Office of Technology Services

Practices and Procedures

Last Updated: September 16, 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 users 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 to 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, computers assigned to CHP faculty and staff 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 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, accessing Blackboard, and more. However, ITS/OTS does not support non-WSU devices and cannot provide technical assistance for them.

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 wichita.edu/helpdesk.

 

Purchasing General Office Computers

General Need

  1. The Office of Technology Services will provide one standard workstation for all CHP full-time employees. The standard workstation includes a laptop, monitor, and docking station. Any equipment requests that differ from this standard, as well as any associated additional cost, will be the responsibility of the department.

    NOTE: OTS’s standard desktop deployment includes only an approved and supported Microsoft Windows operating system and compatible hardware.   OTS/ITS discourages the purchasing of Apple products due to the legal restrictions placed on hardware repair options outside of Apple Service Providers. All necessary repairs must be performed through an authorized Apple Service Provider, and all associated costs, including shipping and repair expenses, are the financial responsibility of the department.

    NOTE: Deployment of computers and equipment is dependent on OTS inventory availability.
  2. The Office of Technology Services does not provide desktop computers, peripherals, or other technology equipment for lecturers, adjunct faculty, students, departmental student labs, or departmental work/study areas. Any associated equipment costs are the responsibility of the department. 

Every department within CHP is equipped with a leased multifunction printer/copier for all faculty and staff to 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 Services & Equipment

OTS provides computer re-imaging and replacement services as needed to maintain secure and reliable systems. Replacement decisions are based on factors such as equipment condition, business need, and available funding. 

Departments should notify CHP OTS at least two weeks before a new employee's start date to ensure timely setup of accounts, equipment, and technology resources. (Login required. Use your myWSU credentials.)

Submit an OTS New Employee Setup Form 
Computer hard drives are retained for one month after removal and then securely erased or destroyed.  

Technology equipment may not be removed, reassigned, or relocated without OTS approval, except for approved portable devices. To maintain accurate asset records, OTS must be notified of any office moves or equipment changes. Outdated equipment will be removed upon replacement.   

 

Support Requests

All CHP desktop support requests should be submitted through the WSU TeamDynamix (TDX) ticketing system: 

Desktop Support Tickets   

NOTE: While support requests can be submitted by email, phone, or voicemail, using TDX is the preferred method and aligns with WSU best practices. To ensure timely tracking and resolution, please submit all non-emergency requests through the TDX system whenever possible. 

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