Preparing University-owned computer equipment to return to campus

A checklist for instructors and staff to follow when preparing to bring their university-owned computers and equipment back to campus after a long period of leave or remote work.

Note: Before you begin, know who your departmental IT staff are so that you may contact them with questions you may have.

Determine your work arrangement

You may be returning to work on-campus full-time or may continue to work remotely/telecommute part-time. If working remotely part-time, there are considerations to be made regarding the mobility of your computer equipment, or extra equipment for your remote workspace that you will not bring on-campus. 

On-Campus, not telecommuting

Returning to campus and telecommuting part-time

On-Campus, Not Telecommuting

Since you will be returning to on-campus work and not telecommuting, the following checklist will help you prepare to bring all of your university-owned computer and associated equipment back to your on-campus workspace.

1. Use the Individual Computer Equipment Inventory document to make a list of every piece of equipment that you will need to bring back to your on-campus workspace. Make a separate list of your personally-owned equipment. Here are some examples
   • Computer workstation, laptop, and tablets
   • Monitor(s)
   • Keyboard
   • Mice(s)
   • Headset or speakerphone 
   • Webcam
   • laptop docking station
   • Ethernet cable (if the computer is not connected to wireless internet and you borrowed one from WMU)
   • Printer
2. Find suitable containers and padding material to transport your equipment.
3. When ready, shut down your computer completely
4. Disconnect each cable individually and place each one in a loose loop in a container. Do not wrap cables around your computer and monitors as this can cause damage to the cable ends.
5. When transporting monitors, stand them upright and not flat as the pressure can cause damage to the LCD screen.
6. When transporting a computer workstation/tower, place it in a flat, padded location where it cannot tip over or drop. 
7. Bring your equipment back to campus, and follow the steps for Reconnecting your University-owned computer on campus.

Returning to campus and telecommuting part-time

Since you will be returning to campus and continuing to telecommute part-time, you will need to maintain the ability to work with computer equipment in both workspaces. Review the following to ensure that you have the appropriate equipment and understand the processes, procedures, and policies related to telecommuting and computing.

• Review the Telecommuting Policy, section 4.7 regarding equipment
• Use the Individual Computer Equipment Inventory document to make a list of equipment that you currently have, and make note of new equipment that you will need in both workspaces.
• Consult with your departmental IT staff regarding your technology needs and telecommuting requirements specific to your VP area.