The purpose of this policy is to establish guidelines for the purchasing of technology hardware/software, technology related items, and telecommunications devices. Small items such as printer toner and ink cartridges, back up drives, cables, connectors, etc. are also included in this policy. This policy applies to all such purchases made for or by Washington College.
In order to achieve the best possible and the most cost effective service levels for all college owned technology hardware, e.g. computers, printers, A/V equipment, software, and for all telecommunications devices, e.g., cell phones, fax machines, etc., those purchases will be made through, and/or vetted by, the Office of Information Technologies (OIT).
OIT can provide the best service level when technology purchases are made using the contracted vendors with which there are purchasing agreements and contracts. The Technical Services group's technicians are trained and certified to repair equipment that is purchased through those vendors, but are not certified to perform service on other models. Therefore service on equipment other than that specified by OIT can not generally be offered. Technology equipment and software may not be purchased outside of the contracted vendor accounts and will not be serviced by OIT. This policy applies to all technology purchases including grant-funded equipment, peripherals and software.
Washington College has a contract with Sprint/Nextel for cellular telephones and equipment. Cellular telephones from other vendors will not be supported by OIT. The contract requires the college to use a specified quantity of Sprint/Nextel cellular telephone equipment. Cellular telephones and services that are purchased outside of the contracted vendor may not be charged to the college.
In extreme cases there may be exceptions granted to this policy, but even those must be vetted by the Office of Information Technologies.