Academic Computing Policy Board
Meeting Minutes
October 6, 2008
Members Present: Brian Bjorklund (Chair), Olaf Hall-Holt, Roberta Lembke, Clare Mather.
I. Long-range planning. Roberta walked the Committee members through the IIT long-range planning document (“Envisioning the Future of IIT at St. Olaf College”).
One of our charges will be to assess the appropriateness of the initiatives for “Learning, Teaching and Technology;” will they take teaching and learning where it needs to go? These initiatives are meant to serve as examples. Do we want to keep them? Do we wish to add others? The document needs to be in its final form by February 2009.
Learning, Teaching, and Technology initiatives briefly discussed:
1. Secure funding and hire Instructional Technologist(s). Do we want divisional “instructional technologists” (“instruction” vs. “desktop” support)? We have a previous successful model, Anthony Roberts, who had release time to act as “technologist” to work with faculty; he organized workshops, etc. CILA supports and encourages networking among faculty. Idea: an “innovations fund”: Faculty (supported by Faculty Development funds for release time) propose a project involving technology.
2. Video support program: Deans Council has expressed interest in video on campus. Roberta is compiling a list of potential members. Faculty interest spans all disciplines.
3. Videoconferencing: we used to have it; do we wish to reinstitute it?
4. Roberta announced that there is likely to be the creation of an Administrative Computing Policy Board to parallel that of the Academic Computing Board. This would be a most welcome addition.
II. At our request, LaRue Pierce, Associate Dean for Sophomores, joined us for the second half of our meeting. We wished to have his input and perspective 1) on our students’ illegal Peer to Peer file sharing, and 2) on actions that the College might take to effect campus compliance with Higher Education Opportunity Act.
St. Olaf’s “plan” to address HEOA P2P violations is already in place and seems to be working well. We have a “three strike” sanctions policy.
1. First violation: educational sanction. Student meets with Dean Pierce, who explains the nature and illegality of P2P file sharing. Student must read about “The Law” at musicunited.org, and write a 1-2 page response to show his/her understanding both of his/her behavior and the law.
2. Second violation: disciplinary sanction. Student is placed on (disciplinary) probation his or her personal computing (as opposed to computing lab) privileges suspended for one month.
3. Third violation: disciplinary sanction. Student loses personal computing privileges for one year.
Comments:
Most often, students are unaware of what actually constitutes P2P and/or that file-sharing is even taking place; they are not aware that the software is on their computer. Our students tend to bring to campus their already down-loaded material, which is then shared, knowingly or not, on campus.
There have been “about 3” second-time offenders over the course of “a couple of years.” Students rarely reach the level of a third offense.
We are talking about a College response to Federal Law. Students may be involved in education and outreach efforts, but not in shaping St. Olaf policy regarding compliance with the law.
Discussion and recommendations regarding Education and Outreach :
- St. Olaf policy regarding the misuse of computers is in place, but may not be accessible online. LaRue will look into this.
- Use the meeting with JC’s during Week One to educate first-year students about file sharing.
- Use posters and run a sort of “ad campaign.”
- Use student-made videos (peers talking to peers), on the model of Week One skits. Organize a contest, with prizes? Perhaps involve Educause?
- Meet with the SGA liaison to the ACPB and/or SGA Media Board members.
- It will be important to make clear to students that St. Olaf’s will be unable to protect them should they be prosecuted for P2P violations.
Submitted by Clare Mather
