User University Policies
The following university policies govern access to data and the use of institutional systems.
Accessing University Systems: IT Security Standards
Information security standards provide a set of best practices to safeguard Mason’s and your data, assets, and resources. These security standards are based on the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s Special Publication (NIST SP) 800-53 moderate baseline controls, scoped and tailored to the context of higher education institutions. NIST SP 800-53 is a widely accepted industry standard, most often used by U.S. federal and state agencies. The IT Security Standard describes controls as they apply to systems and processes based upon a high/medium/low classification. For details, see IT Security Standards.
Code of Conduct
Authorization to use university computing services and applications is based on an individual’s affiliation with George Mason, that individual’s role and responsibilities, and the designated category of the system. George Mason employees and contractors accessing George Mason’s internal networks are required to follow IT Security Standards. and university policies.
University Policies
All authorized users of George Mason’s computing resources are required to comply with University Policy 1301 Responsible Use of Computing, and the following policies, where applicable:
- University Policy 1114 Data Stewardship
- University Policy 1118 Compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)
- University Policy 1122 FERPA Compliance
- University Policy 1119 Classified Information and Personnel Security Clearances
- University Policy 1306 Banner and Related Administrative Systems Security
- University Policy Number 1311 Information Technology Security Program
- University Policy 1316 Controlled Unclassified Information
Note: George Mason-managed computers will lock after 30 minutes of inactivity.
Banned Software
Users may not access any of the folllowing “on any government-issued device or government-owned or government-leased equipment, including mobile phones, desktop computers, laptop computers, tablets, or other devices capable of connecting to the Internet, or (ii) while connected to any wired or wireless Internet network owned, operated, or maintained by the Commonwealth.” (§2.2-5514.1. Prohibited applications and websites.)
- DeepSeek AI
- Any website developed by ByteDance Ltd. and/or Tencent Holdings Ltd., including any successor company or entity owned by either company
- QQmail
- Tencent Music
- Tencent QQ
- Tencent Video
- TikTok
- WeCom
University Hardware Standards
Specifications are provided as follows: processor, memory, and storage.
Dell System Standards
Dell desktops and laptops purchased through George Mason’s Dell contract come with a 3-year warranty and Windows 11 Pro operating system.
Dell Desktops
| Model | Processor* | Memory | Storage | Operating System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dell Pro Micro | Intel Core Ultra 7 vPro | 16GB | 512GB SSD | Windows 11 Pro/Ent |
| Dell Pro Slim | Intel Core Ultra 7 vPro | 16GB | 512GB SSD | Windows 11 Pro/Ent |
| Dell Pro Tower | Intel Core Ultra 7 vPro | 16GB | 512GB SSD | Windows 11 Pro/Ent |
| Dell Pro Max Micro | Intel Core Ultra 7 vPro | 16GB | 512GB SSD | Windows 11 Pro/Ent |
| Dell Pro Max Slim | Intel Core Ultra 7 vPro | 16GB | 512GB SSD | Windows 11 Pro/Ent |
| Dell Pro Max Tower | Intel Core Ultra 7 vPro | 16GB | 512GB SSD | Windows 11 Pro/Ent |
| Dell Pro 24 AIO Plus | Intel Core Ultra 7 vPro | 16GB | 512GB SSD | Windows 11 Pro/Ent |
Dell Laptops
| Model | Processor* | Memory | Storage | Operating System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dell Pro 13 Plus | Intel Core Ultra 7 vPro | 16GB | 512GB M.2 | Windows 11 Pro/Ent |
| Dell Pro 14 Plus | Intel Core Ultra 7 vPro | 16GB | 512GB M.2 | Windows 11 Pro/Ent |
| Dell Pro 16 Plus | Intel Core Ultra 7 vPro | 16GB | 512GB M.2 | Windows 11 Pro/Ent |
| Dell Pro 14 Premium | Intel Core Ultra 7 vPro | 16GB | 512GB M.2 | Windows 11 Pro/Ent |
| Dell Pro Max 16 | Intel Core Ultra 7 vPro | 16GB | 512GB M.2 | Windows 11 Pro/Ent |
Dell Monitors
Departments may purchase monitors that best meet the needs of their users. The following monitors are presented as suggestions to aid in selection.
Desktop Monitors
| Model |
|---|
| Dell 22 monitor E2222H |
| Dell UptraSharp 24 monitor U2424 |
| Dell UltraSharp 27 Monitor: U2724D |
| Dell Ultrasharp 38 Curved USB-C Hub Monitor U3824DW |
Video Conferencing Monitors
| Model |
|---|
| Dell 24 Video Conferencing Monitor P2424HEB |
| Dell 27 Video Conferencing Monitor P2724DEB |
| Dell UltraSharp 32 Video Conferencing Monitor U3223QZ |
| Dell 34 Curved Video Conferencing Monitor P3424WEB |
Dell Peripherals
| Model |
|---|
| Dell Pro Thunderbolt 4 Smart Dock - SD25TB4 |
| Dell USB-C Mobile Adapter – DA300 |
| Dell Pro 7-in-1 USB-C Travel Hub - DA310 |
Apple System Standards
AppleCare+ extends the 1-year Apple Warranty to 3 years and adds accidental coverage. (Deductibles apply.) All computers come with macOS.
Apple Desktops
| Model | Processor | Memory | Storage |
|---|---|---|---|
| iMac 24" | Latest Available | 16GB | 512GB |
| Mac Mini | Latest Available | 16GB | 512GB |
| Mac Studio | Latest Available | 32GB | 512GB |
Apple Laptops
| Model | Processor | Memory | Storage |
|---|---|---|---|
| MacBook Air 13" | Latest Available | 16GB | 512GB |
| MacBook Air 15" | Latest Available | 16GB | 512GB |
| MacBook Pro 14" | Latest Available | 16GB | 512GB |
| MacBook Pro 16" | Latest Available | 16GB | 512GB |
Microsoft System Standards
All Microsoft Systems come with Windows 11 Pro.
Microsoft Tablets
| Model | Processor | Memory | Storage | Operating System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Surface Laptop 7, 13.8" | Intel Core Ultra 7 vPro | 16GB | 512GB | Win 11 Pro/Ent |
| Surface Pro 11, 13" | Intel Core Ultra 7 vPro | 16GB | 512GB | Win 11 Pro/Ent |
Purchase a George Mason-managed Endpoint Device
ITS has identified pre-configured endpoint device models from select manufacturers for purchase and has tested these pre-configured endpoints with George Mason’s standard software image.
Note: As most positions are funded for one endpoint device, ITS recommends laptops for employees who telework or work remotely.
If your department has inquiries about these standards and wishes to purchase a model not listed on this page, or needs assistance with purchasing a computer, ITS will work with you to try to meet your needs. For assistance, please submit a Desktop Consultation request.
ITS-approved devices are approved for purchase with George Mason funds. If you need further computer purchasing guidance, see Fiscal Learning and Engagement’s Computer Purchasing Guide. For assistance, request a Desktop Consultation
Computers must be purchased from one of the following approved vendors
- Dell machines: Dell, Patriot Tech
- Microsoft Surface: CDW-G, Patriot Tech
- Apple: Apple e-commerce, CDW-G, Patriot Tech
ITS News & Updates: George-Mason-managed Device Updates & Upgrades
Microsoft Feature Updates
Starting Monday, May 19, George Mason-managed computer upgrades will be implemented in an even manner and will conclude on November 1, 2025. Users will have the option to defer the required reboot for this upgrade for up to 3 days, minimizing work interruption. Reboot may take up to 20 minutes based on the system being updated.
Latest Operating Systems
- Windows 11: version 24H2-x
- Mac Sequioa: version 15.x
No longer supported OS systems
Windows
- Windows 7 and older
- Windows 10 support ends October 2025
macOS
- macOS 12 and older
- macOS 13 support ends November 2025
Update Schedule
All operating system and security updates are announced on https://its.gmu.edu/alerts/.
- Windows 11: Security Update, every second week of the month
- Mac Sequioa: Operating System and Security Updates will be announced as needed
Available Software
Software applications and updates are available for managed George Mason-owned devices.
- University-Provided Software: Managed computer, classroom, and lab software loads for the academic year, and classroom/lab software installation request deadlines
- Software Center: Software applications and updates for Windows devices
- Mason Self Service: Software applications and updates for Mac devices
Printing On Campus
For details about printing on campus, see Print and Mail.
Support
ITS Technical Support Now Available 24/7.
For IT help, please call 703-993-8870, contact us via Live Chat, or create a ticket.