Table of Contents
Introduction
The Computer Life Cycle Replacement Project launched during Summer 2023 as a university‑wide program for faculty and staff. The program supports UTRGV’s mission by ensuring employees have modern computing platforms to perform essential work‑related duties.
This is a one‑time replacement program, allowing departments to plan for future technology‑related expenses. Please review the Program Highlights and Objectives and Questions and Answers sections below for more information.
This article will be updated as the program develops.
Program Highlights and Objectives
- Prioritize replacement of older standard office computers currently in service.
- Employees may receive only one computer replacement during the duration of the project.
- Prioritize replacement of Windows computers that do not meet Windows 11 requirements.
- If an employee or custodian chooses to keep their current computer and not participate in the LCR program, the computer must be eligible for future operating system upgrades (Windows 11, latest macOS), or have an approved ISO Security Exception for non-compliance. Any additional computers must be purchased by the department.
- Faculty, remote, and hybrid staff will be issued a laptop with a hub monitor as the primary computing device, unless a substitution is requested.
- On-campus staff will be issued a standard desktop, unless a substitution is requested.
- An Exception Request is available for employees needing a computer with higher specifications than the standard replacement.*
- Part-time staff, faculty, and student worker computers will be replaced at a ratio of one computer per two workers.
For questions or concerns, contact lcr@utrgv.edu.
Questions and Answers
Do I need to contact IT to request a computer replacement?
Employees with computers that meet the eligibility criteria may submit a request using the Request Replacement button in this article. Requests will be reviewed by IT personnel. Employees will receive a notification with further instructions if their request is approved.
Will IT move my data files to the new computer?
No. Due to the size of this project, IT will not move data files. Please ensure your work files are automatically syncing to your UTRGV OneDrive.
Which computers qualify for a replacement?
Eligible computers include:
- UTRGV‑owned computers that are currently in service and managed by IT.
- Computers actively used by UTRGV employees (full‑time or part‑time).
The following do not qualify:
- Computers used by students (non‑employees), guests, or other non‑affiliated users.
- Classroom and private conference room computers will be evaluated by IT staff to confirm eligibility.
Can departments be reimbursed for computers they purchased in the past, prior to the start of this project?
No. Funding is not available for prior purchases. This program will fund replacements for eligible computers for six years. After that time, departments must resume funding their own computer replacements.
Can new employees receive a computer from this project?
No. This program does not cover initial employee computer purchases. These must continue to be funded by the department.
Can the older computer be reallocated?
No. To receive a replacement computer, the existing eligible computer must be relinquished to IT. The storage drive will be destroyed, and the computer will be sent to surplus.
How are exception requests handled?
Standard computers are purchased in bulk for this project. Requests for non‑standard configurations require the requesting department to partially fund the purchase through iShop. Once you receive confirmation that your computer is eligible, notify IT staff if you need to request an exception. Review the guidelines for non‑standard computer requests for additional details.
Why is a cost center required if there is no cost for the computer?
Cost center and department numbers are required to provide accurate reporting to UTRGV administration on the allocation of new assets. While this information is mandatory, IT will not charge departments for the standard replacement computer unless an exception is requested.
Additional Information
Review the LCR standard computer models.
If you need additional information, contact lcr@utrgv.edu
Request Replacement
Select the Request a Computer Replacement button below to submit your request.
Updates
- 04/22/2026 – Updated computer models for Fiscal Year 2026
- 02/04/2025 – Updated guidelines for exception requests
- 06/19/2023 – IT began replacing computers
- 06/02/2023 – First batch of new computers arrived on campus
- 04/24/2023 – Initial computer order placed with vendor
- 02/21/2023 – Bid award and administrative setup in progress
* For exception requests, departments are responsible for covering the price difference between the LCR standard model and the requested configuration.
** A computer is considered “in service” if it appears in the latest inventory certification sent to UTRGV Asset Management and is in the employee’s physical possession at the time of replacement.