Residence Hall Server Exception Request

Penn State’s AD-20 policy on Computer and Network Security prohibits the use of servers within on-campus residence hall networks.  Exceptions to allow servers in the Residence Hall network will only be granted in the rarest of circumstances.  The need to operate a server must be in connection with academic coursework and endorsed in writing by a faculty member.  The Vice Provost for Information Technology (or designee) must approve any request to operate a Residence Hall server.

In general, alternatives for most requirements are available using departmental, college or university assets and these avenues should be thoroughly explored before requesting an exception to operate a server.  If your application is approved, it should be emphasized that all servers must operate in accordance with university policy, state and federal law. Users are responsible for securing services that they enable and operate, and are solely responsible for their content.  However, in accordance with University Policy AD20 (Computer and Network Security), the University reserves the right to disable access to any service/server connected to its network, to scan for security vulnerabilities, and to take other actions as necessary to ensure security of the overall university network--with or without notification to the user.

An electronic request for an exception can be made by clicking on the link below and completing the related Web form.  The form requires authentication, via a Penn State Access Account.  Requests must be completed by the faculty member in charge of the course related to the server exception request.

Before starting the form, ensure that you have collected the necessary information: 

1. The name, Access Account ID, hall, and room number of the student who will administer the requested residence hall server.
    

2. The type of server (i.e. FTP, Email, Web, Other) and the services that you are requesting be allowed to run on the residence hall network.  If you are running a specialized server be ready to explain the specific use.
    

3. The specific ports required for the services that will be run on the server.
    
4. Will the server need to be accessible outside Penn State network (i.e., to the Internet as a whole)?   If so, explain why?
    

5. Explain the academic purpose for the server.  Explain why this requirement can only be fulfilled through the operation of a Residence Hall server rather than by departmental, college or university assets.
    
6. The course number and title for which the server will be used.

Once the faculty member completes the Web form an email will be sent to the ITS Security Operations Services (SOS) office.  A confirming email will also be sent to the requesting faculty member and the student.  The faculty member will be contacted by SOS and must confirm the academic need for a Residence Hall server. 

Upon receipt of the faculty member's concurrence, the application will be reviewed by the Vice Provost for Information Technology (or designee) and the student and faculty member will be informed of the outcome and whether the server will be allowed.  This will normally occur within 3 to 5 working days of receipt of the faculty member's concurrence but may take longer if the request is unusual or involves additional coordination (e.g., with Legal Counsel).

Must be completed by a faculty member

http://www.absecom.psu.edu/splash/server_request_redirect.cfm

For information about The Pennsylvania State University Ethernet Request Form, please contact: rescom@psu.edu.