of data stored on it, the file back-up process may involve:
- Setting up OneDrive
- Meeting with the technology training specialist
- Borrowing an external hard drive from the Help Desk
- Moving or copying your files to a new location on your device
If you have any questions or if you’d like guidance on the back-up process, please contact techtraining@clarku.edu.
Schedule deployment
Once your new computer is ready and your files are backed up, a member of the Help Desk professional staff will reach out to you to schedule a deployment. These appointments take place on campus. During this time, the professional staff will bring your new computer to your office and set it up by connecting you to any file shares and printers, downloading or configuring necessary software, and turning on OneDrive. At the end of the appointment, ITS will take your old device and retain it for 30 days. After this time period, the old computer will be erased and recycled.
Step 1: Identify and contact candidates for computer replacement
ITS tracks the deployment and life cycle of all computers on campus. Every quarter, the Help Desk contacts those who are eligible for a new computer to send the online replacement device request form.
Step 2: Coordinate with End Point and Purchasing Teams
Once the Help Desk receives the completed request form, they contact another the ITS End Point team, which is responsible for purchasing new computers and building them to Clark’s specifications. If necessary, the End Point and Help Desk teams also contact the departmental purchasing manager for authorization and selection of peripheral tools such as webcams, mice, and additional monitors.
Step 3: Schedule deployment
Once the computer and accessories have been purchased and imaged to the university’s requirements, the Help Desk will schedule an on-campus deployment with the replacement candidate to set up the new computer.
