Computer LifeCycle Program

Search criteria

• computer lifecycle program
• College of Education computer replacement
• 4-year replacement schedule
• eligible for new university computer
• returning old device to IT Partners

Symptoms / problem statement

Use this article if you are asking questions like:

• I received an email saying my computer is eligible for replacement. What does that mean?
• How does IT decide which computers are replaced and when?
• What do I need to do to get my replacement computer?
• Do monitors, keyboards, or mice come with the lifecycle replacement?

Environment

• Audience: College of Education faculty and staff
• Devices: University-owned, IT-managed desktops and laptops
• Location: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, College of Education
• Support: IT Partners at Education

Prerequisites

Eligibility criteria for lifecycle replacement are defined in the College of Education Computing Equipment Guidelines and summarized here for convenience:

• You are a College of Education faculty or staff member.
• Your position is hard-funded.
• Your appointment is 50% FTE or greater.
• Your appointment is 9 months or longer.
• Your primary computer is University-owned and managed by IT Partners.

For full policy details, see College of Education Computing Equipment Guidelines.

Lifecycle replacement process

Step 1: Device identification

• IT Partners uses endpoint management tools to identify devices that are four or more years old.
• Device age is verified using serial numbers and purchase records.

Step 2: User filtering

• Devices are matched to assigned users.
• Only users who meet the eligibility criteria are included in the lifecycle list.

Step 3: Final list and outreach

• IT Partners compiles a list of eligible users and devices.
• Eligible users are contacted with:
  • The model and serial number of the device identified for replacement.
  • Instructions for choosing a new standard model.
  • Information on scheduling a replacement appointment.

Step 4: Choose a replacement model

1. Review the standard recommendations in Desktop and Mobile Computing, Computer Recommendations for Faculty and Staff.
2. Decide whether you prefer a Windows laptop or a macOS laptop.
3. Decide whether you need any of the recommended accessories (monitor, keyboard, mouse).

Step 5: Schedule and prepare for your appointment

1. Follow the instructions in the lifecycle email to schedule your replacement appointment with IT Partners.
2. Before the appointment:
   • Move important work files to University-approved storage such as Box or Microsoft OneDrive.
   • Sign out of personal accounts in web browsers and applications.

Step 6: Pick up your new computer and return the old one

1. Bring your current University-owned primary computer and its power adapter to the appointment.
2. At pickup:
   • IT Partners issues your new computer and completes required setup steps.
   • IT collects the old computer for secure processing and disposal or reassignment.
3. The lifecycle program does not include monitors, keyboards, or mice. If you need additional equipment, submit a separate request with funding to support@education.illinois.edu.

Timeline

• All eligible replacements are scheduled to be distributed before the end of the fall semester.
• Exact timelines depend on hardware availability and scheduling capacity.

Lifecycle overview table

Stage	What IT Partners does	What you do
Identify	Find devices that are 4+ years old and verify purchase date.	No action required.
Confirm eligibility	Match devices to users and filter by FTE, appointment length, and funding.	No action required.
Notify	Send lifecycle email with replacement details and next steps.	Read the email and review recommended models.
Select	Answer questions about recommendations as needed.	Choose Windows or macOS and any accessories.
Schedule	Offer appointment times for pickup and setup.	Schedule an appointment and prepare your data.
Replace	Set up the new computer and collect the old one.	Bring your old device and power adapter, sign in on the new device.

Frequently asked questions

Can I request a monitor, keyboard, or mouse as part of this program?

No. The lifecycle program only covers the primary computer itself. If you need additional equipment, submit a request with funding to support@education.illinois.edu.

What if I believe I am eligible but did not receive a lifecycle email?

Contact IT Partners with your NetID and your computer’s serial number so they can review your eligibility.

What if my computer fails before it is eligible for lifecycle replacement?

Email support@education.illinois.edu. IT will assess the device and may provide a repair, loaner, or out-of-cycle replacement based on College guidelines and funding.

Troubleshooting

• If you cannot attend your scheduled appointment: Reply to the lifecycle email to reschedule.
• If you cannot return your old computer at pickup: Notify IT Partners in advance to discuss options.
• If you need help moving files: Ask about using Box or OneDrive during your appointment or by contacting IT support.

Additional information

• College of Education Computing Equipment Guidelines – policy, eligibility, and responsibilities
• Desktop and Mobile Computing, Computer Recommendations for Faculty and Staff – standard models and accessories
• Email support@education.illinois.edu for questions about your eligibility or appointment.

Keywords

computer lifecycle program life cycle replacement four year replacement college of education it partners primary computer eligibility return old device fall semester distribution

Accessibility notes

• Standard lifecycle replacement models support screen readers and other assistive technologies.
• If you require specific accessibility accommodations, mention them when scheduling your appointment.

Security notes

• Returned devices are processed according to University data destruction and surplus procedures.
• Before your appointment, move sensitive information to approved cloud services instead of external media when possible.