ITS manages and maintains the equipment and software in university classrooms and labs. For details on the 2023-2024 Academic Year Standard Software in Classrooms and Computer Labs, see the list of available software in Classroom/Labs.
How We Can Help
To request the installation of specialized software on a classroom lectern, or a student classroom computer, or an open computer lab, select the Request Software button.
Software requests are evaluated on the following factors:
- System and network security
- Performance
- Usability
- Reliability (support)
- Interference with other installed software programs
Processing a software installation request for a classroom or lab cannot begin until all information is provided to ITS. Required information to proceed includes:
- Copy of purchase order
- Copy of paid invoice with the number of licenses attributed (e.g., site, seats, etc.)
- Licensing support documentation (e.g., license agreement, registration card, serial numbers, etc.)
- Software media
- Manuals and technical documentation
- Software program installation instructions
- System requirements and technical support contact numbers
IMPORTANT
Due to the high volume of requests each semester, requests for software installation in classrooms and labs must be received by the following dates:
- Fall Semester: July 15
- Spring Semester: December 1
- Summer Semester: April 15
Software installation requests for classrooms and labs are processed as they are received, with the highest priority given to requests that support academic programs.
Once installed, the software will be tested to ensure that it functions on a system level, but no further testing will be performed. The technical staff has limited experience with proprietary software programs and cannot test for proper functioning within a program. Faculty members are encouraged to test software on the computer in the classroom or lab environment in which it will be used.
Access to the software in all Registrar-scheduled technology-enhanced classrooms and open computer labs is available during university class hours. For 24/7 access to available software in the Citrix Virtual Lab, please see the list of Standard Classroom & Lab Applications.
- Only Mason faculty and staff may request software installations.
- Software must be properly licensed by the owner to include an adequate number of licenses for the requested classroom or lab for the entire semester.
- License activation must be compatible with lab environments where each computer is an exact copy of the others. These are typically called campuswide or enterprise-level licenses. ITS reserves the right to deny any software request that requires manual intervention at each computer.
- No demo, trial, or shareware software may be installed on classroom or lab computers.
- No "free" software will be loaded unless the End User License Agreement (EULA) allows for enterprise deployment.
- ITS reserves the right to decline any software request that generates:
- Conflicts with approved software
- Network or security concerns
- Potential for illegal/illicit activities