Information Technology Policies at Educational Institutions

Why Go to the Trouble of Creating an IT Policy?

 


Introduction

Reasons

Examples of
IT Policies

Glossary

Sources

Once created and published, an IT
policy sets the guidelines for users and providers of information technology resources. Before implementing an IT policy, an institution should consider many factors, including:
  • The philosophy and mission of the educational institution
  • The nature and scope of IT services provided
  • The needs of all users of IT resources
  • Anticipated changes in the technology infrastructure
  • Effective measures for enforcing official policies
  • Consequences to users of disregarding published policy
  • The range of confidentiality levels required by different constituencies
There are many reasons an institution should consider implementing a comprehensive IT policy. An official, published IT policy
  • allows all users to be informed of the range of information technology products and services available (e.g., e-mail, file-sharing, or data storage space);
  • gives users information on where to turn for assistance with information technology-related questions or problems;
  • allows members of the educational community to engage in constructive dialogue about proposed or necessary changes in IT policies (without a written document, policy conditions might be subject to misinterpretation or individual translation);
  • protects an institution from potentially costly legal ramifications of users' abuse and/or misuse of IT resources.
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