About this policy
Policy contact:
Date of last update:
September 28, 2018
Policy statement
The IT Group recognizes that changes in IT infrastructure can be both necessary and disruptive. Changes to infrastructure are made in furtherance of the goals of the other IT polices. Changes in hardware, software, applications, compute environment, network systems, workstations, research clusters, and IT operating procedures require communication, scheduling, and coordination. Every effort is made to minimize disruption to the core missions of the School and to inform impacted constituents.
Exceptions to policy
Luddy website content, regular OS patches and software updates to end-point machines.
Procedures
- All shared hardware, systems software, application software, or procedural changes which could impact the Luddy environment, and/or service, are to be presented to the Core IT group.
- Major changes are vetted by the Core IT group (At In-person meetings or by other communication methods) as a verification that all elements are in place, all parties notified and trained, and the schedule for implementation is coordinated with all other activities in the organization.
- When it is anticipated that faculty will be impacted by changes, faculty are notified and asked for input whenever practicable.
- Changes are applied to test systems prior to deployment when such testing is practicable.
- Minor Changes (For example routine upgrades to web browsers, "Patch Tuesday" security fixes) do not require vetting by the group and may be applied as a matter of course.
- Summary logs of changes will be maintained in this Wiki. (detailed logs exist in patch management systems such as SCCM and Casper)