MastersCollege

The Master's College

Faculty & Staff Software Usage Policy

The Master's College is committed to the use of technology to enhance office productivity and the teaching and learning process. In so doing, we realize that there are often multiple software packages that perform the same or similar functions. We also realize that some departments may choose to use specialized software in the daily performance of their job whether it be for teaching or administration. In order to be good stewards of the resources the Lord has provided us and to provide the best possible support for the products that are used, we have adopted the following guidelines:

Supported Software

All computer systems provided for employees at The Master's College will have the following supported software installed on them:

  • Operating System - Microsoft® Windows® XP Pro
  • Word Processing - Microsoft® Word
  • Spreadsheet - Microsoft® Excel
  • Presentation - Microsoft® PowerPoint
  • E-Mail/Calendaring/Personal Productivity - Microsoft® Outlook, Microsoft® Outlook Web Access
  • Web Browser - Microsoft® Internet Explorer
  • Anti-Virus - Norton® Anti-Virus Corporate Edition
  • All MasterNet IQ.Web and Content Management applications
  • Departmental specialty software/database packages - Abra, Docuware, MAS200, Power Campus, PowerFAIDS, and similar applications

TMC Computer Services will provide the following for Supported Software products:

  • License purchasing (Computer Services Budget) and tracking
  • Software installation & configuration
  • Software upgrades
  • Helpdesk support for "How to" and "General Usage" issues
  • Compatibility and Interactivity testing with other supported software

Limited Support Software

In addition to fully supported software, there are some packages that are used by multiple departments/offices that will be supported on a limited basis. Limited support software includes:

  • Desktop publishing - Microsoft® Publisher
  • Document editing - Adobe® Acrobat Professional
  • Photo/Image editing - Adobe® Photoshop
  • Grading - MicroGrade

TMC Computer Services will provide the following for Limited Support Software products:

  • License purchasing (Department budget, Computer Services Budget for Microsoft® Publisher, and MicroGrade) and tracking
  • Software installation & configuration
  • Software upgrades
  • Best effort support for "How To" and "General Usage" issues
  • Limited compatibility and interactivity testing

TMC employees using Limited Support Software are responsible for obtaining their own technical support beyond what can be provided by Computer Services via interpersonal collaboration or vendor support lines such as phone or internet knowledgebase support.

Unsupported Software

Any software not included in the above lists of "Supported Software" and "Limited Support Software" is "Unsupported Software".

TMC employees are required to have prior approval from Computer Services and the CFO's office before purchasing any unsupported software. Computer Services can provide valuable input in regards to compatibility with the network and other software used on campus, proper licensing, and information on educational pricing. Departments seeking to purchase unsupported software must submit a written request to Computer Services stating their requirements, purpose, cost, proposed method of funding, and approval by their department head and vice president.

If the software is approved:

  • Departments should purchase the software in conjunction with Computer Services in order to take full advantage of potential volume, institutional, and/or educational discount pricing.
  • After purchase, a photocopy of the software license and any necessary serial numbers and product keys along with an invoice or receipt must be filed with Computer Services for audit purposes and proof of license.
  • Departments will be responsible for installing and configuring the software, unless Computer Services feels that installation assistance is required.
  • Departments will be responsible for obtaining their own technical support via interpersonal collaboration, vendor support lines, or Internet knowledge bases.
  • Any future software version updates and upgrades will require the same approval process mentioned above before purchase.

If unsupported software is installed on a system and the system or other software ceases to function or functions erratically, Computer Services will perform an initial best effort attempt to correct the problem. If that fails to resolve the problem, the hard disk will be reimaged with the initial supported software and limited support software only.

Software for Home Use

Through the Software Assurance benefit of TMC's Microsoft® Campus Agreement, all TMC faculty and staff are eligible to use Microsoft Office on their home computers for personal use while they are employed at TMC. Please see the information regarding TMC's Microsoft Home Use Program.

Faculty and Staff members, who are also current registered students at TMC, are eligble to purchase media and use Microsoft® Windows® and Microsoft® Office student licenses through TMC's Microsoft® Campus Agreement Student Option. For more information, you can click here.

Faculty and Staff users who would like to purchase Microsoft® Office and other software packages for personal use, should visit the campus bookstore or visit the ComputerLand of Sillicon Valley website at http://www.uscollegebuy.com for educational pricing.

We recommend the Microsoft® Office Home and Student Edition 2007 that retails for $149.95 and allows the owner to install the software on up to 3 computers in their household.