Intricacy and Impacts of Computing Policies on University Campuses

T. C. Ting

• Introduction
• 1. An Interlocking System of Technology and Human Action
• 2. Planning Computer Usage for Educational Systems
• 2.1 The Issue of Planning
• 2.2 Conciliating opposing Viewpoints and Interests
• 2.3 Planning and Managing Change
• 3. Organizational Changes and Their Potential Implications
• 3.1 Organizational, Structural and Operational Changes
• 3.2 Potential Changes in Educational Programs
• 4. Conflicts Between the Individual’s Right to Privacy and the Organization’s Need to Process Information
• 5. Difficulties in Developing and Adopting Conventions and Standards
• 6. Summary

3. Organizational Changes and Their Potential Implications

Introduction of computers on a university campus may cause organizational and program changes. The policies which direct development and operation of computer systems will certainly affect these changes.

3.1 Organizational, Structural and Operational Changes

The most important computer policy issues are (1) the placement of a computing-related office in the organization, and (2) the way in which resources are to be allocated. The organizational structure often dictates technological approaches and usage patterns. The issues may include the selection of a centralized or distributed computing approach, the development of application systems and operational responsibilities, and user access controls.

The selection of a technological approach has strong organizational and operational implications. Centralized mainframes, distributed or dispersed workstations and personal computers will certainly have organizational impacts. The integration or separation of the management of computers and communication systems – including telephones, fax machines, video signals, etc. – is also a strong policy decision and has definite organizational impacts.

Management of user access patterns is also influenced by the organizational structures and the selection of technological approaches. Who can access what systems and what data files, and how usages are being charged, monitored, and controlled also have strong policy implications.

3.2 Potential Changes in Educational Programs

The computer-use policy on a campus not only provides a powerful new tool to enhance the existing educational system, it may also introduce changes in the educational system itself. Educational delivery systems may be drastically changed. The availability of a new tool may affect our way of problem-solving in both our educational and research activities. The program objectives and contents may be changed to prepare students for the forthcoming information age. The concept of the university may even be changed. How should a campus computing policy support or limit some of these institutional changes needs to be considered along with the educational programs themselves.

Go to: 4. Conflicts Between the Individual’s Right to Privacy and the Organization’s Need to Process Information

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