(Note: more comprehensive information is available in the LAWR IT Plan.)

LAWR computer policy provides a framework for information technology service that supports the Department’s mission and goals, including reliable support and the creation and  maintenance of a safe and stable computing environment. It strives for efficient delivery of essential services, and establishes operational guidelines. Our policies are designed to work in tandem with the campus Strategic Plan, the campus Electronic Communication Policy, the campus Cyber-Safety Program Policy and the other university  policies. Particular importance is placed on the security and protection of electronically stored private information, including sensitive academic operations.

• Individualized service from LAWR IT staff is available through our online system, and is best initiated through email to _lawrit at ucdavis dot edu_.
  
• All networked computer systems where Windows is the operating system shall use Windows 2000 or newer and participate in the LAWR Active Directory Domain.
• All networked computer systems where Apple is the operating system shall use OS X 10.3.x or newer and managed through LAWR IT Apple Remote Desktop.
• All networked computer systems where Linux is the desired operating system shall runn.
• Administrator privileges to University computers will continue to be available to Faculty, CE Specialists, Professional Researchers and their proxies upon request from the faculty custodian. A unique account is established for each individual with Administrator privileges, and those privileges extended to each computer identified by the faculty request. With the administrator account(s) provided, these users may install/uninstall hardware and software.
• Training in the rights, responsibilities, and risks of using administrator privileges will precede assignment. At the conclusion of training, users will receive written documentation outlining the material covered and department policy regarding computer use. This documentation will include a signature page acknowledging receipt of this information.
• Domain Administrators will remain as part of the Administrators local group on all computers that join the domain.
• Administrator privileges on computers will be revoked only if abused, and only with the authorization of the Department Chair or his/her designee.
• Failure of system custodians (faculty/staff/students) to maintain an adequate level of system security, resulting in compromised (hacked) systems or malicious probes/attacks on other computers, may result in loss of administrator privileges or removal from the network at the discretion of the Department Chair or her/his designee.

Information Technology Staff Responsibilities

• As best possible, provide a stable and secure networked environment in which the department can fulfill the University Mission of teaching, research, and public service.
• Provide for the installation and maintenance of anti-virus software.
• Provide for the installation of operating system and application security updates and critical patches. On Windows computers, this will include patches for the operating system, Internet Explorer, and Microsoft Office through use of UpdateExpert or a similar software tool. Faculty will be advised when updates are performed.
• Provide software and hardware support to requests made through the Request Tracker system. In case of emergency, all IT staff carry cell phones, and will respond to requests made through administrative office staff (141 HH, 113 VH, 1110 PES).
• Adhere to all University policies regarding use and security of electronic communication and computing systems.

Information Technology Staff Will Not:

• View, access, transmit, or print others’ personal information, except for incidental events as provided for by the University of California, Davis Electronic Communication Policy.
• Perform work on desktop/laptop computers without consent from the user of the system – except in case of emergency, and with the expressed consent of the Department Chair or his/her designee.

Resources:

Electronic Communications Policy
Business & Finance Bulletin IS-3: Electronic Information Security