Faculty Desktop Computing Initiative
Sections:
Purpose
The Faculty Desktop Computing Initiative (FDCI) was established in 1996 to foster a better research environment by improving the campus computing and communication infrastructure. The FDCI program supports the upgrade or purchase of research-related desktop or laptop computers, software, or networking equipment for individual faculty. Since 2001, the FDCI has also supported the Deans' requests for school-wide wireless networking and remote access equipment.
Who is Eligible
Full-time tenured or tenure-track UCI faculty members who are active in research, and who have not received FDCI funding in academic year 2004-05 or later, may apply for FDCI support in FY 2007-08 via their academic Dean's office. Only those recommended by the Deans are eligible. Faculty members should first use start-up or other school/department funding that can be applied to these purchases before applying to the FDCI program. It is not the aim of this program to support "in Residence" appointments, but exceptions may be granted in special cases that are strongly supported by the Dean. Groups of faculty may request funds for shared facilities; however, each faculty member should submit a separate request that will be judged on its own merits. Faculty who receive an FDCI subsidy this year will not be eligible for a similar subsidy for the next three years.
Preferred Equipment Configuration
For efficient maintenance and support, a faculty member contemplating various desktop systems and configurations should consider first and foremost any existing departmental or school standards and preferences. The Network and Academic Computing Services (NACS) web page identifies configurations likely to meet the needs of most faculty. Suggested minimum recommended specifications for both PC and Macintosh computer configurations are also provided. Stephen Franklin, NACS Director of Academic Outreach, at franklin@uci.edu or (949) 824-5154, is available to provide assistance.
School-wide requests for wireless will also be considered. If funded through the FDCI, this infrastructure will be purchased, installed, and maintained by NACS as part of the wireless component of the campus network.
How to Apply
The FDCI provides support for new or upgraded desktop and laptop computing facilities for faculty research. There will be one competition this year for about 140 faculty members to receive a subsidy toward the purchase of computer hardware, software, or networking equipment in amounts up to $1,200 for a desktop computer or up to $1,700 for a laptop. Requests for computers with substantially more processing capacity will be considered up to a maximum subsidy of $2,200. Requests over $1,700 must be accompanied by documentation of both the need and substantial cost sharing from the academic unit or other sources.
Requests for computers should realistically reflect the uses intended for those machines. In today's market, $1,200 will buy an excellent computer capable of word processing, e-mail, Internet access, and even moderate-sized calculations. Therefore, requests below $1,200 will receive priority in allocations. Extra consideration will be given to requests that include documented cost sharing from the academic unit. Interested faculty members should submit to their Dean's office a short application that includes:
- description and cost estimate of the hardware and/or software requested;
- brief justification for the request; and
- two-page CV, including a list of the five most recent publications and current (or recent) history of extramural research funding.
Timeline
- November 16, 2007 - Faculty applications are due in the Dean's office. (Some Deans may set earlier deadlines; check with the Dean's office to confirm school deadline.)
- December 3, 2007- Ranked lists from the Deans and copies of the eligible faculty proposals are due in the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research, 160 Aldrich Hall, Zot 3175. Schoolwide requests should be ranked and submitted at the same time.
- January 31, 2008 - Deans will be notified of final allocations by the Vice Chancellor for Research.
- June 30, 2008 - Last day to spend FDCI funds.
For additional information, contact Marie L. Richman, 824-2898 or marie.richman@rgs.uci.edu.
