Information technology (IT) systems require periodic changes to stay up to date with application enhancements, functional adjustments, system versions, and security corrections. The purpose of this policy is to ensure that IT system changes are properly tested, reviewed, approved, implemented, and documented. This control acts to prevent inappropriate changes from being made that could affect system stability and, therefore, business operations.
This policy applies to all McNeese State University employees.
The Office of Information Technology is responsible for IT-supported systems used by employees, students, and guests. As such, a ticket tracking system for system upgrades and change control has been established.
In cases where the change (a) caused the system to function improperly or (b) did not help to fix the situation, the system will be restored to its previous version with a backup/restore process.
Cloud and other third-party vendors provide similar ticket management platforms that are required for the documentation and approval of respective changes to their service provisions. Appropriate IT staff will engage the use of those third-party platforms. For example, Banner-related system level changes are tracked in the Ellucian ticket platform; however, requests for Banner data report changes are tracked in the McNeese ticket platform. Both require requests, scheduling, and approvals from appropriate parties before implemented changes occur.
The Office of Information Technology will verify compliance with this policy through various methods, including but not limited to ticket review, system monitoring, business tool reports, and internal and external audits.
Any exception to the policy must be approved by the Office of Information Technology in advance.
An employee found to have violated this policy may be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.
This policy is distributed via the University Policies webpage.