What is the process to request new software for CED systems
Answer
For general use or instructional systems: faculty submit a request to the IT Committee through the IT Director. The committee will review the application and assess the instructional benefit of pursuing purchase (even free software has to be ordered through the procurement process). Upon provisional approval, the IT staff will research cost, maintenance, compatibility, and licensing. That information will be provided to the IT Committee, which will evaluate the overall human, machine, and fiscal impact and, if approved, will request funding (if needed) from the Dean. Upon approval and funding, the IT staff will initiate the purchase process.
For research lab or faculty office machines: The faculty will submit a request to the IT Director, who will discuss it with the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs to assess the human and fiscal impact. Upon provisional approval from the ADAA, the IT staff will research cost, maintenance, compatibility, and licensing. That information will be returned to the faculty member who will provide the funding source to initiate the purchase process.
Given the assessment needed and the sometimes lengthy EULA review by the Procurement and Legal Affairs office, this process can take 3-6 months. If the software is coming from an overseas developer, the process can take significantly longer and often result in a denial due to conflict between EU and GA state laws.