ITS News

EDUCAUSE has recently published a CALEA update
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CALEA ("Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act") was enacted by Congress in 1994. It spells out the circumstances and conditions under which wiretapping related to criminal investigations may be conducted by law enforcement agencies. Until last August, the law and regulations applied only to telephone companies. But then the FCC, realizing that much communication formerly conducted by telephone was increasingly being carried over data networks, broadened the Federal regulations implementing CALEA. The revised regulations would require "facilities-based broadband access providers, including higher education institutions, to facilitate lawful requests for surveillance of specific communications on their data networks…."

Within the higher education community, there was great concern about this broadening on three grounds: 1) there had been no process of hearings or consultation prior to the rule-making; 2) the FCC's reinterpretation seemed to go against the plain meaning of the statute; and 3) it would apparently take a very substantial financial investment in network equipment to comply.

In January, the American Council on Education and EDUCAUSE joined in a lawsuit challenging the FCC's reinterpretation. On June 9, 2006, the Court of Appeals of the District of Columbia announced its decision in the suit, which essentially upheld the FCC's action. The court noted, however, that under terms of CALEA itself and in the view of the FCC, "private networks" are exempt from compliance -- a promising development.

Subsequently, the ACE commissioned a legal opinion regarding the extent to which networks operated by colleges and universities may be subject to CALEA. The conclusions of that opinion were also reviewed by different counsel and resulted in a second opinion. Both opinions concur in the following points (quoted from the EDUCAUSE website):

Generally speaking, a higher education or research institution should be fully exempt from CALEA if it satisfies two criteria: (1) its network qualifies as a "private network," and (2) it does not "support" the connection of the private network to the Internet.

In practical terms, this means that an institution should be exempt where it restricts the use of its network to particular classes of users (e.g., students, faculty, and administrators), and where the institution relies on a third party (such as a commercial ISP or a regional network) to provide the transmission and switching facilities used to route traffic to the Internet, rather than self-supplying such facilities.

Meanwhile, the American Library Association sought a legal opinion about the applicability of CALEA to libraries. In part the ALA's concern was that the providing of Internet access to the public by libraries might jeopardize colleges' "private network" exemption. The ALA's counsel found unequivocally that "Libraries, whether in an academic institution or not, are exempt from CALEA."

In the case of Lawrence, both conditions cited in the ACE opinion appear to me to be met. 1) We are not in the business of providing network access to the public, even though we have occasional and very limited network use by campus guests, both in the library and elsewhere. 2) We do not provide our own connection to the Internet, but pay a third party for that service.

Just to be sure, we need to get an opinion from counsel based in a review of our particular facts and circumstances. At this point, however, it appears that we will not be expected to comply.

Wireless access to the campus network is now available on the 4th floor of Briggs Hall. Initial assessments show that signal strength is uniformly high on that floor, so connectivity and performance should be fine.

Signal strength measurements indicate that some parts of the 3rd floor may also have service.

Stay tuned for updates as the 2006 wireless rollout continues.

There will be an interruption of e-mail services this Friday evening, August 25th, starting at 11:00 p.m. and continuing until 3:00 a.m., for server maintenance. This outage will only affect e-mail - all other network resources will still be available.

If you have any questions please contact the helpdesk at ext. 6570.

Access to the campus data network from Briggs hall is now ready on all floors in the building. Our initial plan called for access only on the fourth floor and in the CTL, but the good coverage provided by the access points allowed for service on most of the second and third floors as well.

A wireless access point has been installed in Main Hall near the Strange Commons. Wireless access to the campus network is now available in the commons and in a few other areas on the west end of the first floor.

I'm pleased to report on the most recent expansion of wireless access to the Lawrence campus network. The 2006-2007 capital budget included funds for that purpose, and the initial phase of the work was complete as of about September 1.

Access is newly available in all of Briggs Hall, room 121 in Youngchild Hall, and the Strange Student Commons on the first floor in Main Hall.

These new wireless locations were chosen after discussions with the Technology Advisory Committee, the Committee on Academic Technology, and the Student Welfare Committee of LUCC. They reflect as well the results of a faculty technology survey conducted during term II of last year.

In addition to these new areas, wireless access continues to be available in the library, Memorial Union, Science Hall, Shattuck Hall (the lower-level lobby), and the Barber Room in Downer Commons.

Because providing this new coverage did not require all the funds that had been budgeted, we also expect to be able to add access in Wriston during the fall. I'll write again about those plans as they develop.

Information on how to connect wirelessly is available on the ITS website and in a brochure available in building offices, at the library Reference Desk, and from the ITS Helpdesk.

Please direct questions or comments about wireless access and other ITS topics to the Helpdesk (helpdesk@lawrence.edu; ext. 6570).

As I noted in an earlier post, the impact of CALEA on Lawrence seems likely to be minimal or non-existent. Now a recent letter from EDUCAUSE's Network Policy Council provides further reassurance on the exemption of nearly every institution of higher education from the provisions of CALEA as they apply to campus networks:

Institutions of higher education and libraries should regularly review CALEA developments in Washington, and the Network Policy Council will keep the community informed. The EDUCAUSE resource page on CALEA offers up to date information. But careful reading of the documents to date and direct advice from the principals have led the Council to conclude that essentially all campus networks are private and exempt. Regularly reviewing campus mechanisms for responding to court ordered information gathering by law enforcement under Title 18 is wise, but in the absence of published standards and equipment for CALEA compliance, the vast majority of institutions need not take other proactive steps.

Under the circumstances, it no longer seems necessary to ask Lawrence's counsel for an opinion on this matter. ITS will continue to monitor CALEA developments that may pertain to Lawrence.

The network group within ITS had been one person short for the summer after Robert Lowe's resignation to take a position with a new firm out of the area. I'm pleased to be able to
write now to announce several changes in the staffing and leadership of this group, whose work is so critical in supporting information technology systems and services at Lawrence:

Steve Armstrong has been promoted to Network and Systems Manager and will serve as leader of the team. Steve has great technical skills, proven ability to juggle many responsibilities successfully, and a record of bringing projects to successful completion -- qualities that will stand him in good stead in his new post.

Charlie Schroeder has become Senior Database and Systems Manager with broadened responsibilities for databases and systems, including support for a growing number of academic applications delivered over the Web. We've benefited greatly from Charlie's expertise and his willingness to pitch in on challenging projects, and we know that his continued work in this area will be of great value.

Sean Schipper has been promoted from Systems Administrator I to Systems Administrator II, reflecting his increasing skill and broader responsibility for a variety of systems and services. Sean, too, is a veteran of the team, and we're pleased to recognize his talent and dedication in this way.

Damien Velasco has left his post as Microcomputer Specialist II on the user services team to join the network and systems team as Systems Administrator I. Damien has demonstrated a can-do spirit and strong technical abilities in user services, and we look forward to what he will bring to his new responsibilities in a new area.

Drew Giese, who has for several months been supporting desktop systems and printers for us on a contract basis, is now filling the vacancy created in user services by Damien's promotion. Drew's user support experience in a public school setting and his familiarity with both Windows and Macintosh platforms are already proving to be assets at Lawrence.

Please join me in congratulating these members of the ITS staff on their new roles and responsibilities.

What computers and other devices did our entering students bring with them last fall? What's the balance between laptops and desktops? How about between Macs and Windows machines? What fraction brought a cell phone? How about iPods or other MP3 players?

During their first "official" day on the campus as part of the CIRP survey, entering freshmen were asked about the technology they had brought with them; 345 students responded. Some highlights:

• A whopping 97% of freshmen brought at least one computer with them to campus this fall; a few students brought two, three, or more!
• The Windows operating system continues to dominate (73% of freshmen use it), but the popularity of Mac OS X is strong, at 25%, and growing. (Apple's share of the personal computer market is still under 6%.)
• Laptop computers are overwhelmingly the favorite with freshmen: 85% said their main computer is a laptop.
• Wireless access is definitely the norm, with 80% of freshmen reporting that the computer they use most often has wireless access.

In addition to the nearly universal ownership of personal computers, a strong majority of this year's freshmen also make use of two other items of personal technology—cell phones and MP3 players.

• Cell phones are used by 89% of freshmen.
• An iPod or other MP3 player came to campus with nearly three-quarters (73%) of freshmen.

Having this information about the technology preferences of entering students and the trends evident from comparison with prior years gives ITS important information for planning services to support our students. There are powerful trends here—especially in the growing prevalence of laptop computers, wireless access, and MP3 devices—that are calling for different services and support models from ITS. We welcome your thoughts and comments about the opportunities and challenges these changes present to Lawrence.

Administrative offices throughout the campus have expressed an interest in having the ability to store an image of a document electronically. The Banner software package that the university uses has a built in module called XtenderSolutions which was designed specifically for this purpose. Documents can be linked directly to an individual, an office, or any classification that we define. The imaged documents share the same high security standards as the rest of the Banner modules.

The registrar's office and the financial aid office will begin using Banner imaging shortly after the January 30th training session. A SungardHE consultant will be on site during the training session to help with this transition.

As we gain experience and resources are available, other offices will begin making use of the imaging module. These offices include, but are not limited to, human resources, alumni/development, finance, international student services, and information technology services. Any office with imaging needs is welcome to plan for the use of the XtenderSolutions product. For more information, contact the ITS Helpdesk at ext. 6570 or your ITS support person.

By mid-January, ITS had rolled out three enhancements to the campus network: A faster connection for Alexander Gymnasium, a faster connection for the Academy of Music, and wireless access in Wriston.

The Chronicle of Higher Education has reported on the University of Virginia's annual survey of the technology choices of its entering class. Since we blogged on this topic here in January, it's interesting to compare results. In general, trends evident at Lawrence are also evident at UVa, only more strongly. In only one area -- preference for the Macintosh -- did freshman Lawrentians outscore their counterparts at UVa.

Effective this weekend, Daylight Saving Time (DST) for the United States will be extended by four weeks in order to comply with the Energy Policy Act of 2005. DST dates will start three weeks early on Sunday, March 11, at 2:00 A.M. and end one week late on Sunday, November 4, at 2:00 A.M.

Computer systems, cell phones, PDAs, and other applications that process dates and times will be affected by this change. So what actions do users need to take? Lawrence University computers connected to the network have already been updated, so no action is required. However, it may be necessary for students, faculty and staff to update personal and home computers. The following information will help you make the necessary changes.

Mac Users: Mac OS 10.3.9 and later have a Software Update available from Apple. To run Software Update, click on the Apple in the upper-left corner, then Software Update (you may have to click About This Mac first). Be sure the Daylight Savings Time update is checked and click Install. For versions of OS X older than 10.3.9, there is a free updater available at: http://www.versiontracker.com/dyn/moreinfo/macosx/32030. (Rob Konitzer, Microcomputer Specialist)

Windows Users: Windows Vista is already updated, so no action is required for Vista users. Windows XP and 2000 Professional users have updates available from Microsoft. Click on the Start menu, then Help and Support. Select Windows Update. Be sure to select Critical Update 928388 and install. Users may also visit the following link for specific update instructions and downloads: http://support.microsoft.com/gp/dst_hu1. (Drew Giese, Microcomputer Specialist)

Cell Phone Users: should check with their provider for system updates.

Palm Users: See the following link and select your device. http://www.palm.com/us/support/downloads/dst.html

Don't forget to change your clocks to reflect the DST changes - time will "spring forward" one hour on March 11. If you have questions or concerns regarding DST computer or other technical equipment updates, please direct them to the ITS Helpdesk via e-mail (helpdesk@lawrence.edu)or phone (ext. 6570).

Students,

ITS requires students to re-register their computers each term. We have
cleared all registered computers as of Wednesday, 3/28. You will
need to register your computer in order to regain access to Internet
services, e-mail and network spaces.

The goal of Lawrence's Office of Information Technology Services is to provide the campus community with reliable, up-to-date computing and networking services that support students, faculty, and staff in their teaching, learning, and living at Lawrence. We need feedback from the campus community so that we can understand whether we're accomplishing that goal and, when we're not, how we can improve.

Minihubs
If you checked out a minihub for your network connection, it must be returned to the ITS HelpDesk before you leave for the summer break. A $50 charge will be placed on your student account, in addition to a $20 processing fee, for each minihub that is NOT returned by Saturday, June 9. Minihubs can be returned to:

- ITS Helpdesk, Library 201, Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
- ITS table in Downer Lobby, June 4th - June 8th, during lunch hour
- ITS table in Downer Lobby, Saturday, June 9th, 9:30 - 11:00 a.m. (Last chance!)

Graduating? Transferring? Then you need to be aware that network accounts for non-returning students will be closed on June 30. Be sure to save any important files, e-mail messages, and e-mail addresses on the hard drive of your personal computer, on CDs, or on other personal storage such as a USB flash drive before June 30. You will not be able to access your network space or e-mail account after June 30.

Returning in the fall?

You can continue to access your e-mail account from off-campus over the summer. If you don't anticipate checking your e-mail, you need to take a few basic precautions now to ensure that you don't accidentally exceed your e-mail quota while you're away:

- Delete any e-mail you don't need to keep, especially messages with large attachments.
- Empty your Sent Mail folder, if you maintain one.
- Finish by emptying your Trash folder.

If you have any questions regarding these reminders, please contact the ITS HelpDesk at Ext. 6570. Thanks, and have a Great Summer!

E-mail Clean Up and Vacation Messages

If you are leaving campus over the summer and don't anticipate checking e-mail, it is a good idea to set up a "Vacation" message. This is an automated e-mail message which will be sent in response to incoming e-mail. It is a great way to provide alternate contact information, or a date when you will return, to those trying to reach you via e-mail. For instructions on how to set up a Vacation message, as well as how to remove a Vacation message, please click here.

It is also a good idea to clean up your e-mail account to ensure that you don't accidentally exceed your e-mail quota while you're away. Please follow these simple steps to clean your account:

- Delete any e-mail you don't need to keep, especially messages with large attachments.
- Empty your Sent Mail folder, if you maintain one.
- Finish by emptying your Trash folder.

Accessing E-mail Off Campus

If you would like to access your e-mail over the summer, there are two ways to do so off campus. You can login to your account using webmail. Or, if you have a personal e-mail address, it is possible to forward your LU e-mail to your personal account over the summer. For instructions on how to forward your e-mail, as well as how to remove forwarding, please click here.

Network Space

You will be able to access your network space from off-campus if your home computer is set up to use Virtual Private Network (previously referred to as the Lawrence tunnel). To request VPN access before you leave for the summer, please contact the HelpDesk. Without VPN access, you may simply copy files which you would like to use over the summer from your office computer onto a CD or other personal storage such as a USB flash drive.

If you are departing Lawrence University, please be aware that Network Accounts for non-returning faculty members will be closed based on your contract end date. Be sure to save any important files, e-mail messages, and e-mail addresses on the hard drive of your personal computer, on CDs, or on other personal storage before your contract end date.

If you have any questions regarding these reminders, please contact the ITS HelpDesk at Ext. 6570. Thanks, and have a Great Summer!

What's ITS's raison d'être? It's to provide you (Lawrence students, faculty, and staff) with the technology services and support you need in order to reach your learning, teaching, and administrative goals. One way to assess how well we're meeting your support needs is to ask for your feedback. This spring, we did just that by inviting you to participate in our first annual customer satisfaction survey. Now we're pleased to share the results with you!

The Lawrence Board of Trustees has approved a total of $550,000 for information technology capital projects during the 2007-2008 fiscal year. Nearly 60 percent of the budgeted funds ($323,000) will be devoted to replacing or upgrading existing equipment so that our network, servers, printers, copiers, projectors, and desktop or laptop systems remain robust and reliable. The remaining 40 percent of the budget is available to do new things.

Students,

ITS has expanded LU-provided wireless to include several new locations! Effective immediately, wireless is available in the first floor lounges of Kohler, Ormsby, Plantz, Sage, and Trever Halls. Wireless is also available in the fourth floor lounge of Hiett Hall. ITS is excited about this expansion and will inform you of additional expansion as it occurs. For more information on LU-provided wireless, please visit www.lawrence.edu/dept/its/services/guides/wireless.shtml.

Faculty members,

Imagine that it's 9:47a.m. and your class begins in three minutes. You are anxiously awaiting the arrival of your students so you can share the fabulous presentation which you spent endless hours creating. The classroom is full of energy, and you know it is going to be a great day for learning at Lawrence University. You happily turn on the projector, log in to the computer, and... blank screen...nothing happens... Your positive vibe creeps and dwindles as you try again. You don't have time to waste on this exciting day. What are you to do?!?!

It's oh so simple. Call the Classroom Technology Hotline at x7020 from a building phone or 920-832-7020 from your cell phone. An ITS technician will be dispatched immediately to troubleshoot the problem and restore services in your classroom. ...and the positive vibe returns!

ITS implemented the Hotline last academic year specifically for problems encountered with projectors, computers, and other audio/visual equipment while class is in session. The Hotline is conveniently available from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. (Please note, ITS requests that you reserve the use of the Classroom Technology Hotline for urgent technology issues with existing classroom equipment. Other issues should continue to be addressed via the Helpdesk.)

For more information on operating classroom equipment, refer to the printed instructions located in the equipment cabinet or posted on the wall in each multimedia classroom. You may also visit www.lawrence.edu/dept/it/classrooms.shtml. To request a personal multimedia training session, please contact the Helpdesk. We will be happy to assist you.

Lately ITS has encountered numerous incidents involving Microsoft Office documents. If you are using the new version of Microsoft Office for Windows (Office 2007) on your personal computer, OR, if you receive files from users of Office 2007 (generally, most students with new computers), please refer to the following article posted earlier this year.

View the article here: http://blogs.lawrence.edu/its/2007/04/keeping_microsoft_office_docum.html

This article includes tips on how to keep Office documents compatible, and ITS feels that students, faculty, and staff may find it very useful as classes begin.

Faculty and Staff,

ITS wants to share an incredible offer - as part of the WAICU Adobe Purchase Program which Lawrence is a part of, faculty and staff are able to purchase Adobe software for home use at student discount pricing through Journey Education Marketing (JourneyEd), WAICU's designated reseller for Adobe products. This offer is for a limited time only and expires November 30, 2007. If you are thinking of purchasing Adobe software, now is the time! Click here for more information.

Here's our annual update on the personal technology choices of freshmen. In a nutshell, students were slightly more likely to bring cellphones than last year's freshmen, somewhat more likely to bring laptops and MP3 players, and significantly more likely to bring a Macintosh than last year.

As noted early in the summer, the 2007-2008 ITS capital budget includes provisions for a number of upgrades to the campus network. Several of these have been completed, and several others are nearing completion. So, it's time for a report to the campus community covering 1) greater bandwidth to the Internet, 2) expanded wireless coverage, 3) network access control, and 4) the extension of the campus network to Banta Bowl. This report covers the first two of these. Expect more information on the second two in about a week.