Lab and Classroom Software Request By Instructors

This article serves as a guide for new software requests or updates. Instructors may request additional software in support of teaching and learning to be installed in IT-supported classrooms and computer labs.

Who Can Request It?

All requests should be submitted by the faculty (with support from the Department Chairs, as they can identify opportunities to support the curriculum and for budget approval and planning). The IT department in charge of software will work with academic department chairpersons to evaluate requests, plan for installation, and communicate necessary information to faculty for course preparation.

How Do I Request for New Software or an Upgrade?

To request software to be installed in a computer lab or classroom that is not already listed in the Available Software List, please go to:

FreshService (& log into your account),
Select “New Service Request”,
Select “Classroom/ Lab Software”.

Do We Have a List of Software Currently Installed?

Yes. To see the most current academic software list, please see our connections site HERE. IT will update the list every Fall and Spring semester as needed.

When are Software Requests Due?

Summer/Fall Requests – January 5th to March 5th

Spring Requests – August 1st to October 1st

How will IT Evaluate the Requests?

Webster University Information Technology organization will assess all new software requests based on several factors in coordination with each school's programs and the University’s strategic plan. These factors include

The product life cycle,
The vendor’s support structure for the software,
Compatibility with Webster’s PC/Mac platforms/operating system/hardware,
And the product’s global roadmap, among other considerations.

What is the Average Turn Around for Requests?

The average turnaround can range from 3 days to 4 months. Factors that affect the timeline may include:

If a license needs an upgrade or modification.
If a license is a new purchase requiring a contract, approval, and signature.
If the license purchase requires a requisition.
If special hardware is needed to complement the software.
If the license needs to be packaged and updated on the server.
If the license must be deployed to a classroom, lab, or workstation.
If an instructor needs to test and approve the software (i.e., software checklist)

What If I Want to Install Software on My Device to Test?

Requests to install software on individual faculty or staff computers for instructional or administrative purposes should be submitted via work order. Requests for software not yet licensed by the University will require additional time for full scope and assessment, approvals, procurement, and testing.

Types of Software Requests May Include:

General Use
- Beneficial to many students in different curricula.
- Installed on all computers in all labs and classrooms.
- Typically purchased and supported by Webster’s IT.
- Usually, it is a permanent addition to the software suite.
- It is a part of an ADA request.
Course Software
- Software or plugins needed to teach a specific class/course.
- Installed in specific classrooms or a limited number of computer labs.
- Purchased by the department and supported by the requesting instructor.

Additional Factors to Consider

Submitting the software request form does not guarantee that the requested software can or will be installed.
Priority will be given to requests that meet the deadlines.
Free software licenses will have to be evaluated before they are installed.
Requests for installations in more than one classroom or lab may take longer than ten days (about one and a half weeks).
Requestors of the software will be required to test the software on a designated test machine to ensure it meets the requestor's needs before it is deployed to a lab.
We cannot guarantee that requests received after this deadline will be installed by the start of semester classes.
All requests must be submitted through this form. Any requests not submitted through this method will not be considered.
Once the software is ready for installation, IT will need uninterrupted access to the space to complete installation.
Please be advised that IT cannot finance your software requests in certain circumstances. It will be up to your department to procure financing.

- Mea Hampton -

Global Director | IT Service Delivery | Webster University