Below are some of the more common policies that staff run into during the school year with a brief explanation of each. Most people don’t realize that Brehm IT Dept. maintains over 6,000 pieces of equipment and complicated server and software configurations, with very small staff. These policies are in place to help the Technology Department keep a lean an efficient operation, deviation to these causes us to spend more time troubleshooting and less time innovating. If you would like to discuss these matter in detail of have specific questions regarding them they should all be directed to Joe Viscomi.
- Software is not installed mid school year: This is generally the case, when preparing a computer image all installed software as well as client server interactions are tested exhaustively. Hopefully to catch any issues and solve them before it reaches a production environment, this is not fool proof, but generally reduces many otherwise unforeseen complications. This also defines a predictable state of the system so effective troubleshooting can be done, as well as other assets management and licensing procedures. Having exceptions for this would introduce unpredictable consequences in the system, and make make asset management much more cumbersome since now we have to track all the exceptions. However if time exists during the school year and the department is caught up then testing can take place and software implemented during the year.
- Staff do have a minimum level of internet filtering: There are only 2 reasons that Brehm staff internet is filtered. The first is security, it is the Technologies responsibility to protect Brehms data and systems. The most common way into a corporate network is through internet spy-ware and viruses downloaded by unknowingly employees. We try to mitigate this risk by blocking these types of sites. The second is bandwidth, while everyone like to browse the web and shop or listen to internet radio we have to limit access to non-work related sites and bandwidth intensive sites. Above all it should be realized that internet service is provided by Brehm for the sole purpose for employees to do their Job and for educating our students.
- Technology is not responsible for personal data or work data not stored properly: You can feel free to store your personal information on your Brehm computer, but Brehm will not back it up. Your data is your responsibility and when something goes wrong with your equipment we cannot be concerned with how to retrieve your data. Before any employee or student brings their computer to technology it is that persons responsibility to ensure their personal data is backed up. However, Brehm provides services to safely store your work related data, that all employees should be aware of. Failure to comply with this can result in lost data when something goes a rye. Please see this post for a bit more information.
- Devices not managed by IT are prohibited on the campus network: Due to extensive problems in the past with staff personal computers becoming infected with Viruses/Male-ware/Trojans we can no longer allow any device on our network that the IT department does not manage.
A complete copy of the Brehm, Inc. Staff Computer and Network Use Policy can be found here.
The OPTIONS Program is currently developing a Social Media policy that will be distributed as soon as it is complete. Questions related to Social Media use and implementation at the OPTIONS Program should be directed to Jen Phillips.
Student Email Accounts:
Student email accounts are managed on an annual basis. Students who are alumni will be issued a Brehm Alumni email account. These are full gmail accounts provided by the school that are yours to keep and use for the rest of your life.
Students who are suspended or expelled may have their accounts suspended. Suspended accounts remain active on Gmail but they are not accessible to the individual . Furthermore, no data is deleted and the account can be reactivated upon the student’s return to program.
Students who are not returning in the fall and who are not Alumni will have accounts that remain active through the summer of their final semester. 3-4 weeks prior to the start of the next term, their account will be deleted as we prepare for the start of the next term. At that time, all data, email, files, events, etc, will be deleted.
These account policies apply to Brehm Preparatory School, Inc., including OPTIONS Transitions to Independence Students.