Purpose
To establish clear guidelines for accepting technology equipment donations in order to protect the District from safety hazards, security risks, and compatibility issues. This procedure ensures that all technology resources meet institutional standards and support reliable, secure operations.
Protocol
The District will not accept any donations of used technology equipment, including but not limited to computers, servers, networking devices, printers, and peripherals.
All technology donations must be new and receive approval from the RCCD Information Technology (IT) department.
Rationale
Safety
- Used equipment may have worn electrical components, damaged wiring, or missing safety certifications, creating fire and shock hazards.
- Physical integrity issues (e.g., cracked casings, exposed wiring) pose risks to staff and students.
Security
- Donated devices may contain residual data from previous owners, risking unauthorized disclosure.
- Older hardware often runs unsupported operating systems, making them vulnerable to malware and cyberattacks.
- Unknown sources may introduce compromised firmware or tampered components.
Compatibility
- Legacy devices may not support current operating systems or District-standard applications.
- Performance limitations hinder instructional and administrative needs.
- Non-standard equipment increases IT support complexity and costs.
Procedure
- All technology donations must be new and meet District specifications including technology equipment standards.
- Departments must refer potential donors to the RCCD Foundation for review and compliance verification.
- Any offer of used technology will be declined immediately with a standard response citing these guidelines and protocols.
- No exceptions are permitted.
Board Policy Alignment
These Technology Equipment Donation Guidelines and Protocols are established in accordance with Board Policy BP 4200 – Gifts, which authorizes the District to accept or decline donations based on alignment with institutional priorities and operational feasibility. BP 4200 explicitly permits the District to refuse gifts that impose undue burden. Any used technology not originally purchased by Riverside Community College District in compliance with District technology standards, or that introduces and degree of safety, security, or compatibility risks, shall be considered an undue burden and will not be accepted. By prohibiting acceptance of used technology equipment, this procedure ensures compliance with BP 4200 and supports the District’s commitment to maintaining secure, reliable, and standardized technology resources.
References