Michigan Tech Web Template

Publishing a Website at Michigan Tech

Michigan Tech web publishers, whether departments or individuals, are responsible for the content of their pages and should become familiar with University policies concerning the appropriate use of computers and the Michigan Tech network—as well as applicable federal, state, and local laws. This section is a compilation of University policies likely to be relevant.

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 registered as trademarks with the US Patent and Trademark Office. The Board of Control policy states that the focal point of all material must be on the University.

Organizations directly affiliated with the University may use the name and symbols of the University on their web pages, if they are used appropriately. The husky dog and script are used only for intercollegiate sports activities. The University seal is not used on web pages because it is reserved for Michigan Tech formal documents such as diplomas. The University logotype is widely used on the web. It is required for all official Michigan Tech web pages (see Section 1.3).

Versions of this logotype and instructions for appropriate use may be found on the logo download page (http://www.mtu.edu/idstandards/downloads/logos/). Images should be obtained here because scanned versions produced by others will not have the same quality. Logos may not be defaced, distorted or shown in parts, nor should they be reduced so much that image details become broken.

Individuals may use the official symbols of the University on personal pages to identify the author as a student, alumnus/alumnae, or employee of Michigan Technological University; however, these symbols may not be used in such a way as to suggest or imply that personal pages are endorsed or sponsored in any way by the University. The University reserves the right to take action against any use that does not conform to this or other relevant policies.

All other uses of the logo must be licensed through the University's Technology and Economic Development, Licensing Department at www.ted.mtu.edu/trademark.php.

Web Accessibility and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

Web publishers must be aware of the needs of those getting information about Michigan Tech from our websites—for example, people with color blindness or other visual disabilities. Reasonable accommodations for them include good color contrast with text, labels for graphics, text descriptions for videos, and support for screen reader compatibility.

Web accessibility improvements have carry-over benefits for all users. Users may have different browsers and different monitor resolutions. Accessibility encompasses the use of simple orientation tools for all users including site maps, links back to main pages, and large file download warnings. Everyone benefits from a well-designed, highly accessible web page. When developing pages, web publishers should refer to the Michigan Tech Web Accessibility standards (www.admin.mtu.edu/urel/webresources/) for guidance in creating content that is accessible to the widest possible audience.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires that institutions provide "reasonable accommodations" to clients and users with disabilities. It goes beyond prohibiting discrimination; it ensures inclusion for everyone in education, work-life, and services in their communities. Michigan Tech is committed to making all our campus activities accessible to users, including those who may be disabled, or differently abled. Any questions about the ADA may be directed to the Michigan Tech Affirmative Action Office (www.admin.mtu.edu/aao/).

Copyrighted Materials and Licensed Resources

Some information and software resources available through the Michigan Tech network are licensed solely for use by the Michigan Tech community. Redistribution of licensed resources to external users is not permitted unless specifically authorized in the license agreement.

Amendments to the Copyright Act in 1978 eliminated the need of a formal notice for copyright protection. The lack of a notice does not necessarily imply that the work is public domain. Nevertheless, it is a good idea to provide notice on works that Michigan Tech web developers particularly wish to protect.

There should not be any materials prepared or written by others (i.e., copyrighted works, trademarks, or protected material) on any web page without the expressed permission of the owner of the materials. Examples include: cartoons, articles, photographs, songs, software, and graphics scanned in from published works or other web pages. Link to and give credit to a relevant web page rather than copy material from it.

Creators of web pages are expected to follow the principles of academic integrity upheld elsewhere in the University. 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.

Questions regarding copyright and fair use should be directed to the J. R. Van Pelt Library, which has a website with copyright information (www.lib.mtu.edu/). Contact the Assistant Director of the Library for Research Services for further assistance.

Privacy of Student Records

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a federal law that protects 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. For more information regarding privacy and confidentiality please visit the Office of Student Records and Registration website (www.admin.mtu.edu/em/).

Student information that is considered public or directory information is defined in the Annual Notification of Student Rights under FERPA. Students may request that no directory information be released by completing a request through the Office of Student Records and Registration. The University's Registrar is the custodian of student academic information and should be contacted at (906) 487-2320 for any questions.

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.

Privacy and Security

On pages that collect private information, a link to a Privacy Statement for that application should be displayed. The Privacy Statement should give the intended use of any collected data such as names, addresses, or email addresses. Private information which must be protected from misuse includes Michigan Tech ID numbers, passwords, credit card numbers, and pin numbers (such as student or alumni pin registration numbers).

Any Michigan Tech web-based tool that requires or requests private information must be implemented in a secure way. Such data must be protected in transit by means of a secure web connection. Contact the Computer Security Specialist in the Michigan Tech Information Technology Department for more information.

Advertising and Endorsement

Michigan Tech official web pages must not link commercial sites that advertise and/or sell products or services. Such links may be construed by visitors to Michigan Tech’s website as endorsement of those products or services. Michigan Tech web pages may not accept sponsorship from commercial entities in exchange for advertising and/or links to commercial sites.

Specific exceptions may be granted if the commercial link supports the University’s purposes, or a University project, and/or provides an essential service to the University community. All links on official Michigan Tech web pages are subject to a systematic annual review by the University webmaster and the executive director of University Marketing and Communications.

Michigan Tech Network Services

Reselling or redistributing Michigan Tech network services to individuals or organizations not affiliated with Michigan Tech is not permitted.

The Michigan Tech Residence Life Network (Resnet) is the University's network infrastructure for student-owned computers. Student-operated web servers on Resnet are permitted, but these may not be used to support non-Michigan Tech individuals or organizations. For questions about appropriate use, refer to Michigan Tech Residence Life Network support (www.resnet.mtu.edu).

Threats or 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.