SUBTOPIC:
240-040
INFORMATION POLICIES & PROCEDURES
240-040-010
Information Policy.
(1) Introduction. The purpose of
this section is to provide guidelines for the responsible use of computing,
networking and electronic message systems at the university. It is intended
to augment existing laws and policies on this issue. Use of EWU computer
resources is governed by this policy, the governor's policy on electronic
message systems, and applicable state and federal laws.
(2) Access. The computer resources
and facilities are solely for the use of EWU (registered) students,
faculty, staff and approved guest accounts.
(3) Confidentiality. Every attempt
must be made to ensure the security and confidentiality of the information
residing on EWU computing systems. The information residing on EWU computing
systems is considered proprietary in nature and is therefore to be viewed,
accessed and disseminated only by or to authorized people.
Information about individuals should be on only a need-to-know basis
as defined at 20 USCS 1232g (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act
of 1974). When releasing information which is a matter of public record,
proper university procedures for release of information must be followed.
(4) Violations. Violation of this
policy, or state and/or federal laws can result in permanent loss of
computing privileges, referral to the proper authority on campus, administrative
action, probation, suspension, expulsion, requirements to make financial
restitution, a fine and/or imprisonment. For further information see
RCW 9A.52.110-130 (Computer Trespass).
Information resources should be notified about violations of computer
laws and policies, as well as about potential loopholes in the security
of its computer systems and networks. The user community is expected
to cooperate with information resources in its operation of computer
systems and networks as well as in the investigation of misuse or abuse.
Should the security of a computer system be threatened, user files may
be examined under the direction of the appropriate university officials.
It is a violation of the university information policy for an individual
to do any of the following:
(a) Use any of the microcomputers, workstations or networks
for other than an EWU course, research project, educational or departmental
activity.
(b) Use a computer ID that was not assigned to him/her as a single
or multiple-access user by the EWU computing center.
(c) Provide a password that was assigned to him/her as a single or
multiple-access user by EWU, to another individual.
(d) Attempt to disguise the identity of the account or machine being
used.
(e) Attempt to circumvent data protection schemes or uncover security
loopholes.
(f) Deliberately perform an act which will seriously impact the operation
of computers, terminals, peripherals or networks, including but not
limited to tampering with the components of a local area network (LAN)
or the high-speed backbone network, otherwise blocking communication
lines, or interfering with the operational readiness of a computer.
(g) Intentionally run or install on any EWU computer system, or give
to another, a program which could result in the eventual damage to
a file or computer system or which could reproduce itself to do so.
This is directed toward, but not limited to, the classes of programs
known as computer viruses, Trojan Horses and worms.
(h) Attempt to modify in any way a program diskette which is supplied
for any type of specific university use.
(i) Deliberately perform acts which are wasteful of computing resources.
These acts include but are not limited to sending mass mailings or
chain letters, obtaining frivolous output, creating frivolous multiple
jobs or processes, or creating frivolous network traffic.
(j) Harass others by sending annoying, threatening, libelous, or
sexually, racially or religiously offensive messages.
(k) Attempt to monitor another user's communications, or read, copy,
change or delete another user's files or software, without permission
of the owner (this includes e-mail and voice mail).
(l) Fail to abide by the terms of all software licensing agreements
and copyright laws.
(m) Place the following information or software on any university-owned
system on or off campus:
(i) That which infringes on the rights of another person,
including illegal use of copyrighted materials.
(ii) That which is abusive, profane or sexually offensive to the
average person.
(iii) That which consists of information which may injure someone
else and/or lead to a lawsuit or criminal charges. Examples of these
are pirated software, destructive software, obscene materials or
libelous statements.
(iv) That which consists of any advertisement for commercial enterprises.
Under reasonable belief that a violation of these policies occurred, computer
privileges, including network access, may be suspended immediately, pending
investigation and appropriate resolution. In addition, violations by students
are subject to university disciplinary action as detailed in the EWU Student
Conduct Code, chapter 172-120 WAC, as well as applicable state and/or
federal laws. Investigations shall be conducted by such university personnel
as may be appropriate to develop the facts of the violation, including
information resources and university police. Investigations may be referred
to outside law enforcement agencies as may be necessary to ensure a complete
and impartial investigation.
(5) Internet. The Internet is a
global communications network of interconnected computer networks: as
such, it is vast and chaotic by its very nature. EWU users of the Internet
are subject to applicable state and federal laws, as well as the information
policies of other computer systems with which they connect via the Internet.
Any non-authorized expenses incurred via such access are the responsibility
of the individual user, not the university.
(6) User Rights. Nothing in this
policy shall be construed or enforced in such a manner as to impinge
on accepted standards of academic freedom or constitutionally protected
rights, such as freedom of speech and association, whether protected
by state or federal constitution.
(New 8/96, UGS-92-049)
240-040-020
Computer Software Copyright.
The university shall respect the copyright protection given by federal
law to software owners. No employee or student of the university may
copy or reproduce any licensed software on university computing equipment
except as expressly permitted by the software license. This permission
usually allows for the creation of one backup copy of the software.
Also, unauthorized copies of any software may not be used on any university-owned
computer or any computer housed in any university facility. Unauthorized
use of software is regarded as a serious matter and any such use is
without the consent of Eastern Washington University.
(New 9/90, UGS-P91-003)
240-040-040
Computer Lab Language.
The following language is adopted for this topic and related university
documents dealing with computing labs:
(1) Definitions.
(a) Computer lab. A room in which several computers
are provided primarily for student use for working on instructional
assignments.
(b) Workroom. A room in which computers are reserved for faculty
use only.
(2) Taxonomy.
Subdivisions (a) through (d) of this subsection describe a specific
computer lab in terms of four attributes: Hardware type, administrative
control. access to the lab and scope of lab.
(a) Hardware Type.
(i) Generic. Equipment that Is devoted to functions used
by many segments of the computing community such as word processing,
spreadsheets, or data bases.
(ii) Special. Equipment that is devoted to servicing special
purposes such as digital music workstations, Image or signal processors,
or parallel computers.
(b) Administrative Control.
(i) University Lab. A lab operated and funded by information
services.
(ii) College. A lab operated and funded by a particular
college (This also includes labs operated and funded jointly by
the college and a particular department.)
(iii) Department. A lab operated and funded by a particular
department
(iv) Lab Within a Lab. A section of a larger lab where the
hardware and software are "owned" by a particular department or
college: i.e.. the department or college obtained the funding to
purchase the hardware or software. which is part of or connected
to a university lab.
(c) Access To Lab.
(i) Closed. A lab dedicated to a particular group of students
at all times
(ii) Restricted. A lab that is reserved for certain groups
of students during some hours and is open to all students during
other hours.
(iii) Open. A lab open to any EVVU student after obtaining
appropriate permission if needed during all its hours of operation.
(iv) Mixed. A lab where part of the lab is open to any EWU
student during all its hours of operation, but a portion of the
lab can be reserved for certain groups of students during some hours
of operation.
(d) Scope of Labs.
(i) Computer Only. A lab consisting only of computer-related
equipment.
(ii) Combination. A computer lab that is combined with another
type of lab or other facility such as a Language lab. chemistry
lab, physics lab, educational media, music library, main library
or map room.
(New 8/92, UGS-92-026)
240-040-060
Computer Lab Goals and Objectives.
Design, operation, staffing and other aspects of EWU computing labs
shall be directed toward achieving the goals stated below:
(1) Cost Efficiency and Effectiveness.
(a) University Costs. The university shall provide students
computer services at a low cost through efficient operations, economies
of scale and economies of scope. Econornies of scale will result up
to a point from consolidation and centralization of computer lab facilities.
Economies of scope can be gained if combining a computer lab with
another lab or service saves money over operating the labs separately.
(b) Student Costs and Time. The university shall strive for
efficiency in terms of students' costs and time. Labs should be located
to minimize the dollar and time costs to students for transit to and
from the labs. This transit includes between the labs and classes
and between the labs and instructors' offices for advising purposes.
A centralized lab should be located to maximize the utility to the
maximum number of students.
(2) Assure Quality of Service.
(a) Time Availability. It is desirable to have computer labs
open as much as possible during day and night periods of significant
student demand. More availability may be desirable during specific
critical periods during a quarter. This need should be accommodated
in proper balance with adequate security measures during late hours.
(b) Effective Computer-supported Learning. Interaction both
in and out of the classroom between instructor and student is required
for the effective use of software which supports academic areas in
special disciplines such as chemistry. math, accounting. etc. The
operation of the software and the related academic subject matter
both require elucidation and this will probably be available only
from those expert in the particular academic discipline. In particular.
students having difficulties with a specialized program need reasonable
access to their instructors to resolve those problems.
(c) Software and Hardware Availability and Currency. The availability
of appropriate hardware and software for the students to use for course
work or research is important. Hardware and software the students
win find useful after graduation is especially important. Often this
means that students need to have access to hardware and software that
is state of the art and cur-rent.
(3) Develop Computer Literacy Needed for
Real World.
This goal is to ensure that its students are sufficiently "computer
literate" for their respective fields and life in general, and that
labs will support this objective. In some fields this may only mean
that the student knows how to run and use some basic programs such as
word. processing. In some other fields, it may mean that the student
knows how to use the state-of-the-art equipment and software.
(4) Encourage Course-related Use of Computer
Technology.
Course-related use of computer technology includes both student using
computers to do their course work that traditionally has been done without
the computer (e.g.. word processing, spreadsheets) and faculty explicitly
incorporating computer usage into the course. Lab planning and operation
should support this objective.
(5) Reduce Risk to the University.
The less risk the university faces as a result of its lab operations.
the better. Such risks include:
(a) loss of equipment through theft, fire or poor maintenance;
(b) injury to lab consultants;
(c) injury to students;
(d) liability suits: and
(e) penalties from copyright and license infringement.
(6) Support Accreditation.
The lab plarming and operation should be consistent with accreditation
needs of the university as a whole and the individual colleges and departments.
(New 8/92. UGS-92-026)
240-G4G-080
Computer Labs-Specific Allocation,
Operational and Fiscal Policy.
(1) Lab Centralization, Placement and Layout.
(a) Spokane Center Lab. The university should have one university
lab in Spokane which provides generic computers for general usage.
To the extent that any specialized or department labs exist in Spokane.
they should become labs within the Spokane university Lab. The lab
should be open in the evening and on weekends to accommodate commuting
and evening students. It is desirable to keep the lab open for significant
evening hours.
(b) Cheney Campus Central Lab. The university should have
a central lab on the Cheney campus that has generic computers that
meet the basic needs of all students (Currently, this means both MACs
and IBM -compatibles). This central lab should be open as much as
possible. The university should encourage specialized, department
or college labs to become well articulated and independently administered
labs within this lab in order to increase student accessibility to
the equipment in these labs.
(c) Other Labs.
(i) Location Related. Another university lab (or labs) may
be necessary to meet the needs of certain segments of the campus,
depending on the location of the Cheney campus lab and the size
of such a lab relative to student demand for services. Such additional
labs may operate at lower levels of amenities than the Central Lab,
with respect to hours, hardware, software. and peripherals, but
should adequately serve the basic needs of the segment.
(ii) Instruction Related. Also, other labs may be requested
from time to time to meet needs for computer-supported learning.
However, if at all possible, such needs should be addressed via
maximally cost effective means such as mixed labs or demonstration
computer's brought into the classroom rather than establishing separate
isolated labs. which should be a final resort in the quest for generic
computer support of instructional needs.
(d) Lab Economies. The university should encourage department.
college and specialized labs to be labs within a university lab if
a major loss of proximity does not occur as a result. To the extent
possible, the university should encourage the generic equipment in
those labs to be open to all students when not in use by the particular
department. college or other specific group of students. For specialized
equipment, restricted access may be necessary depending on the circumstances.
Economy of scope shall be encouraged whenever possible.
(e) Teaching Labs. The university should provide some part
of the university labs that can be reserved and partitioned into areas
to be used for a class. The mixed lab design should have high priority
in meeting this need. When this section of the lab is not being used
by a class its equipment should be open to all EWU students.
(f) State-of-the-art Access. The university should strive
to provide students some access to state-of-the-art computer software
and hardware including scanners, laser printers, color laser printers.
tape drives. CD roms. etc. To the extent possible this state-of-the-art
equipment should be either part of the central lab or a lab within
the central lab.
(2) Lab Staffing.
The computer labs should be staffed sufficiently to allow students
needing help to have reasonable access to help. When computer labs are
expected to be heavily used. more lab assistants may be needed and should
possess good communication skills. During evening hours, it is desirable
that at least one lab assistant in one of the labs be relatively knowledgeable
and able to communicate so that a computer user from the other labs
may contact him or her by phone to get a question answered.
(3) Student Software Standardization.
The university should recommend to the faculty and students. and place
in all university labs, a "standardized" set of software for common
productivity and academic needs. The faculty will be encouraged to use
this software rather than substitute software whenever possible.
(4) Computer Lab Fees.
Lab fees, if used at all as a means to fund lab operations and/or upgrading,
should be as broadly based as possible and tempered with every effort
and device needed to avoid discouraging the use of labs by the largest
possible student constituency.
(5) Lab Planning Process.
A standard procedure should be developed by Academic Computing Council
(ACQ /University Computing Policy Review Conunittee (UCPRC)/Chief Information
Officer (CIO) for forming new computer labs or making major modifications
to or discontinuing existing labs.
A steering committee should be appointed by ACC for the university
labs to address such issues as the need to regulate and prioritize use
of the labs by different constituencies with different needs, such as
computer science students, art students or business students.
(6) Lab Funding.
The university should be responsible for funding the operation and
maintenance of the university labs. A regular part of the university
budget should also be dedicated to updating computer equipment and software.
Departments and colleges should be responsible for the funding required
to purchase hardware and software in their labs and for maintenance
even if the latk is a lab within a university lab. Also. the department
or college should be financially and tactically responsible for operating
their labs.
The university and a college may agree to a joint venture in which
the funding for the purchase of hardware and equipment, and the operation
and maintenance of a lab is split between the university and the college.
The university should enter into such an agreement only if the resulting
lab is open or mixed.
(New 8/92. UGS-92-026) |