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November 4, 1987

                                 MINUTES

                           Computer Committee

                        Newman Library Board Room

                            November 4, 1987

                                  3 PM

 

 

    PRESENT:     Jim Thomas, Don Allison, Jeff Birch, Randy Crockett,

                 David Goodyear, Bob Heterick, Katherine Johnston,

                 Harry Kriz, Tom McAnge, Jim Montgomery, Al Steiss,

                 Mike Williams, Michael Leahy

 

    ABSENT:      John Burton, Sharon Crawford, Ray Dessy, Jim Hicks,

                 Janet Johnson, Dennis Jones, Vernon Shanholtz,

                 Paul Torgersen, Jeff Wilcke, Chris Chenard

 

    VISITOR(S):  Steve Chapman, Rosie Higdon

 

 

    AGENDA ITEM 1: MINUTES OF THE OCTOBER MEETING

 

 

    Motion made, seconded and passed to approve the minutes of the

    October meeting.

 

    AGENDA ITEM 2: COMPUTING CENTER REPORT (WILLIAMS)

 

 

    Dr.Williams requested feedback as to whether changes made to the

    computer systems have caused problems within the user community.

    The consensus seemed to be that there was not a problem.  It was

    pointed out that major changes are usually made between quarters,

    with full explanations of the changes given.

 

    Dr. Allison asked if it is possible that the upgraded DEC systems

    could run the UNIX operating system.  Dr. Williams responded that

    because UNIX systems cannot support as many users and because the

    University has such a large investment in VMS software, it is not

    practical to convert these systems at this time.  The Computing

    Center is investigating alternative applications of UNIX.

 

    Dr. Allison also inquired as to the status of the Hillcrest lab.

    CNS has been able to reduce the amount of space required for the

    digital switch;  only approximately 900 feet will be required.

    This means that 2/3 of the space can remain in service, substan-

    tially reducing the urgency of the situation.  No other space on

    campus has been located for an additional public facility.  The

    idea of renting space off campus is being considered but is very

    unattractive from the standpoint of costs and accessibility by

    the students.

 

    AGENDA ITEM 3: SOFTWARE COPYRIGHT POLICY (THOMAS)

 

    Motion made, seconded, and passed that the Computer Committee to

    recommend to the University Council adoption of the EDUCOM "Soft-

    ware Copyright Policy" and to distribute the policy as widely as

    possible to faculty, staff, and students.  This statement reads:

 

                    SOFTWARE AND INTELLECTUAL RIGHTS

 

 

       Respect for intellectual labor and creativity is vital to

       academic discourse and enterprise.  This principle applies

       to work of all authors and publishers in all media.  It en-

       compasses respect for the right to acknowledge, right to

       privacy, and right to determine the form, manner, and terms

       of publication and distribution.

 

       Because electronic information is volatile and easily re-

       produced, respect for the work and personal expression of

       others is especially critical in computer environments.

       Violations of authorial integrity, including plagiarism,

       invasion of privacy, unauthorized access, and trade secret

       and copyright violations, may be grounds for sanctions

       against members of the academic community.

 

    The discussion brought out the following observations.  Many uni-

    versities have adopted similar policies.  The University, by of-

    ficially adopting the resolution, acknowledges its

    responsibilities to protect intellectual rights.  Vendors are now

    suing universities as well as commercial enterprises for copy-

    right infringements.  Thus, there are legal reasons for adopting

    and promulgating this policy.  Site licenses have been pursued

    where economically feasible to help mitigate the problem.

 

    This policy might also apply to all University data in all types

    of media if the interpretation of the policy were broad enough.

    The committee felt, however, that that was a separate issue.

 

    AGENDA ITEM 4: PRINTING TASK FORCE REPORT (CHAPMAN)

 

    The Printing Task Force has been established and merged with the

    printing subcommittee.  The task force is to look at the future

    of printing on this campus.  The committee will first look at the

    background information of what is being done in the Print Shop

    (typesetting), Computing Center (laser printing), desk top pub-

    lishing and other print activities across campus.  The task force

    is to look at the global situation and write a report which will

    foster a dialog to help determine a strategic plan for the future

    of campus printing.  This task force will not address day-to-day

    tactical issues.  The report should be ready in six to nine

    months.

 

    AGENDA ITEM 5: ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA

 

    Dr.  Heterick initiated a discussion concerning the accuracy and

    completeness of the recent report and resolution from the Faculty

    Senate and the Spectrum article about management changes of the

    PC labs.

 

    The next meeting will be held January 6, 1988 in the Library

    Board Room at 3:00pm.

 

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