Policies

Purchasing Software, Technology Services and Technology Hardware

Software and Technology Services

This policy is effective immediately. The college will not reimburse purchases of software and technology services. If a PCard is used without prior approval, you will be asked to return the item or to reimburse the university.

In most cases software and technology services can be purchased. This requires a Purchase Order (PO) routed through MSU’s Purchasing Department that is coordinated with IT Security, Accessibility, and MSU Legal. Anything sold by the MSU Tech Store is an exception to the requirement of a PO and can be charged to a university account.

Note that “free” software still constitutes a binding contract to the university. You cannot use such software without approval from the Purchasing Department. For questions on purchasing or agreeing to terms and conditions of free software licenses, please contact MSU Purchasing, (517) 353-1700.

• This policy impacts faculty, staff, students and others using MSU funds interested in purchasing file hosting, cloud storage, project management software, web app data analysis, web site/app design, personal website licenses/subscriptions, or any other software or technology service.
• This policy impacts PCard holders. Purchasing may ask that a charge go on a Pcard after reviewing a PO request. Purchasing’s approval is required before using a PCard for technology purchases.

Individuals interested in making software, technology or cloud-based service purchase should first communicate with their department’s fiscal officer.

Hardware

Before purchasing laptops, desktops, or tablets and to receive technical support or install College purchased software you must first consult and coordinate with the College (Ted Manko) or your unit’s technology support personnel. Special note for Apple products: Apple laptops, desktops, and iPads purchased outside of Spartan Marketplace could be locked by a non-communicative individual and result in a lengthy request to Apple to unlock the device.

Questions regarding this policy may be directed to Amanda McNew.

MSU Web Accessibility Policy

Michigan State University is committed to providing accessible, usable, and aesthetically pleasing design of its web pages. Review the MSU Web Accessibility Policy.