Policy: Electronic Communication Devices and Services
Date: January 2009
Introduction and Purpose:
This policy allows the University to meet IRS regulations and its fiduciary responsibility to the taxpayers of the State of Montana by providing guidelines for the use of electronic communications devices (ECD) for University business purposes.
Checklist for Allowance Method
Checklist for Departmental Purchase
Method
Departmental Purchase Authorization
Form
Employee Allowance Authorization
Form
Policies & Procedures
Protocol for Approval
Policy:
It is the policy of the
University to allow for the purchase or reimbursement of electronic
communication devices and/or services for use by employees to conduct
official University business. Electronic communication devices and/or
services are defined as cellular phones, personal device assistants
(PDA), home internet services, and satellite telephones.
University
procurement or reimbursement of such devices and/or services will be
authorized ONLY when the job responsibilities require the employee to be
accessible at all times. Authorization and approval of such expenditures
shall reside with the departmental administrator and applicable
Chancellor/Vice Chancellor. Review and renewal of such expenditures must
occur annually. Prior to the approval of any request for
purchase/reimbursement of electronic devices and/or service payments,
the job responsibilities of the individual will be thoroughly reviewed
to insure the electronic devices and/or services selected are warranted
and will safeguard sensitive University information.
Payment for
electronic communication devices and/or services can be made through a
taxable allowance to qualified employees or directly by the University.
The allowance process serves as the default method for employee
procurement of these devices and services. There may be some cases where
exceptions to the allowance method may be made in accordance with the
attached procedures.
Provisions must be made with the Office of
Information Technology to ensure proper safeguarding and disposal of
University data on the ECD device.
The implementation details of this
policy are described in the associated policy procedures. Protocol for ECD Approval
Transition
Beginning immediately upon the approval of this policy, the University will no longer purchase any new electronic communications devices or service contracts, except for devices to be assigned to groups; nor, with the same exception, will any existing electronic communications device contracts be renewed or extended. In order to avoid cancellation fees and to allow for an orderly transition, anyone currently using a University-owned electronic communications device, acquired prior to the establishment of this policy, may continue to use that device until the expiration date of the contract in place on the effective date of this policy. Thereafter the user must modify his/her usage to comply with the provisions of this policy. If you would like to continue to use your current number as your personal phone number, please contact Information Technology for instructions on how to do so.
