071.1 Computing and Information Services

071.1 Computing and Information Services

A. Background

The dynamic nature of information technology and the reduced need for large, centralized mainframe computing has resulted in the creation of a Computing and Information Services department. Computing and Information Services encompasses the departments formerly known as the Computer Center, Audio Visual Services, and Telephone Services. The Chief Information Officer (See File 071.0.) directs the department and reports to the Provost and Executive Vice President.

B. Policy

The role of the Furman University's Computing and Information Services department is to provide the university community with timely and cost-effective access to information technology appropriate to the mission and goals of the university, and to provide assistance and advice in its use. The Computing and Information Services staff will make a continuous effort to ensure that university operations are making the fullest use of available resources and technologies.

Computing and Information Services staff will keep abreast of current technologies and trends and provide leadership in exploiting these technologies to establish, maintain, and enhance Furman University's competitive advantage. With advice from the University's Academic Computing Committee and Information Technology Advisory Committee, Computing and Information Services staff will develop a strategic plan for the use of information technology. This plan will be updated as necessary and serve as a blueprint for the creation of an information technology infrastructure. Computing and Information Services staff will prepare budget requests and provide services consistent with the goals and priorities established in the strategic plan.

Computing and Information Services staff will strive to provide a robust and effective environment to support the academic and administrative needs of Furman University. Services provided will include:

• centralized computing facilities (where appropriate);
• a campus-wide data network; access to the Internet;
• access to the campus network from off-campus locations;
• workstation and PC laboratories for instruction, curriculum development, and general use;
• acquisition, development, maintenance and support of software;
• instruction in the use of information technology;
• coordination and advice in the procurement of hardware and software for use by other departments of the university;
• assistance in seeking funding for non-budgeted acquisitions of services, software and equipment related to the use of information technology; and
• support faculty and staff development activities.

C. Guidelines

1. Information technology equipment designated as a university resource and access to that equipment are under the supervision of Computing and Information Services. Equipment that is a university resource is available to all university users on a first-come first-served basis with the exception that faculty members have priority over students.

2. Information technology equipment that has been purchased as a departmental resource and access to the equipment are under the supervision of the department that purchased the equipment, unless other arrangements have been made with Computing and Information Services.

3. For efficiency purposes, maintenance costs for all computing equipment, except for equipment described in Guideline 2., are part of the Computer and Information Services budget.

4. All accounts (user names, access codes, etc.) for University information technology resources must be approved by Computing and Information Services.

5. Even if they have previously established accounts, those using University information technology resources for personal enrichment must have such use approved by Computing and Information Services.

6. Information technology resources are occasionally unavailable due to equipment failure. During such emergencies, Computing and Information Services will make decisions on the priority of the work to be done.

7. Information technology resources are intended for use by university personnel, authorized contractors, and students for university purposes, and such use has priority. Any other use of such resources must be approved, in advance, by Computing and Information Services.

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