Priority Model
TCU's research computing infrastructure, including high-performance computing (HPC) and AI resources, is shared across the institution. To allocate that capacity fairly, while still giving priority to time-sensitive or higher-need projects, TCU uses a Priority Funding Model.
Rather than requiring labs to purchase hardware outright, access is based on the tier a project is assigned to, not on what equipment it owns. Every researcher has a no-cost path to computing resources, and projects that need faster turnaround or additional security can move into a higher tier.
This approach reflects the direction many research computing programs have moved toward in recent years, and it's designed to meet federal guidelines that govern how sponsored research funding may be used for shared infrastructure and services (2 CFR Part 200).
The Three Tiers
| Tier | Name | Description | What It Includes | Cost and Access |
| 1 | Standard Priority | Regular scheduling and resource allocation for everyday projects and users. If a user tries to run jobs continuously, the system temporarily favors other waiting users to keep access fair. | Shared compute nodes, shared storage at the default quota, regular support. | Open to everyone, at no cost. |
| 2 | High Priority | Expedited access for time-sensitive or strategic projects allowing workloads to move ahead of the general queue. | Reserved time slots, increased scheduling priority, additional storage. |
Funding required. See Rates & Estimates below. |
| 3 | High-Security Priority | Exclusive access to resources with enhanced security and compliance controls, for projects requiring elevated security measures. | Dedicated compute nodes, exclusive storage, enhanced security controls, priority support. |
Highest cost due to security requirements. See Rates & Estimates below. |
A few things shaped this approach:
- TCU has invested significantly in shared AI and computing infrastructure, and the goal is to make sure that investment gets used well, not just owned.
- A shared, tier-based model gives every researcher a path to the resources they need, regardless of the size of their individual grant or startup funding.
- Centralized administration means researchers and students can focus on their research and coursework, rather than on managing and maintaining their own computing systems.
- Centralized infrastructure lets TCU's research computing team focus support where it's needed most.
- TCU wants to keep a free, open path available for learning and exploratory research, while also offering faster or more secure options for projects that need them.
- Expected usage includes both grant-funded research and day-to-day operational work.
Standard Priority is available to every TCU researcher with a research computing account at no cost. No request is needed.
Access to High Priority or High-Security Priority requires a formal request. To start that process, contact TCU Research Computing.
You can also reach out to us at TCU Research Computing: rcd@tcu.edu
Current rates for High Priority and High-Security Priority are available through TCU's Open OnDemand portal, or by contacting TCU Research Computing directly: rcd@tcu.edu