The CHiP Initiative

UNCG’s transition to a centralized technology procurement and support model

Information Technology Services | Technology Initiatives | The CHiP Initiative

What is it?

The Campus Hardware Procurement Program (CHiP) launched on July 1, 2025, to address two important goals:

  • Compliance – Meet UNC System requirements and address audit findings by ensuring all UNCG computer hardware and software is obtained centrally through ITS and managed as university-owned assets, regardless of funding source.
  • Cost efficiency – Take advantage of economies of scale through centralized purchasing, projected to save UNCG over $1 million annually when fully implemented.

This initiative standardizes device selection, simplifies support, enhances data security, improves cost management, and ensures compliance with state and UNC System guidelines.

Scope

CHiP applies to all endpoint technology at UNCG, regardless of funding source. This includes:

  • State-funded purchases
  • Grant-funded equipment
  • Departmental or discretionary purchases

Special purchasing processes for grant-funded equipment are currently being reviewed in collaboration with Dean Obare and Finance and Administration. Updates will be shared once finalized.

Why are we doing it?

  • Improve service – Centralized ordering and standardized support improve the technology experience.
  • Reduce risk – Ensures all devices are secure, supported, and up-to-date.
  • Save money – Bulk purchasing reduces costs and makes budgeting more predictable.

These changes address:

  • Audit findings related to asset management
  • Evolving needs of a mobile workforce
  • Outdated and inconsistent device support models

How will I be impacted?

If you are a faculty or staff member:

  • All new computer requests must go through the CHiP process.
  • If your primary office computer is due for replacement in FY 25–26, you’ll receive a Tier 1 or Tier 2 leased device.
  • If you need a device that doesn’t fit these tiers, you’ll need a formal exception request.
  • Existing devices will remain in service until their scheduled replacement date, unless they are over 4 years old and reviewed for replacement.
  • Research, lab, and other specialized technology needs will be handled separately with direct ITS collaboration.

Why We Started with “Office” Computers

We began with primary daily-use “office” computers because they are the most common technology need for faculty and staff. Standardizing and centralizing this category first allows us to: 

  • Address the largest share of devices on campus 
  • Quickly improve security, support, and cost efficiency for the majority of users 
  • Establish processes that can later be adapted for specialized technology needs 

In FY 25–26, only primary office computers due for replacement and new device requests that cannot be met with a device already in stock will be included in the CHiP leasing program. Other devices — such as secondary computers, lab machines, or specialized research equipment — will continue to be purchased through ITS and may be onboarded into the CHiP leasing program after further planning and review.

Device Review and Decommissioning

Devices older than 4 years will be reviewed by each Division with ITS to determine whether they remain in service or are replaced with leased equipment.

When will this be implemented?

  • July 1, 2025: CHiP leasing program officially launched; all new computer hardware orders go through ITS.
  • Ongoing: Program expansion and funding model development with Vice Chancellors and Finance.

What do I need to do?

  • Review the Tier 1 and Tier 2 device options.
  • Talk with your department leadership if you believe a non-standard device is needed.
  • Watch for division-led implementation guidance.
  • Remind colleagues that all new computer requests must follow the CHiP process.
  • Reassure teams that ITS will work directly with them on research, lab, or other special-use needs.

More Information

You can find additional guidance and procedures here:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

CHiP is UNCG’s Centralized Hardware Procurement program.  Since all technology purchases at UNCG must be made through ITS, CHiP was created to standardize and streamline the process.   

The program has two parts: 

  1. The CHiP leasing program – Applies to all primary-use faculty and staff computers. 
    • Choice of Tier 1 Mac or PC, or Tier 2 Mac or PC (Tier 2 requires dept approval) 
    • Four-year life cycle with devices kept in stock for quick deployment  
  1. CHiP purchases for Other Devices – Covers all other technology purchases, including: 
    • Research equipment 
    • Lab, classroom, or kiosk devices 
    • Tier 3 exceptions  

CHiP applies to all UNCG-owned endpoint technology, regardless of funding source—including  state-funded, grant-funded, and departmental or discretionary purchases. 

For more details, see the Campus Hardware Procurement (CHiP) Program at UNCG article in the ITS Knowledge Base.  

Tier 1 and Tier 2 are standard hardware configurations approved for most faculty and staff. They are selected to balance performance, supportability, and cost efficiency.  

Both Mac and PC options are available in these tiers to meet different user preferences and requirements. 

For more details see: CHiP: Tiers and Standard Set Ups 

If your role requires a device outside the standard tiers, you can submit a formal exception request. Your department leadership will work with ITS to review and approve requests based on documented needs.

To start the Tier 3 request process, choose one of the following:

These are not part of the Year 1 rollout. ITS will work directly with your department to meet specialized needs in compliance with UNC System and state guidelines. 

Work with your DTS or contact 6-TECH to start the request process for these devices: 

Old devices are returned to ITS for secure data removal. Devices in good condition may be re-purposed within the university. Devices older than four years are reviewed for replacement or retirement.

If your device is less than four years old and working properly, it will remain in service until its scheduled refresh date.

By centralizing purchases and standardizing devices, UNCG can negotiate better pricing and reduce the cost of managing and supporting technology. A standard device lifecycle will also ensure that computers on UNCG’s network are capable of running modern operating systems and software and are patched and secure.

Check the Campus Hardware Procurement (CHiP) Program and the Campus Hardware Procurement (CHiP) Program Procedure articles in the ITS Knowledge Base for details.  

You can also contact 6-TECH at 336-256-TECH (8324) or 6-TECH@uncg.edu for assistance. 

Technology decisions at UNCG follow both UNC System policy and the university’s IT Governance framework. 

At the system level 
All UNC System institutions—including UNCG—must comply with: 

These policies require each campus to designate a Chief Information Officer (CIO) who oversees technology governance, information security, and compliance with state and UNC System standards. 

At the campus level 
UNCG’s IT Governance structure provides transparent, collaborative oversight for technology decisions. Committees include: 

  • Chancellor’s Executive Steering Committee – Sets strategic direction for major initiatives. 
  • Administrative Systems Committee – Oversees enterprise administrative systems. 
  • Data Governance Committee – Maintains campus data standards and access. 
  • Learning Technology Advisory Committee (LTAC) – Advises on instructional technologies. 
  • Research Technology Advisory Committee (RTAC) – Supports research computing priorities. 
  • Web and Mobile Operating Committee (WMOC) – Guides campus web and mobile standards. 

Faculty perspectives are also represented through the Faculty Senate and its Academic Computing Committee, which collaborate with ITS on instructional and academic technology issues. 

This shared-governance model aligns technology priorities with UNCG’s academic mission, operational needs, and UNC System requirements. 

For details, visit the UNCG IT Governance website 

Faculty participate in technology decision-making through both formal governance committees and ongoing communication forums. 

Formal governance 

  • LTAC and RTAC include faculty members from every school or college, appointed by their Dean. 
  • The Faculty Senate Chair, Chair-Elect, and Academic Computing Committee (ACC) Chair also represent faculty interests in governance discussions. 
  • These groups advise ITS leadership and inform decisions made by the Chancellor’s Executive Steering Committee and related advisory bodies. 

Engagement and communication forums 

  • Provost Council – meets monthly. 
  • Deans, Department Heads, and Chairs Meetings – twice each semester. 
  • LTAC and RTAC – monthly meetings. 
  • Distributed Technology Staff (DTS) Meetings – monthly collaboration between ITS and departmental IT staff. 
  • Campus Technology Initiatives Team Meetings – monthly sessions on major campus projects. 

Stay informed and share feedback 

  • The CIO Newsletter offers campus-wide technology updates and feedback opportunities. 
  • Visit the Technology Initiatives website or the CHiP Initiative page for current project information. 
  • Subscribe to ITS News for regular announcements. 
  • Contact your school or college’s LTAC or RTAC representative, or reach out to ITS leadership, with questions or ideas. 

This blend of shared governance, open communication, and regular forums gives faculty a strong voice in shaping campus technology priorities. 

The 2022 State IT Audit was a comprehensive, 10-month review of UNCG’s technology governance and security practices. 

The audit found that the university lacked required central management for all hardware and software assets. Decentralized purchasing created compliance, financial, and security risks. 

UNCG was required to act. ITS developed a formal remediation plan, approved by the Chancellor and reported to the UNC System Board of Governors. ITS and UNCG’s Internal Auditor continue to provide progress reports to the State Auditor. 

The Campus Hardware Procurement Program (CHiP) is a core part of that plan. It ensures: 

  • All computers are centrally purchased and managed by ITS. 
  • Each device is inventoried and maintained as a university-owned asset, regardless of funding source. 
  • UNCG remains compliant with UNC System and state requirements. 

In short, non-compliance is not an option. CHiP helps UNCG meet state mandates while improving support and security campus-wide. 

Years of audit and security data revealed serious risks and inefficiencies in technology purchasing and management at UNCG. 

Audit compliance 
The 2022 State IT Audit required UNCG to route all computer purchases through ITS so every device is tracked and maintained as a university-owned asset. 

Cybersecurity risk 
Unmanaged or outdated devices posed major vulnerabilities. 

  • More than 90% of ransomware attacks begin with unmanaged devices. 
  • UNCG blocks about 74,500 cyberattacks daily — over 20 million per year. 
  • The average data breach cost exceeds $4.9 million, not including reputational damage. 
  • Removing outdated devices greatly reduces exposure to cyber threats. 

Cost and efficiency 
Centralized management eliminates duplication and lowers costs. 

  • About 7,500 faculty and staff devices connect to the general network. 
  • Many older machines were costly and inconsistent. 
  • Consolidation improves planning and reduces total cost of ownership. 

Service improvement 
Standardized device models improve reliability and support. 

  • Devices run more predictably and restore faster. 
  • ITS responds quickly and minimizes downtime campus-wide. 

These findings led to CHiP, which strengthens compliance, security, efficiency, and the overall user experience. 

CHiP’s progress is measured through four key areas: audit compliance, cybersecurity risk reduction, cost savings, and service improvement. 

Audit compliance 

  • Fewer than 10% of devices connect without active management. 
  • At least 90% of computers and printers are managed through ITS systems. 

Cybersecurity risk reduction 

  • Less than 5% of devices are end-of-life. 
  • Active endpoint devices reduced by 20% as aged equipment is retired. 

Cost reduction 

  • Annual spending on computers and tablets reduced by 20% through centralized leasing. 
  • ITS monitors long-term savings and total cost of ownership. 

Improved service 

  • Fewer interruptions and faster device delivery. 
  • 10% reduction in repair or refresh downtime. 
  • User satisfaction ratings above 4 of 5. 

These metrics demonstrate accountability and help ensure CHiP achieves its goals of greater security, lower costs, and more reliable technology for faculty and staff. 

ITS analyzed three years of faculty and staff purchasing data to identify the most common and effective computer configurations. Those findings defined the initial Tier 1 and Tier 2 Mac and PC options. 

As CHiP matures, ITS will use campus asset data to refine and improve standard models and reduce exception requests. 

View current models and specifications in the CHiP: Tiers and Standards Set Ups knowledge article in the ITS Knowledge Base. 

The CHiP leasing program was designed to meet the majority of faculty and staff needs through standardized, centrally managed Tier 1 and Tier 2 computers. However, the university recognizes that some academic and research work requires specialized technology that falls outside those standard configurations. 

For that reason, the CHiP leasing program does not currently apply to special-use computers—such as those used in research labs, instrumentation, creative production, or other unique teaching and research environments. 

ITS continues to work directly with faculty and departmental leaders to ensure that specialized needs are addressed quickly, sensibly, and in compliance with state and UNC System requirements. 

Request a Tier 3 exception 

Funding and logistics for CHiP follow a collaborative model that promotes fairness and sustainability across divisions. 

  • Divisional responsibility – Each division funds its faculty and staff computers based on a three-year average of prior purchases. 
  • Provost support – The Provost’s Office covers most costs for daily-use computers in Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, and Research and Engagement during the four-year rollout. 
  • Sustainable funding – Data from this period will inform a long-term funding model for future refresh cycles. 
  • Start-up and grant funds – Guidelines for using these sources and for graduate student devices are available through the Provost’s Office. 
  • Peripherals and tablets – Items such as monitors, docking stations, and tablets continue to be purchased through ITS under CHiP’s centralized process. 

For billing or budget questions, contact your Business Officer or Departmental Technology Coordinator (DTS). 

Additional guidance is available in the Provost’s CHiP Program Guidelines and the CHiP Initiative web page. 

Leasing allows UNCG to manage technology resources more strategically, predictably, and equitably across campus. It also supports compliance with state and UNC System requirements for asset management. 

Financial management of scarce resources 

  • Spreads costs over predictable annual payments instead of large up-front purchases. 
  • Preserves capital for research, facilities, and scholarships. 

Access to cutting-edge technology 

  • Keeps devices on a four-year refresh cycle so faculty and staff always have modern tools. 
  • Eliminates disposal and storage issues for outdated equipment. 

Maintenance and support provided 

  • Setup, repairs, and replacements handled centrally by ITS. 
  • Reduces unexpected repair costs and departmental workload. 

Adaptability for growth 

  • Lets UNCG scale up or down as needs change without holding surplus equipment. 

Better support coverage 

  • Centralized services create redundancy and continuity, reducing reliance on single points of support. 

Mitigating depreciation losses 

  • Transfers depreciation risk to the leasing company; devices are returned at end of term. 

Together, these benefits create a modern, secure, and cost-efficient computing environment that supports UNCG’s teaching, research, and administrative missions. 

SEND US YOUR QUESTIONS

Your questions help us keep this site informative. We’ll get back to you with the answers.

Submit

MILESTONES

July 1, 2025

Technology Leasing Program Began

STAY INFORMED

Become an ITS News subscriber.