PhD Student Computer Policy

Introduction

Starting September, 2024, the Department of Statistics and Actuarial Science (SAS) will cover up to $2000 per student to support Ph.D. student computing needs, not including upgraded peripherals. The computers must be used in accordance with the Guidelines on use of Waterloo computing and network resources for students.

Supervisors will be encouraged to discuss the computing options with their students and will have a choice between Mac OS, Windows OS, or Linux Ubuntu OS options.

Conditions

1. Desktop computers must be on campus and connected to the network at all times to receive OS, security, and software updates.
2. Laptops may be removed from campus once an Off-Campus Allocation form is completed and submitted to Carlos Mendes. This form must be signed by both the student and the supervisor.
3. Students will have administrative access to their machine. MFCF will provide a required form to the student that will need to be completed before computers are deployed. This form includes best practices regarding downloading and managing software. If there are issues during software installation, the machine will be reimaged to the original state in which it was received.
4. Student machines are not automatically backed up. Students are responsible for backing up important files using OneDrive, the Math Faculty central file server or other.
5. Students who choose Linux will be responsible for managing their systems, and MFCF will only provide limited support for those systems.
6. The computer remains the property of SAS and the University of Waterloo throughout its usable lifetime and must be returned after the student completes their Ph.D. Students are expected to be responsible and accountable for their device, and to care for it to the best of their ability. 
7. In the event of hardware failure, MFCF will assist in getting hardware support from the vendor if the device it under warranty. For Mac products that are on Apple Care, take the device directly to an Apple Store for support.

Software

Software - Faculty and graduate students (research region)

Students with admin access will now be able to install their own software.  For Windows, MFCF will install the main "standard" applications before computer delivery. For the Macs, there is a Self Service section under Applications where students can download apps. Additional software can be requested and set up before delivery by completing a request form. 

Software that is to be purchased and not available for automated deployment must be coordinated with your supervisor, the department, and MFCF.  Installation time depends on various factors.

Technical Specifications

Note: all pricing is an approximation as of August 20, 2025, and all pricing listed is pre-tax.

Upgrades are available for various models listed below. This form will act as a guide to prepare for a detailed conversation with Carlos about ordering equipment.