SUNY Cobleskill
Academic Equipment Replacement Funds
A special University-wide lump-sum distribution of Academic Equipment Replacement (AER) funding is provided to the campus. The following guidelines apply to this funding:
1. Funds may be expended for the purchase, upgrade, or major repair of equipment for teaching departments which is used in direct support of instruction. Major repair or upgrade of instructional equipment must serve to extend the useful life of the equipment.
2. Examples of eligible items include:
a. Microscopes
b. Athletic equipment (used for a class, not a team)
c. Cameras and microphones
d. Harvesting equipment
e. Refrigerators/freezers, ice cream machines
f. Canine harnesses
3. Items not eligible for this funding include:
a. Consumable supplies
b. Furniture/office-type equipment (desks, chairs, filing cabinets, etc.)
c. Printers, copiers
d. Service contracts, routine maintenance, or minor repairs of equipment
4. Computer Hardware and Software
a. Computer hardware and/or software intended for general student or lab use should be requested through Technology Fee funds.
b. Software may only be purchased as a part of an initial acquisition of specialized hardware, and only if it is an integral part of the system or is available only from the hardware manufacturer.
c. Software for a specific course might be eligible for funding through a course fee; please contact the Office of Business Affairs for further information.
5. Installation Costs: The associated costs of installation of purchased equipment is applicable to AER funding under the following conditions:
a. The installation must be executed as part of the single order and price, and through the vendor supplying the equipment.
b. An installation at a time later than the time of delivery constitutes a separate transaction and is a fundamental violation of AER guidelines.
c. If the installation involves any kind of construction or alteration to the facility, there must be adherence to all construction regulations, and such costs are not an appropriate use of AER funds.
6. Requests should be for a minimum of $500 and a maximum of $5000.
7. Approved items must be purchased no later than mid-May, 2023, or funding may be forfeited.
A request for funding will be issued through the Fiscal Affairs and Strategic Planning committee. The committee will review responses and make a recommendation to the Provost.