NOVAdevice: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

The NOVAdevice Refresh Program provides each eligible full-time faculty and staff member with a University computer and replaces it on a rolling lifecycle of no more than five (5) years. Replacements happen throughout the year, so you always have secure, reliable, and up-to-date technology. NOVAdevices are available as Windows and macOS laptops.

Eligible:

• Full-time (100% FTE) faculty
• Postdoctoral positions
• Full-time (100% FTE) staff

Not eligible:

• Adjunct faculty
• Contract- or grant-funded faculty positions
• Part-time staff
• Contract or temporary positions
• Student worker positions

The program provides one computer per eligible employee. If you need a second computer for your work, your department is responsible for purchasing and replacing it. Your department can purchase a computer with departmental funds.

UTS emails you when your current device becomes eligible for replacement. You can also check your device’s expected replacement date at any time by following NOVAdevice: Viewing Device Details, Replacement Date, and Installed Software.

When you submit your refresh request, you can choose from three tiers:

• Standard devices are provided at no cost to you or your department.
• Plus and Premium devices are available for a departmental charge equal to the price difference between your selection and the Standard model.

Compare current models in the NOVAdevice catalog.

• More memory and storage: Standard Windows devices now include 32 GB of memory (up from 16 GB), Standard macOS devices include 24 GB (up from 16 GB), and all Standard devices include 512 GB of storage (up from 256 GB).
• Standard Mac for staff: Staff can now choose a Standard macOS device. Previously, staff devices were Windows only.
• Biometric sign-in: Sign in with Windows Hello for Business or Touch ID instead of typing your Villanova Account password each time. See NOVAdevice: Biometric Authentication.

Yes. Faculty and staff can choose either platform. Switching affects the applications, peripherals, and workflows you rely on, so read NOVAdevice: What to Check Before Changing Platforms before you submit your request.

Your department pays the price difference between the Plus or Premium device and the Standard model. The charge is made to your department by journal entry. Your finance manager or director must approve the request before UTS orders the device.

Yes. Submit a NOVAdevice Consultation Request to talk through your options with UTS before or during your refresh. 

After you receive your eligibility email from UTS, submit a NOVAdevice Refresh Request to choose your new device.

UTS first confirms that your device is in stock or places an order for it. If the device needs to be ordered, allow up to 30 days for it to arrive. UTS aims to complete refresh requests within 50 business days. You’ll receive an email at each step, including a link to schedule your setup appointment once your device is ready.

Computers for new employees, in new or existing positions, are provided through the Employee Onboarding process. Departments should submit an Employee Onboarding Request.

• New staff typically receive their computer at HR new employee orientation.
• New faculty typically receive theirs at faculty orientation.
• If a new employee misses orientation, UTS will contact them to arrange delivery.

New employees in existing positions receive the previous employee’s device for that position. UTS wipes and reimages the device before it is assigned.

Start preparing as soon as you submit your request. Back up your files to OneDrive, make a list of the applications you use, and save any local Outlook email files. Follow the steps in NOVAdevice: Getting Ready for Your Setup Appointment.

Files saved in OneDrive will be available on your new device. Files saved in folders that don’t sync to OneDrive, such as Downloads or an external drive, will not transfer. See NOVAdevice: Getting Ready for Your Setup Appointment to check which folders are backed up.

Follow NOVAdevice: Viewing Device Details, Replacement Date, and Installed Software to see the software installed on your current device. Also write down any department or specialized applications you rely on.

No. UTS collects your current device at your setup appointment, with no exceptions. UTS cannot issue a replacement device without collecting the existing one.

Yes. UTS provides a dock or hub with every replacement device at no cost, so you can keep using your current monitors, keyboard, mouse, and other peripherals. Your NOVAdevice Refresh Request asks how many monitors you use so UTS can match the dock or hub to your setup.

No. Monitors, keyboards, mice, and other peripherals are not part of the replacement cycle. Your department is responsible for replacing them.

• NOVAdevices typically include a manufacturer hardware warranty for up to three (3) years from the original purchase date.
• Warranty-covered repairs are performed at no cost for eligible hardware failures.
• UTS will attempt to repair a device up to three (3) times for the same or a substantially similar hardware issue before considering a replacement.
• Repair turnaround times vary based on the issue, parts availability, and the manufacturer’s support process.

Accidental damage, loss, theft, misuse, or other damage not covered by the manufacturer’s warranty may result in repair or replacement costs being charged to your department.

Devices beyond warranty coverage may be repaired or replaced based on available support options, costs, and where the device is in its lifecycle.

Return your NOVAdevice to UTS. If you still need a computer for your work, your department can purchase a computer with departmental funds.​​​​​​​