Mobile Computer Program Policy

Introduction:

Mobile technology is no longer the future of education—it is here. Colleges across the country are embracing the opportunities provided by mobile technology to expand student learning and faculty efficiency. As part of this new environment, Curry College is revising its procedures and policies regarding purchasing, maintaining, and supporting computers provided to our employees.

Eligible employees will receive mobile Windows devices with all issued accessories in lieu of a desktop computer when their current computer is due for replacement under the College’s regular replacement cycle. Employees wishing to request an Apple computer must submit a business justification to their Executive team member justifying the need for the more expensive device. The justification must include rationale pertaining to work functionality that Apple devices have over the windows counterpart. The employee must agree to the usage policies outlined below with regards to the College issued computer. The department requesting the Apple device must furnish ITS with the appropriate budget code as well as the signed justification.

Conditions:

Employees may opt to obtain a College issued mobile computer in lieu of a desktop computer under the following conditions:
A mobile computer is considered a complete system purchased in place of an office desktop computer. The College will not provide peripheral equipment other than what is specifically outlined on the portal since they may change at any time. Click HERE to view the list.
The same replacement guidelines for a desktop computer will apply to mobile computer.
Mobile computers are considered College property and should be treated as such.
Employees can select a mobile computer from the choices set forth by the Technology Center (see item 1 above) which are chosen on the basis of availability, compatibility with campus systems, cost effectiveness, and other such considerations.
Eligible employees need to opt for a mobile computer during the established timeframe, which is typically during the late spring or summer. Employees will be contacted by e-mail when they are eligible and must meet the stated deadline for selection.

Responsibilities:

Employee must:

Secure any sensitive data according to FERPA, HIPAA, PCI standards, as well as the Curry network policy, which can be found in the Employee Handbook
Establish a password that has a minimum of 8 characters (combination of numbers and letters & one capital)
Ensure that the computer remains encrypted (if the computer supports encryption)
Work with the Tech Center or contact the appropriate vendor for all support in the event of a hardware problem. Vendor contact information will depend on the brand of computer you have been provided and will be available to you within the Curry portal
Return the laptop (including all issued peripherals) to the Technology Center upon separation from the College or when a replacement is issued
Back up data regularly. See recommended backup options on the Curry College portal

Employee must NOT:

Install any software that is unrelated to professional work
Install any unlicensed or illegal software
Download or install any unlicensed or illegal files
Cancel or disable encryption, firewall, security, windows updates or antivirus update programs
Allow others to use the mobile computer

The Tech Center is responsible for:

Selecting appropriate mobile computer models and warranty programs
Purchasing the mobile computer and any applicable warranty
Initially configuring the mobile computer for office use
Initially setting security updates and antivirus updates to load automatically (if possible)
Encrypting the mobile computer (if possible)
Providing a loaner mobile computer (for no more than 7 days) if your unit needs to be sent out for repairs. Due to limited availability, similar computer (or any computer) is not guaranteed to be available
Assisting with routine support, diagnostics and sending out for repairs (if necessary) provided that the computer is brought to the Tech Center. NOTE: Repairs to your mobile computer may require resetting the computer to its original condition. The Tech Center will not be responsible for any files or s/w that you may have installed.

The Tech Center is NOT responsible for:

Assisting with home internet connectivity or connections to home wireless networks, printers, scanners or other external hardware
Backing up or restoring your files, data or software you have added
Data losses, including loss from a system re-image, maintenance or restoration
Costs for any software not included as part of the original package
Purchase of accessories, such as additional batteries, monitors, keyboards, mice, carrying cases, etc.

Theft or Loss Conditions:

Mobile computers are more susceptible to theft than desktops computers. Employees who elect to have a laptop in place of a desktop computer are expected to take particular care to ensure the security of their laptop. Replacement of stolen College laptops will be considered on an individual basis by the Dean’s Office (for faculty) or the employee’s senior staff member. There is no guarantee that you will be issued a mobile computer.
Employees must report any theft to the proper authorities immediately (Public Safety for on- campus theft; local law enforcement and Public Safety for off-campus theft). In addition, employees must always notify the Technology Center immediately of loss or theft.