Draft AD06: Acceptable Use of Information Technology and Information Security will replace 45.01 Use of Information Technology and its associated procedures (approved October 21, 2009).
The purpose of this policy is to ensure the ethical, lawful, and secure use of VIU Information Technology to advance teaching, research, learning, and community engagement, while safeguarding privacy, intellectual property, and institutional reputation.
About the policy consultation
Consultation on the draft policy is now open and members of the VIU community are invited to share their feedback. The consultation runs from Wednesday, February 18 until 4 pm on Tuesday, March 10 Input received during the community consultation will help inform changes to the proposed policy. Any feedback or submissions received after the consultation period concludes may not be reflected in the revised policy or in the consultation summary report.
Policy information
A board level policy will ensure proper oversight and management of VIU’s technology infrastructure and contribute to addressing cybersecurity concerns raised by the Auditor General.
The Chief Information Officer initiated a project to review technology use and security policies at comparator institutions. In addition to reviewing the existing policy, policies from the University of British Columbia, BCIT, Langara College, North Island College, and the College of New Caledonia were reviewed.
This policy was developed to define the purpose of VIU information technology, limitations on acceptable uses, and the responsibility of users. It also delegates management of information technology resources to the CIO. Associated standards documents, which will come into effect when the policy is passed, will provide clear guidance to technology users on acceptable uses of technology and information security protocols. The existing procedures will be incorporated into the new standards.
Documents for review
- AD06: Acceptable Use of Information Technology and Information Security DRAFT
- 45.01 Use of Information Technology (policy)
- 45.01.002 E-mail Appropriate Use (procedure)
- 45.01.001 Access to Information Technology – Associate Privileges (procedure)
Share your input
Once you have reviewed the draft policy, please share your feedback in one of the following ways:
- By taking this short survey
- By sending an email to: policy@viu.ca
- By writing to:
Policy Office
Office of the General Counsel and University Secretary
Nanaimo Campus
Building: 305, Room: 432
Mail drop: 305-4A
All feedback will be reported in public consultation reports and to the Board of Governors in accordance with FIOPPA. Feedback will be anonymized in all reporting.
Formal submissions
Formal submissions from groups or organizations can be submitted by email to policy@viu.ca or in writing (see above). Please state the name of your group and the position of the person submitting the feedback. These submissions will be provided in consultation reports and to the Board of Governors. They will not be anonymized and feedback will be attributed in reporting. Any personal information (with the exception of who provided the submission) will be redacted in accordance with FIOPPA.
Thank you for participating!
Once consultation is complete, this policy will go through the Board of Governors approval process. The policy may be updated based on the feedback received. The Policy Office may also make minor changes to formatting/wording for consistency. Consultation feedback and policy changes will be outlined in the consultation report. The consultation report will be provided to the Board of Governors and posted on this policy page.
We anticipate this draft policy will be provided to the March 31, 2026 Board of Governors meeting for approval. Check back on the AD06: Acceptable Use of Information Technology and Information Security policy page for updates as this policy moves through the policy approval process.