Software & Technology Review

What This Service Is

Software & Technology Review is how Bowdoin checks new software, applications, and online services before they are purchased or put into use. When you want to bring in a new tool, IT reviews it for data security and accessibility, looks at what Bowdoin data it would touch, and creates a tracking record for it. The review protects college data and helps make sure the tools we adopt work for everyone, including people who use assistive technology.

Start early. A review usually takes 1 to 2 business weeks, and longer during busy purchasing periods. Submit before you commit to a purchase or a go-live date so the review does not hold you up.

Who It's For

Faculty, staff, and departments who want to adopt, buy, or renew a software product, app, or online service, whether for a course, for research, or for department work. If you just need a program you already have access to installed on your computer, use the general software request instead.

How to Get Started / Get Help

This service has one request. Before you submit, it is worth a quick check to see whether the product is already available or already reviewed.

  • Want a new or renewing software product, app, or online service reviewed for security and accessibility? Use Request a Software or Technology Review.
  • Not sure whether the product is already available at Bowdoin? Check the College-Provided Software List in the Related Articles section first.

Not What You're Looking For?

If your need is listed below, use the linked service or article instead:

  • Do you just need software you already have access to installed on your computer? Use Software & Applications in the Related Services section.
  • Do you already have vendor security or accessibility documents (a HECVAT or a VPAT) to send us? You can attach them to the review request. You do not need a separate request for that.
  • Are you buying hardware only, with no new software involved? Use Technology Purchasing in the Related Services section.

Service Promise

We acknowledge review requests within 1 business day. A full review usually takes 1 to 2 business weeks, depending on the product and the documents available, and can take longer during busy purchasing periods. Because timing depends on the product, we confirm a target date with you rather than promise a fixed turnaround, so submit early if you have a purchase deadline or a start-of-term date. For questions, contact the Service Desk at (207) 725-3030 or servicedesk@bowdoin.edu.

Provided By

This service is coordinated by Information Technology and carried out with the Information Security and Digital Accessibility reviewers, and with Technology Purchasing when a purchase is involved.

 
Request a Software or Technology Review

Related Articles (2)

Data Classification Policy
Classifies all College data into defined access levels and requires that data not be accessed without proper authorization, in order to protect the College's information resources from unauthorized access or damage while supporting legitimate academic use. It applies to all College data and to anyone who accesses or manages it.
List of College-Provided Software and Programs
A reference list of the software and programs Bowdoin College provides to current students, faculty, and staff, including licensing type and whether each title is available for home use. Covers commonly used general and academic software and how it is accessed.

Service Offerings (1)

Request a Software or Technology Review
Use this request to have a new or renewing software product, app, or online service reviewed for data security and accessibility before it is bought or put into use. For Information Technology.