But computers cost a lot of money, even beyond their purchasing price. This includes the cost of installation, network, HelpLine, software support, software licensing, Internet connection, and hardware maintenance. Baylor has over 5,000 network lines to computers and printers. In an effort to control the total University cost for computer support, the Microcomputer Replacement Related Policies were created in March of 1999. The purchase of a computer or printer is considered an addition if an older unit is not returned when the new computer or printer is installed.
Additions often require a new network line.
For academic departments, the appropriate Academic Dean must approve an addition and its new network line. For administrative departments, the addition and new network line must be approved by one of the six Administrative Vice Presidents. It is the Academic Deans and Administrative Vice Presidents who deal directly with the budgeting issues involved in supporting technology on the Baylor campus. A new computer or printer purchase is considered a replacement if an older unit is returned when the new computer or printer is installed. Replacements need only the approvals required by the department as part of the ordering process for that department, i.e. an approved purchase order.