The Creative School Workstation Allocation Policy

Updated September 2026 

This policy establishes the rules and conditions under which computers and other technology are allocated to full time employees.

Allocation

Each employee full time employee of The Creative School at TMU is allocated one computer for use as their workstation

  • Any exception requires endorsement and request by the unit/department leader (Chair, Director, Manager, etc) via email to the Executive Director. Requests will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis, with exceptions made only when specific job duties require multiple workstations. 
  • Whenever possible, a newly created employee position will be equipped with a redeployed workstation. 
  • If the assigned workstation is a laptop, a monitor, keyboard and mouse can be assigned to the individual’s workspace if endorsed by the leader as required.
  • The Creative School provides one primary set of IT equipment (e.g., a laptop and peripherals). Staff are responsible for transporting their laptop between work locations. The School does not provide duplicate hardware (monitors, docking stations) for home use.

Workstation Configuration 

The Creative School supports Mac and Windows based workstations, with Apple and Dell as preferred vendors.

  • Whenever possible, the employee will be given the option to choose the operating system they prefer.
  • Each academic year, the Infrastructure Unit in Technology Planning & Innovation, in collaboration with CCS, will set a standard configuration for Mac and Windows laptops and desktops that will meet the needs of most users
    • If the individual is required to do work requiring a high performance (e.g. 3D animation, rendering, etc) the senior leader is required to provide an endorsement which will be reviewed to ensure enhanced performance is required.
  • Requests for non-standard equipment, such as ergonomic keyboard/mouse, oversized monitor also requires endorsement by the senior leader.
  • If a faculty member requires higher-spec equipment specifically to support their SRC/research activities, the expectation would be that they apply for SRC funds to cover that requirement
  • If a faculty member would like to increase the specifications above the standard configuration, any costs are to be covered by the individual’s PERF, or other other eligible funding sources. 

Workstations for New Faculty

  • New tenure-track faculty will be allocated a new standard configuration package.
  • Any costs above the standard configuration are to be covered by the individuals PERF, or other eligible funding sources 

Workstation Replacement

Workstation standard configurations are selected to operate effectively for a five to six year period and will be scheduled for replacement after that time.

  • Technology Planning & Innovation maintains an equipment inventory and coordinates replacement.
  • The replacement cycle could be extended if, based on the work being performed, the workstation can continue to function at an acceptable level.
  • The replacement cycle could also be impacted by financial constraints and/or priorities requiring triaging.

Printers

The Creative School provides access to centrally located office printers which can be accessed via the network.  

  • Personal/office printers will not be purchased or supported.

Ownership

All workstations provided to staff and faculty are property of the university and are to be returned to the university at the end of employment.  

Support

Technology Planning & Innovation is prohibited from supporting non-university (personal) owned workstations and associated equipment.  This includes purchasing, installing/configuring and troubleshooting.

Procedure

  • Request for a new or replacement workstation or laptop is initiated through the annual technology budget request process
  • The Office of Technology Infrastructure (OTI) will assign a specialist to assess the user’s needs
  • A recommendation will be made and a quote obtained from either Dell or the Mac authorized vendor
  • The Office of Technology Infrastructure (OTI) will provide the quote to The Dean’s Office Finance & Admin team, who will initiate the purchase
  • The Office of Technology Infrastructure (OTI) will receive the workstation/laptop and ready the unit for deployment
  • The employee will be notified the laptop is available for pick up or that the workstation has been deployed to the appropriate location

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