UMSN Policy for Replacement of Computing Equipment

Tags Policy

Annually, the UMSN technology group compiles a list of computing equipment, assigned to faculty and staff, recommended for replacement. The UMSN currently uses a four-year replacement cycle. The list of equipment recommended for replacement is submitted to the UMSN Office of Business and Administration for review and approval. Once approved, the UMSN technology group works with individuals on the specific timing for transition to new equipment.

The type of equipment issued for replacement and the associated funding source is determined by the UMSN Policy for Issuance of Computing Equipment. Thus, standard equipment packages[1] for faculty and staff will be provided unless otherwise specified and funded. Standard replacement equipment for general fund (non grant-funded) employees[2] will be paid by UMSN general funds. Standard replacement equipment for grant-funded employees[3] will be funded from the grant (if permissible) or from the PI’s discretionary funds (start-up, research incentive, other).

Although the UMSN currently utilizes a four-year replacement cycle, research faculty have the option to select a five-year warranty. If research faculty elect a five-year warranty, then replacement will occur after five years of use. Equipment that is not under warranty or is no longer supported by the manufacturer will be taken out of service per the UM Standard Practice Guide. All replaced equipment is reclaimed by the UMSN technology group for disposition.

Related policies:

UMSN Policy for Issuance of Computing Equipment

Date of issue and review:

Date originally approved: September 2015

Last reviewed: September 2019

Filename: UMSN Policy for Replacement of Computing Equipment 2019.09.30 final


[1] Standard computing equipment:        ​UMSN Standard Computing Packages or http://myumi.ch/aXYNb

[2] General fund employees: Faculty and staff fully supported by general fund accounts (most 10000 accounts).

[3] Grant-funded employees: Faculty and staff fully supported on sponsored projects (20000, 25000, other).

Note:  Some employees are funded from both research/sponsored and general funds. The funding source for equipment for these employees will be determined on a case-by-case basis.