Computer Administrative Privileges FAQ and Request Process

Owned by hartung
Last updated: Aug 16, 2024 by Daniel LaGrow
3 min read

The Information Technology Services (ITS) department is committed to providing members of the SUNY Fredonia community with reliable, secure, and user-friendly technology in stable operating condition. In an effort to appropriately address the needs of the faculty and staff, ITS provides local computer administrator privileges for individual university owned computers in accordance with regulatory compliance. To gain this privilege, send a request to the ITS department.

  1. If I am granted local administrative privileges on my Fredonia owned computer, what does it permit me to do? 

    1. Apply required updates to specialized software as needed.

    2. Configure specialized software as needed.

    3. Install Technology Procurement Process approved software.

  2. What if I want to install new software on my Fredonia owned computer? 

    1. The first step is to submit a Technology Request Process request for the software. Once approved you can request the ITS service Center to install it for you or if you have Local Admin Access you can attempt to install it yourself (but see previous note 2 regarding Open Source software). 

  3. What if I want to update existing software on my Fredonia owned computer? 

    1. You can request the ITS service Center to install it for you or if you have Local Admin Access you can attempt to install it yourself (but see previous note 2 regarding Open Source software).  

  4. How do I request new software at SUNY Fredonia?  

    1. All new software (including freeware) needs to be reviewed using the Technology Request Process. 

  5. How long is my computer administrative privileges request form valid?  

    1. An approved Computer Administrative Privileges Request Form is valid for 2 years from the date of approval by the Information Security Officer or designee. Requestors will need to renew their privileges by completing this form again if they wish to maintain their access.  

  6. What are the levels of access to Fredonia owned computers? 

    1. There are two security access levels to a Fredonia owned computers:

      1. User: Allows a great deal of powers to perform normal daily computing functions. The user access level will generally assure the highest level of stability for your computer.

      2. Administrator: Allows the computer operator to have complete and unrestricted access level rights on their individual workstations. This includes the ability to install any hardware or software, edit the registry, manage the default access accounts, and change file level permissions.

  7. Why do I need to request new software at SUNY Fredonia? 

    1. The assumption of local computer administrative privileges on a Fredonia computer carries certain inherent responsibilities. Care must be taken due to potential threat of compromise and compliance with Federal, NYS, and SUNY regulations.

      1. Data Security: Fredonia computer users who are granted administrative privileges should be aware of the risks in using an account with admin privileges. The privilege makes the user computing environment extremely susceptible to spyware, viruses and potentially damaging security breaches.

      2. Support: All software needs to be assessed to ensure it can be supported effectively within the constraints of our limited resources. 

      3. Regulatory Compliance: Fredonia is bound by Federal, New York State (NYS), and State University of New York regulations to protect our sensitive data (Category II & III data) from unauthorized use. Regulations include but are not limited to (FERPA, HIPAA, GLBA, NIST 800-53, NIST 800-171, SUNY Procedures 6900 etc.).

      4. Software Licensing & Copyright Laws: Fredonia computer users who are granted administrative privileges should be aware of copyright restrictions and licenses placed on ALL software installed on their systems. They should also be aware that there exists severe criminal and civil penalties for noncompliance. University computer users do not have the authorization to agree to any software terms and conditions (e.g. End User License Agreements) on behalf of the University. Agreeing to End User License Agreements while installing software on university owned computers may subject the institution to laws of foreign countries and or states other than New York.

  8. How do I request Computer Administrative Privileges access to a Fredonia owned computer? 

    1. By default all members of the University community using NYS owned computers are granted "User" access level on their individual workstations. ITS provides local computer administrator access on an as requested basis only for Fredonia employees on individual computers based on a valid business case.

      1. Step 1: Employee completes the online Computer Administrative Privilege Request which, after submission, will create a Tracker ticket with the employee as the reporter and assigned to the ISO office. 

      2. Step 2: The ISO will evaluate and approve or deny the request. 

      3. Step 3: If the request is approved, the user will be granted administrative privileges in the requested computer and will be notified of the outcome of their request via resolution of the Tracker ticket.  

Please contact the ITS Service Center (716) 673-3407 should you need any assistance.