College Policy

The College policy is that all hardware, software, telecommunication and networking equipment, etc. is ordered in cooperation with the Information Technology Services department. Even if you would like to purchase technology related items from your departmental budget or from grant funds, you are still required to cooperate with Information Technology Services regarding that purchase.

Why does this policy exist?

Basically there are four reasons for this policy: compatibility, support, functionality and cost effectiveness.

• Compatibility - not all technology is compatible with the systems used at North Central. It is possible that you may have to return items that you purchased on your own because they will not work in our environment.
• Support-by standardizing on a limited number of hardware and software brands and models, ITS can provide better service to everyone. Even if you purchase items through a grant, it will be probably connected to the network. And, should the grant be terminated, ITS will have to support the equipment.
• Functionality - no one knows all of the options available in technology in today's fast paced technology market. Part of our responsibility is to review options and suggest alternatives if we believe the alternative is better suited for the user's need.
• Cost Effectiveness - ITS deals with many vendors on a regular basis and may have a source that provides a better price and/or better service. Sometimes it is more cost effective to pay a few dollars more in purchase price and save the hours of frustration involved in dealing with a vendor that does not provide adequate service. In addition, if we can purchase items that we already know how to support we won't have to spend hours, days or weeks of time trying to get items working.

What is covered under the policy?

Some examples include:

• Personal computers
• Laptop computers
• Workstations
• Servers
• Printers
• Fax machines
• Telephones
• Networking equipment
• Cabling
• Smart Boards
• Mimio Boards
• Software for classes
• Special software that you may need for your office
• PDA's (Personal Digital Assistants)
• CD Burners
• Zip Drives
• Monitors
• Scanners
• Digital Cameras

The Business Office will not process Purchase Order requests for information technology related items unless there is an "ITS signoff" on the request. You can reduce the time that it takes to get a purchase order by following this policy.