Information Technology Policies Introduction

Murray State University Information Technology Policies

September 12, 2024

Murray State University has promoted various policies related to its information technology resources applicable to all users of MSU’s information technology resources. The Information Technology Policies are to provide additional information regarding the use, application, amendment and the promotion of additional technology policies.

MSU’s Information Technology Policies will be changed, amended and added to as technology changes and develops. All persons or entities affected by any Information Technology policies are responsible for complying with the most recent version of each such policy, and it is the responsibility of each such person or entity to be familiar with the Information Technology Policies.

Procedure for Development, Review and Modification of the Information Technology Policies

1. The Policy Review Subcommittee of the Information Technology Advisory Committee will be a body comprised of at least four members of the larger committee in addition to the Chief Information Officer. The Policy Review Subcommittee will meet at the call of the Chief Information Officer.
2. Proposals for new policies and/or modifications to existing policies will be forwarded to the Chief Information Officer. The proposals and comments will be brought before the ITAC Policy Review Subcommittee by the Chief Information Officer.
3. New or amended policies will be approved by the President of the University and brought before the Board of Regents as an informational item. All new or amended policies will become effective upon Presidential approval and when posted on the Policy website.

Persons and entities outside MSU may have access to University data or engage in other acts which require them to be subject to MSU’s Information Technology Policies. It is the responsibility of the MSU department working with such outside person or entity to ensure that the person or entity is subject to MSU’s Information Technology Policies or similar terms and conditions which are at least as stringent. Any variation or exception requires approval of the Vice President, after consultation with the Chief Information Officer, who oversees the department.

Other University policies may address use of the University’s information technology resources and topics similar to those addressed in the Information Technology Policies. In the event more than one policy addresses the same topic, users are responsible for observing the most stringent policy.

The Information Technology Policies are to be read as a consistent whole so as to effectuate their purpose. Any application for variation or exception from the provisions of MSU’s Information Technology Policies must be made by the Vice President in charge of the area seeking the exception/variation, after consultation with the Chief Information Officer.

Penalty provisions are included in each Information Technology policy. In addition to the statements in each policy, penalties may be imposed as provided in Section V of the Information Technology Acceptable Use policy. Violations of MSU’s Information Technology Policies may result in disciplinary action up to and including suspension of access to technology resources, termination of employment or submitting student violations to the Vice President for Student Affairs. A violation of any of MSU’s Information Technology Policies by a temporary worker, contractor or vendor may result in the termination of their contract or assignment with Murray State University.

Signatures on an account application form, acceptance of a user ID, online registration or use of any information technology resource denotes that the applicant/user has read and understands and consents to MSU’s Information Technology Policies.