Purpose

It is critically important that Old Dominion University's information technology (IT) infrastructure, architecture, and ongoing operations support the mission of the institution. To help ensure this need is met, decisions affecting these areas must reflect standards, guidelines, and practices found to be effective in the higher education environment. This policy establishes that the University aligns its IT infrastructure, architecture, and ongoing operations with nationally recognized codes of practice.

The Commonwealth of Virginia Restructured Higher Education Financial and Administrative Operations Act of 2005 grants institutions additional authority over financial and administrative operations, on condition that certain commitments to the Commonwealth are met. Chapters 124 and 125 of the 2019 Virginia Acts of the Assembly and ODU's Memorandum of Understanding with the Commonwealth provide full delegated responsibility for management of the institution's information technology infrastructure, architecture, and ongoing operations. This delegation includes the authority to conduct these activities in accordance with industry best practices appropriately tailored for the specific circumstances of the University, in lieu of following Commonwealth-determined specifications.

Authority

Code of Virginia Section 23.1-1301, as amended, grants authority to the Board of Visitors to make rules and policies concerning the institution. Section 7.01(a)(6) of the Board of Visitors Bylaws grants authority to the President to implement the policies and procedures of the Board relating to University operations.

Restructured Higher Education Financial and Administrative Operations Act, Code of Virginia Section 23.1-1000 et seq., as amended

Definitions

EDUCAUSE is a nonprofit association whose mission is to advance higher education by promoting the intelligent use of information technology.

Information Security Officer (ISO) - The Old Dominion University employee, appointed by the President or designee, who is responsible for developing and managing Old Dominion University's information technology (IT) security program.

Internet2 develops and deploys advanced network applications and technologies for research and higher education, accelerating the creation of tomorrow's Internet.

ISO/IEC 27001/27002 is an information security standard published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).

Scope

This policy applies to all users, decision makers, developers and planners of University systems and operations related to the design, acquisition, maintenance, and use of information technology.

Policy Statement

The University will establish specific standards, guidelines, and procedures that influence decisions affecting key components of its IT infrastructure, architecture, and operations. These standards and guidelines will align with industry best practices as described by EDUCAUSE, Internet2, and others within higher education, as well as those from selected technology industries. It is not the intent of this guidance to in any way inhibit research or other institutional endeavors that by their nature may require the use of cutting-edge technology not yet appropriate for normal use. The guidance is descriptive rather than prescriptive to achieve flexibility where needed.

This policy applies to all University information technology, whether owned or operated by the University or used for University business through contractual arrangements. The ultimate goal of this policy is to create logical relationships between information technology resources and the mission of the University and its units.

The ultimate goal of this policy is to create logical relationships between information technology resources and the mission of the University and its units.

Procedures

An overview of the framework for infrastructure, architecture, and ongoing operations, along with the standards and guidelines, shall be posted at the Information Technology Services Computing Policies and Standards website. For security purposes, some procedures related to infrastructure, architecture and ongoing operations are maintained internally and are available upon request to relevant parties as authorized by the Chief Information Security Officer.

Records Retention

Applicable records must be retained and then destroyed in accordance with the Commonwealth's Records Retention Schedules.

Responsible Officer

Chief Information Officer

Related Information

Information Technology Standard 06.8.0 IT Infrastructure, Architecture & Ongoing Operations Standard

The EDUCAUSE Center for Analysis and Research (ECAR) Cyberinfrastructure Working Group helps educational institutions develop institutional strategies and plan their resource deployment in this emerging and evolving technological landscape and helps their users harness and optimize the power and capabilities of new integrated IT tools and systems for educational and research applications in higher education.

The Postsecondary Electronic Standards Council is a non-profit association of colleges and universities; professional and commercial organizations; data, software, and service providers; and state and federal government agencies.

The Mid-Atlantic Research Infrastructure Alliance (MARIA) Inc. is dedicated to facilitating access to advanced information, instruction, and research infrastructure technology and advancing research and education in the United States.

ISO/IEC 27001/27002 is an information security standard published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).