ISC Minutes

October 15, 2003
Noon - Faculty House

Attending: Ralph Savarese, Bob Cadmus, David Ellison, Vince Eckhart, Martha Voyles, Susan Ireland, Christopher McKee, Bill Francis, Helen Scott, Terri Phipps

Minutes of October 1 approved.

Discussion of academic computing:
Bill distributed a one-page document that separated ITS services into three categories: Academic Services, Central Services (serving both Academic and Administrative functions), and Administrative Services, though it was agreed that many functions fell into more than one category. This document was created in part to assist ISC in deciding which ITS functions would fall under its purview. Members agreed that issues in any category could be addressed by the Committee, but that didn't mean ultimate responsibility should fall to ISC. The Dean has final authority on computing policy, with recommendations by ITS.

One member asked if there was a body on campus that watched over slander and/or threats made electronically, but still protected the right of free speech. Any cases of slander or threats should be called to the attention of ITS. A policy is in place regarding this issue.

Concerns were raised over the line between institutional and individual responsibility and the legal boundaries of the college. For instance, if threats were made using the college's email system and equipment, would the college then be liable in any way?

Some members agreed that the college should form an advisory committee to handle computing issues. Vince will talk to Brad Bateman, Chair of FOC, about forming a committee. The initial Academic Computing Committee was composed of faculty, students and staff. If this committee, or some form of it, were to be reinstated, it wouldn't be until fall 2004. ISC would retain responsibility in the meantime.

Bill gave a brief timeline of the virtual community/Plans issue:

    Spring 2000 Closed VAX system
    Fall 2000 Plans re-formed
    Spring 2001 Responsibility for Plans moved to a different student
    Spring 2003 Complaint from Plan members and guests that Plan entries were against college policy. Student responsible for Plans was given three charges:
    Disable guest access
    Add computing policy to front page
    Make Plans non-searchable from the web
    The student only partially complied with these requests.
    July 2003 Plans remained unmonitored. Some Plans were in violation of computer use policy; they contained defamation, slander, and/or threats.
    Plan accounts were made available to anyone who requested one.

One student was barred from Plans with no explanation rather than following proper procedure.
Jen Krohn and Bill Francis suggested changes to the way Plans were managed. The student resisted.
Access to Plans was removed. Bill wrote a stop-gap policy to allow Plans to be restored. Any other additions to policy will be reviewed by the ISC.

A committee consisting of faculty, administration, staff, and students was formed to advise Bill. This committee--the Grinnell Online Community Advisory Committee (GOCAC)--has created a Blackboard account that acts as a resource for virtual community information.

    August 2003 Plans moved to off-campus site
    Sept. 2003 Open meeting held to discuss Plans. Six students attended.
    Sept.-Oct 2003 Weekly open meetings held on virtual communities. Poorly attended.

The ISC discussed what academic purpose Plans served. While it is possible for Plans to be used for instruction,it is very rarely used for that purpose. Plans is more tied to student life than to instruction. Alumni use Plans to stay in contact with friends and as a means to maintain a connection to Grinnell.

Since ISC is the "Instructional" Support Committee, non-instructional computing issues fall outside of the committee's responsibility.
GOCAC has drafted a report to Bill Francis. Bill asked the committee to read the report and possibly invite faculty and students to an upcoming meeting to discuss computing issues.

The committee will draft a recommendation to Dean Swartz concerning academic computing issues.