Technology Refresh Bank: Frequently Asked Questions

Can my department have more than one loan at a time?
Yes. Departments with more than one student computing lab can have multiple loans at any given time. In addition, multiple loans can be awarded for the same lab if that better fits the departments refresh cycle and budgetary needs.

What if my Department cannot make its payment?
TRB loans must be repaid. If your Department is temporarily short of funds, your Business Manager can contact the TRB Administrator to see if the payback period can be altered. The Dean of the College signs every application thereby guaranteeing that the loan will be repaid in full. If payments go into default the TRB Administrator can request that payment be garnered from the College's annual state funds allocation at the beginning of the next fiscal year. Colleges that have chronic or multiple defaults may become ineligible for future TRB Awards.

Are TRB funds exempt from the 10% End of Fiscal Year Tax?
No. For this reason, TRB Awards will rarely be awarded in July of each year.

I only need to refresh part of my lab right now. Can I apply for TRB funds for this?
Yes. It is up to you what inventory you choose to refresh.

Are TRB funds available for non-academic purposes such as staff computers or research labs?
No. TRB funds are available for student computing labs refresh only.

Does the TRB mandate what hardware, software, and peripherals I buy?
No. You can choose the resources your department needs from any vendor providing that you only purchase items that are allowed under the TRB requirements. However, if you wish to receive the 15% grant provided by the Gateway Strategic Initiative Funding Opportunities, 80% of the computers you purchase with TRB funds must be Gateway brand.
Is participation in the TRB mandatory?
No.

If I receive the 15% grant, am I obligated to purchase Gateway computers?
Yes. The grant is awarded based on your guarantee that 80% of the computers you purchase with TRB funds will be Gateway brand. Conversely, 20% of the computers you purchase do not need to be made by Gateway.
Who owns the equipment at the end of its life?
The department that received the TRB loan retains ownership of the purchased equipment.

My department would like to redistribute the equipment we have refreshed within our unit and to other units. Is this allowed if I participate in the TRB?
Yes. Your department may allocate the old equipment internally or to other units. However, the newly purchased equipment must remain in the lab that was identified on the TRB application until the next refresh cycle.

Is there any way to speed up the time between applying and receiving the loan?
Not generally. A big portion of TRB funds comes from department payments. Since the payback periods range from one to four years funds come in to the TRB on a varied schedule.

Will the TRB send my department a bill each year?
No. A bill for each year is in the award packet. It is up to the department to process the bills in a timely manner.

What time of the year do I need to apply?
Anytime! Applications are taken throughout the year.

My department doesn't need to take advantage of the loan portion of the TRB. How do I receive just the grant portion of the award?
To receive just the 15% grant portion of a TRB award your department must follow all TRB requirements. Be sure the budget you submit reflects the total cost of refresh. The TRB application allows you to apply for just the grant portion of an award.

Does the TRB provide funding to central computing departments?
No, only academic departments are eligible to receive TRB awards.