Employee Computer Purchase Program
Hampshire College has a program through which permanent, non-casual employees who have been here longer than six months may purchase a computer through the school. This enables you to take advantage of educational discounts and a loan program offered by the College.
Loan Program
Hampshire College provides employees with a one or two-year, no-interest loan for $500 to $3,000 worth of computer equipment (limited to computers, tablets, monitors, speakers, printers, and software), which is paid back by payroll deduction. Bear in mind that if you leave the school before the loan is paid off, you will have to pay the remaining amount immediately, and interest will be charged on any remaining unpaid balance. You are also responsible for continuing payments if you go on unpaid leave or sabbatical. Additional equipment can be added to your account after a loan has been established, but it must have a value of $500 or more. The number of loans at one time cannot be more than two, and the aggregate amount of all leases cannot exceed $3,000.
Skipping the Loan
If you do not want/need to enroll in the loan program, you can buy the computer directly from the vendor and still receive an educational discount. To view educational pricing, you can visit the vendor websites linked on the Tech Discounts Intranet page.
Discounts
Apple discounts usually range from $50-$100 off list price for computers. Dell's Home Sales division often has very aggressive promotions and sales that the Educational Sales sector (which the College must buy from) cannot match. So, depending on the system and what consumer sales are happening at any given time, you may not be able to get as good a deal buying the computer through the school as you could ordering it yourself. Software discounts are usually significant for academic licenses.
How it Works
- IT staff at techpurchase@hampshire.edu can recommend a system, or you can explore the tech discount websites and pick out a system for yourself.
- Once we have established what you want to order, you will visit staff in the Student Accounts office to sign forms and set up the loan. You will need to pay a deposit of 10% of the total equipment cost, as well as MA sales tax (6.25%). A $25 handling fee and a $1 title fee will be added to your account.
- Then we put the order through, and you get your computer (usually within a couple of weeks)!
Software
Microsoft Office 365 and Adobe Creative Cloud can be installed for free using your employee Hampshire email address. You will find instructions on accessing these products as well as several software discounts on our Tech Discounts Intranet page.
After the Honeymoon
Unfortunately, Hampshire cannot help you with maintenance or repair for your home computer. Most systems come with a one-year warranty and a short period of phone support for software problems. Most vendors offer optional extended coverage for up to four additional years and optional protection plans that cover accidental damage. IT recommends you extending the warranty on your purchase.
Want to get started?
Email techpurchase@hampshire.edu to get started.