Getting technology assistance from the Helpdesk
The ITS Helpdesk is located in Higgins Hall (next to Old Centre) and we are open for walk-in assistance on weekdays from 8 am to 5 pm (excluding College Holidays). We recommend that you call first to make sure that we have someone available to assist, but you can drop in unannounced.
All Helpdesk requests require a service ticket – this helps us keep track of requests, so they don’t fall through the cracks, and there are two simple ways to open a ticket:
- Call the Helpdesk at x5575 – someone typically will answer and take your information, but if you get our voicemail, please leave a detailed message and we will get back to you.
- Email us at mailto:helpdesk@centre.edu – this will automatically open a ticket, so please be sure to include the details of your request in the body of the email.
Please do not contact ITS staff directly. We do occasionally take days off, so going through the Helpdesk ensures that your request will get handled as soon as possible and not sit unnoticed for a week while someone is on vacation.
How do I get a new computer?
If you are a new employee, a computer setup (laptop, dock, keyboard, mouse, and one external monitor) will be provided for you. As new employees are hired, ITS will reach out to the individual faculty member or department supervisor to discuss what’s available. For questions, please contact the ITS helpdesk.
If you are a current employee, review the technology refresh guidelines below
Technology refresh
ITS tries to replace all employee computers after they reach 6-7 years of age, but due to budget, availability, computer cost, staffing numbers, etc. this is not a guarantee. We keep an inventory of College computers and will reach out to you when we are able to replace your computer but feel free to reach out if you are unsure how old your computer is.
All computers purchased by ITS using technology refresh funding have the same configuration, so if you have other funding and need additional resources, please open a ticket and we will be happy to work with you to provide a quote for the changes. This is not funded by ITS, so you will be asked to provide an account line to bill the additional charges to, so please be sure you have that information before you request additional resources.
Each computer will be provided with a dock, keyboard, mouse, and one external monitor. Additional monitors may be purchased using your department’s funds, please open a ticket if you would like to do this.
Purchasing technology
ITS must be involved in the purchase of any printer, computer, tablet, or monitor, but you may purchase peripheral devices as needed within your own department (mice, keyboards, etc.) We have some technology in stock, so please feel free to reach out to us before making a purchase as we may be able to provide you with what you need without having to purchase something.
Throughout the academic year, Centre employees can submit a request for additional technology purchases. A technology request form (process outlined below) is required for this type of purchase and requests will be ordered as soon as approval is obtained. Please review the technology equipment acquisition policy (download .docx file) for more information on the process and how equipment is purchased and replaced at Centre College.
Faculty purchases: all faculty technology purchases are first sent to ITS and then we will forward the request to the Dean’s office for final approval. Once approved, ITS will place the order using the provided account line and notify you when your order arrives and is ready for pickup.
Staff purchases: all staff technology purchases are handled by ITS but funded by the department. Please open a ticket with the details of your needs and we will assist in finding the lowest price. Once you approve the quote we will purchase using your budget line and let you know when it is ready to pickup or install.
Process for submitting requests
- All technology purchase requests (hardware, software, etc.) from faculty and staff are submitted to ITS so that our staff can check to determine if we can get you better pricing. Also, we will confirm that the item(s) you request will meet our network requirements or other specifications.
- Technology Purchase Request form found on CentreNet
- Email your form to helpdesk@centre.edu with a subject line of: Technology Request Form
- ITS will review the request and we will pass it on to the Dean’s office if approval is needed.
- If you would like help creating a quote (from Apple, Dell, etc.) for your request, please email helpdesk@centre.edu with a subject line of: Quote Needed for Technology Request explaining the item(s) you need on the quote and specifying any limits on what you can spend. For computers, iPads and some other purchases we do need an actual quote.
- If your request is an online purchase (from Amazon, for example), you can print the page and attach it as the quote. Please be aware that sometimes prices change between the time you submit, the approval is completed, and we can place the order. If you need to be contacted about any price increase, please note that on your Technology Request Form.
- Remember, shipping costs may be added (and may or may not be included in quotes), so please allow for this cost.
- Be sure to include the account number you would like charged for the order.