Office of Technology Services

Practices and Procedures

Last Updated: September 2, 2026

The Office of Technology Services (OTS) within the College of Health Professions (CHP) exists to support technology needs for the CHP. OTS works in direct partnership with Wichita State University (WSU) Information Technology Services (ITS).

OTS strives to be proactive, supportive, and responsive in addressing the technology needs of the College. Technology is a huge portion of our daily jobs and a critical component of our educational mission. The OTS will make every effort to meet the needs of our clients in the CHP within the confines of finite budgets, support staff, and best practices.

 

Administrative Access

A local administrator is a user account which can make changes on a computer that will affect other users of the computer. Administrators can change security settings, install software and hardware, access all files on the computer, and make changes to other local user accounts. As such, CHP faculty and staff computers are set up without administrative access. 

 

Virtual Private Network (VPN)

A VPN allows users to connect to WSU computing resources through a secure, encrypted connection. One of the primary benefits of using WSU's VPN is access to resources that are otherwise available only from on-campus workstations. These resources include network shared drives and certain network-based or locally installed applications, including, but not limited to, Shocker Printing Storefront, VALT, EMS, and others.

Please note that VPN access is supported only on WSU-managed devices.

 

Network Shared Drive Access

Network shared drive access allows users to access their personal drive (P: drive) and any other authorized network shared drives from WSU-managed devices.

WSU recommends that all users store work-related files on network shared drives whenever possible. This practice helps ensure that files are backed up regularly and remain accessible when working from home, traveling, or using multiple WSU computers and devices.

Please note that shared drive access is supported only on WSU-managed devices. ITS does not provide assistance with configuring shared drive access on personal computers.

 

Software Purchase and Installation

WSU offers a wide variety of standard, pre-approved software that has been reviewed and approved for purchase, installation, and support. Any software that is not on the approved software list must complete the WSU's software review and approval process before it can be purchased, installed, or supported.

This review process is critical to ensuring compliance with WSU requirements related to accessibility, security, privacy, data protection, licensing, and technology compatibility. In addition to Information Technology Services (ITS), reviews may involve several WSU stakeholders, including the Data Management Committee (DMC), the ADA Team, the Privacy Office, Information Security, Procurement, and other departments as needed. Because multiple areas may be required to review and approve a request, users should allow sufficient time for the required review and approval process. To initiate the approval process, please contact the college's designated Business Relationship Manager (BRM).

A full list of pre-approved software is available through the link below:

WSU End-User Software Catalog

Personal Devices

Personal devices are a convenient way to complete work-related activities such as checking email, working in Blackboard, and more. Non-WSU devices are not supported by ITS/OTS, and support cannot be provided.

Depending on the request, the WSU Help Desk may be able to assist with using personal devices to access common WSU related services (such as WSU email, Wi-Fi, printers, etc.). They will not assist with mapping network shared drives on a non-WSU personal device.

For assistance with personal devices, contact the WSU Help Desk at 316-978-HELP or online at www.wichita.edu/helpdesk.

 

Purchasing General Office Computers

General Need

  1. The Office of Technology Services will provide one workstation; comprised of a laptop, monitor, and docking station as a standard setup for all CHP full-time employees. Any additional costs for equipment will be incurred by the department.

    NOTE:     OTS’ standard desktop deployment includes an approved/supported Microsoft Windows operating system and compatible hardware only.  ITS discourages the purchasing of Apple products due to the legal restrictions placed on hardware repairability outside of Apple Repair Centers. All necessary repairs are sent to Apple Repair Centers and are the fiscal responsibility of the device’s department (e.g., shipping, repair, etc.).

    NOTE: Deployment of computers and equipment is dependent on OTS inventory availability.
  2. The Office of Technology Services does not provide any equipment for lecturer or adjunct faculty.
  3. The Office of Technology Services does not provide any desktop computers or equipment for students, departmental student labs, or departmental work/study areas. Any additional costs for equipment will be incurred by the department.

Printers

Every department within CHP is equipped with a leased multifunction printer/copier for all faculty and staff use. User account tracking and printing restrictions can be placed on each device according to departmental requirements.

CHP does not provide individual printers for general faculty and staff. 

The Office of Technology Services Study Lab in Ahlberg Hall 100 is equipped with a PaperCut printer for student printing. Additional PaperCut printers are available at the WSU Library.

 

Computer Re-Image and Replacement Services

To help ensure that WSU computers remain secure, reliable, and functional, computer re-imaging and replacement services are performed on an as-needed basis.

Re-imaging a computer involves formatting the hard drive and reinstalling the operating system and approved software. This process can often resolve common issues such as slow performance, software instability, and other system-related problems. OTS may recommend or perform a re-image when troubleshooting indicates it is the most effective solution.

Computer replacements are evaluated on a case-by-case basis and are based on factors such as equipment age, performance, hardware failure, business need, and available funding. Replacement costs may be the responsibility of the department, depending on the circumstances and funding source.

 

New Hires

Human Resources (HR) creates “Employee Account Provisioning” tickets within TeamDynamix for all new employees at WSU. However, occasionally these tickets do not come through to CHP OTS before new employees have already started. All departments should make CHP OTS aware of any faculty and staff that will be starting in the college at least two weeks prior to their start date.

 

Data Retention

All computer hard drives will be securely retained for one month after removal, unless specified otherwise. After this timeframe, the drive will either be securely erased and/or shredded, depending on the type and condition of the drive.

 

Computer Removal

All WSU-owned devices are WSU property. These devices may not be removed from WSU premises without prior OTS approval. Any outdated device will be removed upon replacement. Devices are assigned to specific individuals and may not be reassigned without OTS approval.

 

Office and Equipment Moves

WSU ITS utilizes a computer naming convention and asset tracking based on the building code, room number, and office extension. For asset compliance to remain accurate, OTS must be notified of any office moves or changes involving computer equipment.

 

Support Requests

All CHP desktop support requests should be placed through the WSU’s TeamDynamix ticketing system at:

Desktop Support Tickets   

NOTE: Email, phone, and voicemail requests do not follow WSU best practices and users will be directed to place a support request.

Or contact the WSU Helpdesk (part of Information Technology Services) at: