Faculty Council considers technology restrictions

Professors' e-mail rights and concealed carry were also discussed.

By Rachel Allred

Published Sept. 18, 2009

Faculty Council discussed the possibility of blocking Internet access in classrooms, the administration's ability to read faculty e-mails and the resurfacing of concealed carry debate at their second meeting of the year Thursday.

Academic Affairs Chairman Joe Parcell said he's working to address the problems caused by students' electronic devices in class.

"I have a meeting coming up regarding classroom conduct and the use of technology and inappropriate communication during class," Parcell said.

Various members of the council expressed concern with cell phone interruptions and the use of laptops and other devices during class. Fiscal Affairs Chairman Michael Taksar said he's most concerned with cell phones and other means of communication that students can use, especially during exams.

Other concerns expressed included e-mailing and surfing the Internet during class.

Faculty Council Chairwoman Leona Rubin, who conducted the meeting, said individual professors typically set their own technology guidelines, but a school-wide policy might be something to consider.

"Those kinds of things are usually something you put in your syllabus, but it would be nice to have some back up support," Rubin said.

Possible solutions the council discussed to eliminate improper use of the Internet and phones during class included creating Internet dead zones and Wi-Fi interruptions during exams.

The council discussed exceptions that would be included in such a policy. Rubin said permission could possibly be given to students to use their phones or computers to record lectures and accommodations would still stand for students affected by the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Another subject of debate at the meeting was the university's ability to inspect faculty members' electronic information. Rubin said the university is able to access faculty e-mail accounts and view recently visited Web sites to investigate possible inappropriate behavior.

"We all recognize that they really own the system, so they can do it anyway," Rubin said. "There's one rule that caused a little bit of stir and that was that they were able to access it if they think it relates to legitimate business needs of the university, but it's difficult to define what legitimate needs would be."

The council considered creating a committee to help set guidelines for legitimate reasons to search electronic information. Taksar said he understands the university's position, but would like to also see the faculty's rights protected.

"Is there any provision that the person whose e-mail is searched is informed?" Taksar said. "Everybody understands that the university has the right to search our e-mails, but I think we can also add a provision for our rights."

Also discussed was the possible reappearance of the concealed carry issue. Rubin said MU Governmental Relations Director Marty Oetting foresees a recurrence of this debate and might ask faculty to testify to legislators.

"He indicated he might need faculty to testify before the legislature about how it feels to stand up in front of a class when you know that your students are carrying a gun," Rubin said. "It doesn't make you a lobbyist. It makes you an expert witness."