J10: Start of Term Change Freeze

Responsibility for Maintenance: Information Technology Services (ITS)

Date of most recent changes: June 2, 2014

I. Policy Statement

During certain specified timeframes, a change freeze is in effect which means that modifications to Information Technology Services (ITS) systems are put on hold or postponed. The change freeze is in effect on an annual basis beginning on Monday the week prior to the faculty on hand day through the second week of classes for the start of each Fall and Spring semester.

II. Reason For Policy

The intent of the freeze is to stabilize and provide reliability and availability of application systems and network infrastructure during critical processing periods.

III. Applicability of the Policy

User initiated changes are applicable to the freeze including changes to Colleague system rules and validation codes. Mandatory changes, as required by law or priority changes due to operational issues, may be allowed following review and approval by the Assistant Vice President, ITS.

Vacations for ITS staff are also affected by the change freeze. All staff should avoid scheduling vacations during the two week period of each change freeze beginning with the week of Faculty On Hand day through the first week of classes. Exceptions will require the approval of the immediate supervisor and the Assistant Vice President, ITS. Additionally, vacation freeze will apply to the first week of registration for the Fall and Spring semesters.   

IV. Contacts

Approved by OCC Board of Trustees April 3, 2006

Updated and approved by the President June 2, 2014