Computer Purchase Program a huge success

Employees spent nearly $1.8 million during the University's recent Employee Computer Purchase Program, and the offer closed with a flourish as more than 200 orders were placed in the last two days of the offer Nov. 16-17.

"According to our records, 774 individuals from 145 different departments placed orders during the seven-week program," Ron Nichols, Information Technologies (IT)/User Services, said.

About 88 percent of the orders were for Gateway systems and about 12 percent were for Apple Macintosh computers. About 87 percent of the orders were for desktop computers, with some 13 percent for laptop computers.

"The number of desktop systems ordered indicates that people really wanted newer computers at home for professional development purposes," Leila Lyons, IT/User Services, said.

While some experienced computer users used ECPP to try new technology like digital photography, many employees purchased their first computer:

"We had over 350 orders from salaried or hourly staff–well over 100 from people in Facilities Management. These are employees who have not traditionally participated in our previous purchase programs," Lyons said. "It was terrific to see this much interest generated over a short period of time."

The final record indicates that orders were placed by 119 faculty, 270 professionals, 220 salaried staff members, 140 hourly workers and 25 retirees.