Faculty & Staff Help Desk

Background
The refresh program at Cal State San Marcos began in 1994; the support and funding has been provided by the top level administration on campus. The program is intended to upgrade all student labs, and faculty and staff computers so that the campus can maintain a “state of the art” infrastructure to help foster student learning and maintain efficient administrative functions. All computers are replaced every three to four years depending on the usefulness of the system.

Computer configurations
Cal State San Marcos only uses Dell and Apple computers. The campus has a desktop and laptop configuration for both computer manufacturers.

Obtaining a Refresh Computer for the first time
Normally a refresh computer is part of the funding model for every new hire on campus. The student labs are funded by the campus senior administration. The department that hires a new employee is required to include the cost of a refresh computer within the budget for the total cost of the employee. The department is responsible to fill out the appropriate forms so that the billing of the refresh system can be accomplished. Please contact IITS Refresh Program to obtain the appropriate form(s).

Upgrading a Refresh Computer
IITS needs to evaluate if a member of the campus community will get their computer upgraded. Upgrades happen every three or four years depending on the user needs. A user must fill out a Refresh Agreement Upgrade Form to obtain a new system. Please email the Faculty and Staff Help Desk Manager for more details or questions.

Use of Computers that are retired from the Refresh Program
Each fall after campus computers on the refresh program have been upgraded, IITS has available to the campus community what we call a “Right to Use” (RTU) computer system. These systems are too old to be used as a standard computer complement but are in good enough shape for many other applications. These computers are formatted and reloaded with some basic software, including virus protection (when system remains on campus), and available for campus use. Monitors may or may not be available but will be given away at no extra charge if available. This is still state owned equipment so it cannot be purchased by an individual and must be returned if no longer employed by the campus. We only allow these computers to be used for one year and there is a $300 annual charge so that proper networking and security can be maintained. The system can be used for any personal applications and basic internet access (No Home Directory or Outlook email access). The computer will be replaced every year if the user still wants to take advantage of this program. If you choose not to continue using this service, then the computer must be returned to IITS. The above charges do not apply to a system when it is to be taken off campus. Off campus systems have a one time charge of $300 and cannot be used on the campus network. The computers are not supported in any way and have no virus protection. If the system fails with either type of RTU, the only recourse is to purchase another at the original price. The user is responsible for all data placed on a RTU and IITS will not recover any information on these systems. You must fill out a "Right To Use" (RTU) Form to be placed on the list for an RTU system.