Purchasing Computing Equipment

All Faculty and non-research staff positions (50% time) are eligible for one computer under the CLA Computer Replacement Program (CRP). Faculty and staff are encouraged to work with Department IT to purchase CRP machines.

About CRP

• New Faculty
  • Purchase their first CRP machine from startup funds.
• Replacement
  • Funding for a replacement varies based on the age of the current machine.
    • CRP offers stock PC and Mac computers.
  • CRP funds can be used toward the purchase of a non-standard computer. 
    • Customizing a 'stock' CRP machine, by adding RAM for instance, makes the 'stock' machine into a 'custom' machine and the CRP contribution is less.
  • Users may keep or recycle their current machines.

The Graduate Student CRP Flex Laptop Program provides laptops to new incoming graduate students for use while in the program.

• Laptops are University-owned. Personal funds may not be used to enhance the laptops.
• The laptop will be encrypted per University policy, requiring a password-protected login.
• Aside from standard browsers and utilities, laptops include Microsoft Office. Additional software may be installed.
• Maintenance & Troubleshooting
  • If your laptop has hardware issues, a repair or swap is available.
  • It is recommended that timely backups of data are completed. If your machine malfunctions, it may be necessary to wipe the hard drive and reinstall the operating system.
  • For support, contact OIT’s Technology Help.
    • The University’s OIT unit (not LATIS) handles all initial imaging, re-imaging, and support tasks.
  • If OIT determines a repair is needed, the laptop should be returned to 640 Rarig to be replaced. LATIS will navigate the repair of the laptop.
    • The user should be sure to save any local files in a safe location for the user to retrieve and use on their new device.
• Laptops must be returned when you leave the program
• You must follow UMN Acceptable Use of Information Technology Resources.

Computing equipment including tablets, printers, and phones purchased with UMN funds must be purchased and managed according to University policy. The Department of Psychology is an aligned OIT unit. To comply with all regulations, place all orders for research equipment through Department IT.

If you have other non-research equipment to purchase, we would prefer you go through Department IT.

The university has developed a policy regarding Remote Work - Business Expenses that explains what can be purchased with university funds to support your home office.