Johnson School
Cornell University

Off-Site Internet Access, aka Cable-Modem Policy

Johnson School Policy for Supporting Computer Use from Home

Objective: To ensure that faculty and staff who need network access from home are supported properly for such work-related activity. In all cases the appropriate Management Committee representative must approve all work arrangements and financial support in advance.

1. For employees whose primary office is at the Johnson School:

General computer work: The Johnson School will pay the recurring costs for a high-speed modem connection (EZ remote) for exempt employees who regularly work at home.

The Johnson School will pay for a cable modem connection in the following cases:

1. The cost of ISP connectivity is less than the cost of EZRemote plus the long distance phone costs that the employee would incur doing work from home, or

2. The employee is charged with developing or supporting a critical system which requires network and bandwidth intensive research outside of normal business hours and a modem connection cannot reasonably be used for this support,1 or

3. The employee is charged by management to understand the technology requiring such connectivity. Under this criteria the Johnson School will pay for the connectivity for the duration of the assignment.

2. For employees whose primary office is home (flexspace):

Cornell will pay for the installation and ongoing cost of a high-speed connection if the employee’s primary work location is home and the job requires network connectivity. The connection may be either a second-phone line with high-speed ex-remote or a cable modem (or its equivalent).

The Johnson School will provide appropriate computer equipment for those whose primary office is at home. It is important to note that the school cannot provide on-site technical support, so the individual must be prepared to bring equipment in should assistance be necessary, or to arrange for support from other providers. The Johnson School will provide a computer, ideally a laptop, and a printer (multi-function if faxing and copying capability is needed). If necessary, the School will also provide an inexpensive desk/computer workstation and chair. Prior approval for all purchases must be received in advance. All equipment and furniture is the property of the Johnson School and must be returned upon request or termination of the flexspace arrangement.

If a cable connection is not available, and the employee is doing a significant amount of bandwidth intensive work from home on a regular basis, the Johnson School will pay the recurring costs of a second phone line.

15-Oct-02

Last Modified: February 18, 2003