An open letter from the Liaison Committee for Academic Computing and Technology
Liaison Committee for Academic Computing and Technology
Issue date: 2/4/10 Section: Sci/Tech
You might be surprised how seemingly 'cool' technical decisions can cause unease. For instance, a short while ago ITS initiated a 'one password fits all' system as many faculty and students saw how convenient it is to be liberated from memorizing many passwords for many different systems. As the New York Times recently reported, most of us feel overwhelmed by the need to password our diverse bank-accounts, social networking sites, credit card entries, different email accounts and so on. They also report a recent study that reveals the simple mnemonics people use to retain sanity with passwords such as "123abc" or even "password" - the dream of cyber burglars!
Whence the unease? As some argued, having one password for everything makes as much sense as having one key for all of one's locks - office, house, car, safety deposit box, brief-case. You see the problem? If someone unscrupulous filches your key, you are a goner: many, many locks to change. And unlike a key, you often don't know if someone has filched your password - until it is too late.
This shows that technical decisions are only sometimes merely a matter of 'code', they are often also matters that touch on human conduct, how people go about their business of communicating, educating, learning - not to mention banking and paying bills. This is where the Liaison Committee for Academic Computing and Technology (LCACT) steps into that middle area between Information Technology Services (ITS) and users of technology on campus - faculty, students, staff - to consider policy on all matters pertaining to the operation, maintenance, and improvement of technology and computing that affect the academic program and mission of Union College. The Committee is also charged with assessing the current use of technology for academic purposes and academic technology. The Committee provides a forum where information technology services meet with faculty and students on a regular - as opposed to a crisis management basis - to share insights, communicate ideas and interests and actually formulate and implement policy.
Whence the unease? As some argued, having one password for everything makes as much sense as having one key for all of one's locks - office, house, car, safety deposit box, brief-case. You see the problem? If someone unscrupulous filches your key, you are a goner: many, many locks to change. And unlike a key, you often don't know if someone has filched your password - until it is too late.
This shows that technical decisions are only sometimes merely a matter of 'code', they are often also matters that touch on human conduct, how people go about their business of communicating, educating, learning - not to mention banking and paying bills. This is where the Liaison Committee for Academic Computing and Technology (LCACT) steps into that middle area between Information Technology Services (ITS) and users of technology on campus - faculty, students, staff - to consider policy on all matters pertaining to the operation, maintenance, and improvement of technology and computing that affect the academic program and mission of Union College. The Committee is also charged with assessing the current use of technology for academic purposes and academic technology. The Committee provides a forum where information technology services meet with faculty and students on a regular - as opposed to a crisis management basis - to share insights, communicate ideas and interests and actually formulate and implement policy.
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