CIT Policies

"Grateful for the advances in science and technology, we make careful use of their products, on guard against idolatry and harmful research, and careful to use them in ways that answer to God's demands to love our neighbor and to care for the earth and its creatures." (Paragraph 52, Our World Belongs to God, CRC Publications, 1988.)

We are stewards of technology; therefore God requires accountability in our use of these gifts. As a community that yields to the leadership of Jesus Christ , Calvin College expects responsible use of technology by faculty, staff and students.

CIT polices are statements of the behaviors that are expected of all enfranchised users (e.g., faculty, staff, students, alumni, guests, etc.) of Calvin College information technology resources, and the consequences for failing to comply with the stated expectations.

CIT policies are intended to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations, to promote operational efficiencies, to enhance the college's mission, or to reduce institutional risks.

As a user of Calvin information technology resources it is your responsibility to be aware of both Calvin's policies on using Calvin's information technologies and federal, state, and local laws that affect your use of technology. As a Christian College, what might be allowed under the law may not be allowed at Calvin. This document provides information as to what Calvin expects of you, what are your rights and how to report violations.

The Policy Process

Consequences for violation of a policy

Use of information technology resources at Calvin College is a privilege, not a right. Violation of any parts of IT Policies will subject the violator to disciplinary action, which may include any of the following: warnings, loss of access, probation, suspension, or legal prosecution.
  • Students: A breach of any parts of this policy may warrant referral to the Senior Judicial Advisor or Judicial Advisor as defined in Appendix G of the Student Handbook: General Disciplinary Process
  • Staff: A breach of any parts of this policy may warrant referral to their immediate supervisor as addressed in The Staff Handbook section on Rules of Conduct and Working Relationships
  • Faculty: A breach of any parts of this policy may warrant referral to the Provost's Office as addressed in section 6.1 of the Faculty Handbook: Procedures for Addressing Allegations of Misconduct
  • Alumni and guests of the college: A breach of any parts of this policy may warrant termination of access to Calvin information technology resources or banishment from the college grounds.

Reporting a known or suspected violation of a policy

As a user of Calvin information technologies it is your responsibility to report any known or suspected violations of any IT policy to the VP for Administration, Finance, & Information Services, any IT Director, or the IT Information Security Officer. (See CIT Organizational chart.)

Policy request and approval process (see flowchart)

Anyone may suggest the need for a new policy by completing a Request for a New Policy form and submitting to the Policy Team. Anyone may suggest the need for a change to an existing policy by completing a Request for Policy Revision form and submitting to the Policy Team.

  • Internal policies relating directly to CIT staff, student employees or contract employees require approval by the IT Directors and the VP for Information Services.
  • College-wide IT policies require approval by the IT Directors, Information Services Committee, the Cabinet and at times the Faculty Senate.
  • Policies, both internal and college-wide, may be provisional until final approval is received.

Review of Policies

The Policy Team will review College-wide IT policies annually or sooner if circumstances warrant by the Policy Team.

Internal policies will be reviewed as warranted by the IT Directors.