Faculty Computer Refresh Information – Summer 2024 Roll

We are requesting information that will help ITS provide appropriate computing equipment for your office at an optimal refresh time. Your computer will be refreshed during this summer. Please take a few minutes to carefully fill out the online Faculty Computer Response Form by Monday, April 22, 2024. You are required to be logged in to complete this form. If you would like help filling out this form, please contact the Technology Help Desk to arrange for a consultation.

What does this mean for each faculty member?

This summer we will refresh computers in English, Modern Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics, Philosophy, Religion, and Visual and Performing Arts . We need help from you to determine how your computer will be refreshed. Please complete the Faculty Computer Response Form by Monday, April 22, 2024.

What does this mean for faculty members who currently use a Mac?

ITS will be providing the option of a MacBook Air to existing Mac users whose devices are due for replacement as part of the Summer 2024 Faculty Computer Refresh. Desktop iMacs or MacBook Pros will no longer be purchased. ITS can also provide USB-C Hubs to those users who need additional USB ports or HDMI ports.

Are we moving from Macs to Windows on campus?

Yes, the College is moving from Macs to Windows computers where possible due to Apple’s design decisions that hinder the ability of ITS to perform upgrades and repairs, along with Apple’s increasing price structure.

What are the details of the laptops/desktop?

Here are photos and specs of the Windows laptop, Windows Desktop and the MacBook Air laptop.

What will happen to my documents and data?

Please remove unused software installed on your current drive, after making your own backup. To ensure all of your necessary Luther files are copied to your new hard drive, please remove personal document, photos, music, etc. This will also save resources on your new drive and time wasted copying files that aren’t necessary. Luther workstations, services, and systems are primarily for Luther-related work. Personally-owned devices and email accounts are to be used for personal files and messages.

What software will come with the new system?

The new and upgraded systems will automatically be loaded with the standard software that we provide to offices on campus. This includes Microsoft Office 2021, Adobe Creative Cloud, Firefox, Chrome, Media Players, Zoom and various utilities for managing computers.
What software will be available in the labs on campus?

The list of software currently in the labs is available for your review.

Software available on our PC labs (PDF)

What about printing?

Personal and Workgroup Printers are not upgraded as part of the summer faculty roll. Beginning with the 2008-09 budget year, Personal printers are considered departmental equipment and not centrally supplied by ITS. Instead, ITS, the Document Center and Ricoh will work with departments to ensure a suitable number of appropriate Workgroup output devices (printers, copiers, etc.) are available for general department use.

What training is available?

Training information, including mini-videos from LinkedIn Learning and online materials, is available at through the Technology Help Desk.

When will my computer be refreshed?

At this time we are planning to start refreshes Monday, June 26 and finish by Friday, July 28. We need your help determining the optimal time for your installation. Please indicate your date preferences on the Faculty Computer Response Form and submit it by Monday, April 22, 2024. ITS will contact you with a specific date for your refresh. Preferences for dates will be given according to the date forms are submitted.

What else do I need to know about my new computer?

When you receive your new computer, you will receive a QuickStart Guide to help get you up and running fast. See the following, depending upon your platform.

Windows 10 Quick Start Guide (PDF) | macOS Quick Start Guide (PDF) | macOS SSO Extension Guide (PDF)