9.3.3 Publishing a Web Page at Michigan Tech

Use of the internet, including webpages; e-mail; and other electronic/computing is subject to existing University policies (e.g., harassment, discrimination, etc.). Individuals, departments, colleges, schools, and student organizations should become familiar with University policies concerning the appropriate use of computers and the Michigan Tech network as well as applicable state and federal laws. This section provides helpful guidelines for anyone publishing a web page at Michigan Technological University.

1.1 Page Identification

All web pages on any server at Michigan Tech should identify who the page belongs to: administrative or academic unit, student organization or individual student, faculty or staff member.

1.2 Copyright

Copyrighted works can be placed on the University's web pages, including Canvas, when explicit, written permission has been granted by the rights holder. Exceptions include works that meet 'fair use' or other limitations on copyright, U.S. government works and works for which copyright has expired. Copyright permission is often required for works such as cartoons, photographs, songs, software, graphics and, in many cases, videos and scholarly publications (including, depending on the original agreement with the publisher, an author's own works). The Van Pelt and Opie Library staff will assist faculty (and their students) with obtaining copyright permissions, understanding and meeting Teach Act requirements, analyzing fair use and facilitating posting of scholarly works efficiently. Please contact Ask Us! with questions or to arrange for a consultation.

1.3 University Name and Logos

The complete name of the University is Michigan Technological University. It may be shortened to Michigan Tech. The names of the University and its accompanying visual marks have been licensed. By following the established guidelines, we can promote the University, what it stands for, and who it represents in a positive manner. We will also be able to maintain and control the respectability and credibility of the University and the quality of its reputation.

Organizations recognized by the University may use the name and symbols of the University on their web pages. Scanned versions of the symbols may suffer from poor quality, therefore image files should be downloaded directly from the logo download page (on the web at mtu.edu/umc/resources/download). The logos may not be defaced, distorted or shown in parts nor should they be reduced so much that image details become broken. Other restrictions are covered in the Trademark Licensing Program (on the web at https://www.mtu.edu/research/administration/iie/trademark/).

Individuals may identify themselves as a student, alumnus or employee of Michigan Technological University; however, University symbols may not be used in such a way as to suggest that personal pages are official University pages, nor may University symbols be used in such a way as to imply sponsorship or endorsement. The University reserves the right to take action against any use that does not conform to this policy.

Individuals, organizations, and businesses not affiliated with the University may not use any of the registered symbols without prior written permission from the University. Apply for permission with Innovation and Commercialization, Michigan Technological University, or call for more information at 906-487-2228.

1.4 Links to the Michigan Tech Home Page

The Michigan Tech Home Page is a gateway to the many web sites at Michigan Technological University. Responsibility for this page is shared by the departments of University Marketing and Communications and Information Technology at Michigan Tech.

Web pages for administrative departments, academic departments, and recognized student organizations should be linked to this Michigan Tech Home Page. All these pages should have a contact person responsible for content and committed to keeping the web page up to date. Servers should be stable and kept running twenty-four hours a day.

Individual or personal pages will not be included as links from the Michigan Tech Home Page. Individual home pages of students, staff, and faculty may be linked within the structure of their department web pages.

1.5 Privacy of Student Records

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA), as amended, is a federal law that protects the privacy of students' education records.  The Act prohibits the release of non-directory student information to persons other than authorized University officials without the student's written consent.  The law also prohibits public posting of grades by the student's name, institutional student identification number, or Social Security Number.  Examples include the posting of grades to a class or University website, leaving graded tests or assignments outside of your office for students to pick up, and handing back graded tests or assignments in a manner in which students are able to see the grades of other students.  If scores or grades are posted, a unique code, known only to the instructor and the individual student, must be used.

Students may request that no directory information be released to non-University personnel or listed in the campus directory. Requests for confidential status of directory information must be submitted to the Registrar's Office.

For more information regarding The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA), go to https://www.mtu.edu/registrar/faculty-staff/ferpa/.

1.6 Michigan Tech Network Services

Reselling or redistributing network services provided by Michigan Tech IT to other individuals or organizations is not permitted. For further guidance please see Michigan Tech's Acceptable Use of Information Technology Resources policy.

For faculty and staff, policies regarding use of Michigan Tech facilities are described in the Michigan Tech Conflict of Interest Policy. Copies are available from the Conflict of Interest Coordinator or Sponsored Programs Office (contact at 487-2225).

1.7 Threats and other Prohibited Uses of Web Pages

Threatening another person is prohibited by University policy. This policy applies to electronic communications including web pages. Also web pages may not be used to commit fraudulent behavior, misappropriate someone else's identity or incite others to commit illegal acts.

1.8 Faculty, Staff and Student Home Pages

Subject to available resources, departments are encouraged to provide space for students, faculty and staff members to develop home pages. Use of the World Wide Web is a valuable educational and communication tool. However, all home pages are subject to all University policies and state and federal laws.

All policies for students documented in the Student Conduct Policies, Acceptable Use of Information Technologies (www.mtu.edu/conduct/policies/student-conduct) apply to electronic communications, including web pages. For students, failing to follow Michigan Tech policy can lead to discipline up to and including possible expulsion from the university. All policies for faculty documented in the Michigan Tech Faculty Handbook apply to electronic communications including web pages. For faculty and staff, failing to follow Michigan Tech policies can lead to discipline up to and including possible termination.

2. Departments and Organizations Publishing Web Pages at Michigan Tech 

The functional requirements listed in this section are set to ensure that use of the Michigan Tech Web is as straightforward as possible for users without stifling creativity and the needs of individual departments.

2.1 Required for School, College and Department Web Pages

The term "department" below is understood to be any administrative or academic unit at Michigan Tech. The University Marketing and Communications office should be contacted to review new department home pages for consistency of message and readability. Send e-mail with the URL's of pages to be reviewed to the Michigan Tech Webmaster (webmaster@mtu.edu).

Michigan Tech web policy requires the following for department web pages:

  • a link to the Michigan Tech Home Page. The reason for this is many people will come to the page from off-campus sites without ever having passed through the Michigan Tech Home Page. A link to the Michigan Tech Home Page will help them learn more about the University.
  • a link to the main department home page from any other department web pages such as learning centers, instructional and program information pages.
  • a date the page was last updated. A date helps visitors know the information on the page is checked and up to date. For time critical material such as course information, faculty and staff lists, rate sheets, hours of operation for labs, a page expiration date should be used.
  • a valid e-mail address for visitors to send comments and feedback. Such feedback is one way to learn if a web page is reaching the desired audience and to find out if web pages appear successfully on other browsers. It is especially convenient if the e-mail address is a "mailto:" link.
  • the address and telephone number of the department. Reason: Readers may want to contact the department by mail or phone instead of e-mail.
  • disclaimer for links to department member home pages. Directory web pages which lead to any self-maintained home pages of students, staff and faculty should be preceded by the following:

This is to notify you that the material you are accessing is not an official web page of Michigan Technological University or the xx department. Michigan Tech is not responsible, and hereby disclaims all liability for any data, information, or opinions contained in unofficial web pages. Any comments related to the contents of personal home pages should be directed to the author of the pages.

Note: department web pages should not give the appearance of endorsing commercial products or services.

2.2 Student Organizations

Any student organization registered with Student Activities will be granted a page on Involvement Link*, Michigan Tech's official student organization management system. All policies for student organizations documented in University Policy 1.06 Acceptable Use of Information Technology Resources apply.

3. Digital Millennium Copyright Act of 1998

As an Internet provider, it is the University's policy to terminate the accounts of repeat infringers as defined by the Digital Millennium Copyright Act of 1998.

Senate Policy 904.1


Revised:
07/02/2019 - Updated University title, "Innovation and Industry Engagement is now Innovation and Commercialization."
1/22/2018 - Annual Review: to reflect current language, removed "the" from "Apply for permission with Innovation and Industry Engagement, Michigan Technological University, or call for more information at 906-487-2228."
12/13/2017 - Annual Review: To reflect current practice: changed "Use of the World Wide Web, Internet, e-mail, and other electronic/computing..." to "Use of the internet, including webpages; e-mail; and other electronic/computing..." Changed "...when explicit permission has been granted by the rights holder." to "...when explicit, written permission has been granted by the rights holder." Changed "...meet 'fair use' guidelines, U.S. government works and works for which copyright has expired." to "...meet 'fair use' or other limitations on copyright, U.S. government works and works for which copyright has expired." Changed "...with obtaining copyright permissions, understanding and meeting Teach Act requirements..." to "...with obtaining copyright permissions, Teach Act requirements..." Grammer edit from "As As an Internet provider..." to "As an Internet provider..."
03/06/2017 - Annual Review: To reflect current practice: changed "www.mtu.edu/idstandards/downloads/logos" to "mtu.edu/umc/resources/download". Changed "of Information Technology and University Marketing and Communications at Michigan Tech." to "of University Marketing and Communications and Information Technology at Michigan Tech."
02/16/2017 - Annual Review: to reflect current language: changed "The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA) as amended, is a federal law that protects the privacy of a student's educational record. The Act prohibits the release of student non-directory information to persons other than authorized University officials, without the student's written consent. The law also prohibits public posting of grades by the student's name, institutional student identification number, or Social Security Number without the student's written permission. This includes the posting of grades to a class or University website and applies to any public posting of grades for students taking distance education courses. If scores or grades are posted, a unique code, known only to the instructor and the individual student, must be used." to "The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA), as amended, is a federal law that protects the privacy of students' education records.  The Act prohibits the release of non-directory student information to persons other than authorized University officials without the student's written consent.  The law also prohibits public posting of grades by the student's name, institutional student identification number, or Social Security Number.  Examples include the posting of grades to a class or University website, leaving graded tests or assignments outside of your office for students to pick up, and handing back graded tests or assignments in a manner in which students are able to see the grades of other students.  If scores or grades are posted, a unique code, known only to the instructor and the individual student, must be used."
12/08/2016 - Annual Review: No changes made to content.
02/25/2015 - Annual Review: Under item 1.6, first paragraph, added as a second sentence: "For further guidance please see Michigan Tech's Acceptable Use of Information Technology Resources policy." Under item 1.8, "1.8 Faculty, Staff and Student Home Pages" now reads "1.8 Faculty, Staff, and Student Home Pages." Thev first sentence in the second paragraph read: "All policies for students documented in the Michigan Tech Student Catalog (on the web at www.mtu.edu/studenthandbook) apply to electronic communications including web pages." It now reads: "All policies for students documented in the Student Conduct Policies, Acceptable Use of Information Technologies (www.mtu.edu/conduct/policies/student-conduct) apply to electronic communications, including web pages."
02/03/2015 - Annual Review: To reflect current practice, the email address for questions is now policy@mtu.edu. Item 1.2 Copyright, read: "Copyrighted works can be placed on University web pages with the explicit written permission of the rights holder. Works including (but not limited to) cartoons, photographs, songs, software or graphics typically require permission. Articles, even which have been granted exclusive permission to a publisher, cannot be posted to a University web site without permission. The Van Pelt and Opie Library staff can assist with the permissions process, offer alternatives to using copyrighted materials, provide information about U.S. copyright law and consideration of whether a need falls into the category of 'fair use'. Copyright permission is not required for works of the U.S. government, works for which copyright has expired as well as fair use. For more information see the library's copyright guide or Ask Us!" Now reads: "Copyrighted works can be placed on the University's web pages with the explicit written permission of the rights holder. Works including (but not limited to) cartoons, photographs, songs, software or graphics typically require permission. Articles, which have been granted an exclusive copyright to a publisher, cannot be posted to a university web site (or Canvas) without permission. Copyright permission is not required for works of the U.S. government, works for which copyright has expired as well as works under 'fair use' guidelines. The Van Pelt and Opie Library staff will assist faculty with the process of obtaining permission from rights holders and provide information about the U.S. Copyright Law including the category of 'fair use.' For more information, visit Ask Us!" Item 1.5 Privacy of Student Records, read: "The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a federal law which is designed to protect the privacy of a student's educational records. The Act prohibits the release of student data such as grades to persons other than authorized University officials without the student's written consent. A web page should not contain any student scores or grades in association with names, student identification numbers or portions thereof, or other personal identifiers. If scores or grades are posted, a code known only to the instructor and the individual student should be used. At Michigan Technological University, the student information which is considered public or directory information is defined in the form of a Public Notice. Students may request that no directory information be released by completing a request through the Public Safety and Police Services. The University's Associate Registrar is the custodian of student academic information and should be contacted at 906-487-2320 for any questions. For more information regarding privacy and confidentiality please visit the Registrar's website (on the web at www.mtu.edu/registrar)." Now reads: "The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA) as amended, is a federal law that protects the privacy of a student's educational record. The Act prohibits the release of student non-directory information to persons other than authorized University officials, without the student's written consent. The law also prohibits public posting of grades by the student's name, institutional student identification number, or Social Security Number without the student's written permission. This includes the posting of grades to a class or University website and applies to any public posting of grades for students taking distance education courses. If scores or grades are posted, a unique code, known only to the instructor and the individual student, must be used. Students may request that no directory information be released to non-University personnel or listed in the campus directory. Requests for confidential status of directory information must be submitted to the Registrar's Office. For more information regarding The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA), go to https://www.mtu.edu/registrar/faculty-staff/ferpa/. "
04/30/14 - 2013 Annual Review: In section 1.2 Copyright, the paragraph was re-written; in section 1.3 Publishing a Web Page at Michigan Tech, in the second paragraph, "www.mtu.edu/wwwhelp" now reads "www.mtu.edu/idstandards/downloads/logos" and in the fourth paragraph "Intellectual Property Administration" now reads "Innovation and Industry Engagement"; in section 1.8 Faculty, Staff and Student Home Pages, the second paragraph, "Michigan Tech Student Handbook" now reads Michigan Tech Student Catalog"; in section 2.1 Required for School, College and Department Web Pages, deleted third bulleted item "a date the page was last updated. A date helps visitors know the information on the page is checked and up to date. For time critical material such as course information, faculty and staff lists, rate sheets, hours of operation for labs, a page expiration date should be used."' in section 2.2 Student Organizations, "Any student organization registered with the Office of Student Affairs may have a home page linked to the Michigan Tech Home Page. All policies for student organizations documented in the Michigan Tech Student Handbook apply to electronic communications, including web pages" now reads "Any student organization registered with Student Activities will be granted a page on Involvement Link*, Michigan Tech's official student organization management system. All policies for student organizations documented in University Policy 2.1006 Acceptable Use of Information Technology Resources apply."
02/26/2014 - 2013 Annual Review: Updated Michigan Tech and Handbook banners. Under section 1.2 Copyright, the link "https://www.mtu.edu/library/research-help/copyright/usage/" now reads: "https://www.mtu.edu/library/services/community-services/ptrc/". Under section 1.6 Michigan Tech Network Services, the first paragraph read: "Reselling or redistributing network services provided by the Michigan Tech network to individuals or organizations not affiliated with Michigan Tech is not permitted" now reads "Reselling or redistributing network services provided by Michigan Tech IT to other individuals or organizations is not permitted."
03/28/2012 - Annual Review: Section 1.2 Copyrighted Materials now reads 1.2 Copyright, and the two paragraphs were replaced with: "Intellectual property of others should only be placed on web pages when expressed permission of the owner is received. The Van Pelt and Opie Library can assist you with obtaining copyright permissions. Copyrighted works, trademarks or other protected material including cartoons, articles, photographs, songs, software or graphics typically require permission. There are exceptions (published prior to 1923) and fair use exceptions. More detail is available here: https://www.mtu.edu/library/research-help/copyright/usage/ or by contacting the library at 906-487-2507 or reflib@mtu.edu." Section 1.4, first paragraph read: "The Michigan Tech Home Page is a gateway to the many WWW sites at Michigan Technological University. Responsibility for this page is shared by the departments of Information Technology and University Relations at Michigan Tech." now reads "The Michigan Tech Home Page is a gateway to the many web sites at Michigan Technological University. Responsibility for this page is shared by the departments of Information Technology and University Marketing and Communications at Michigan Tech." In Section 1.5 Privacy of Student Records, in the second paragraph, "Public Safety Office" now reads "Public Safety and Police Services", and the third paragraph: "For more information regarding privacy and confidentiality please visit the Office of Student Records and Registration website (on the web at www.admin.mtu.edu/em)" now reads "For more information regarding privacy and confidentiality please visit the Registrar's website (on the web at www.mtu.edu/registrar)." In Section 1.6 Michigan Tech Network Services, in the second paragraph, "Research Services" is now "Sponsored Programs Office"; and in section 2.1 Required for School, College and Department Web Pages in the first sentence, "department" now reads ""department"" (with quotations). "Senate Proposal 6-99" now reads "Senate Policy 904.1."
07/20/2011 - Annual Review: New section 9.3.3 To reflect current University titles and practice, the sentence "Contact the Assistant Director for Research Services at 497-3208 or send e-mail to tspence@mtu.edu for further assistance"; MTU is now Michigan Tech; J.R. Van Pelt Library is now Van Pelt and Opie Library, and University Relations is now University Marketing and Communications.