University of Minnesota

Department of Intercollegiate Athletics

Locker Room Computer Access Proposal

 

 

Introduction

 

In Fall 2004, the FAOCIA was asked to review a previous policy recommendation to Intercollegiate Athletics and the McNamara Academic Center for Student-Athletes (MAC), which did not permit computers with more than email access to be located in locker rooms. In recognition of the technological changes that have taken place over just the past four years, which now allow wireless laptop access for all students to almost every corner of campus, the committee reviewed comments from coaches, the athletics director, the MAC director as well as the compliance office. Based upon that discussion the committee decided to permit computers in locker rooms subject to the parameters below.

 

It should be primarily understood that these changes are made to foster the academic mission of the institution and the department. The intent is not to move back to isolated team study areas but to allow student-athletes the same technological benefits that all other students on campus would enjoy. In addition, while appropriate monitoring and security measures are outlined in the parameters below, all coaches are generally responsible for monitoring academic integrity in these remote computer labs in their respective sports.

 

Locker Room Computer Parameters

 

  1. Computers in locker rooms outside of the Bierman/Nagurski complex must be approved by the Sport Administrator. Teams with locker room facilities within the Bierman/Nagurski complex must use the MAC learning center. Notice should be provided annually to FAOCIA of all computer labs within locker rooms and other athletic facilities.

 

  1. Computer equipment funding will come from the respective sportŐs service fund.

 

  1. Locker room computers should be viewed as remote computer labs only, and will NOT be used for tutoring or other academic support services. All required MAC study hours, learning support, and tutoring services will be performed in the McNamara Academic Center, Bierman Field Athletic Building.

 

  1. ICA Technology Services unit will install, monitor, and repair all locker room computers, using the same standards that exist in other university-wide computer laboratories.

 

  1. Irregularities in computer usage (such as accessing pornographic or fantasy league sites) will be immediately reported by Technology Services to the Head Coach, Sport Team Administrator, and Office of Compliance.

 

  1. Locker room computers are to be used by student athletes and staff only, and each sport team coaching staff will assist in monitoring this usage.

 

  1. All student-athletes will be reminded at the beginning of the year orientation meetings concerning issues of academic integrity regarding the use of computers.

 

Approved by FAOCIA, fall 2004