University of Maryland Policy Concerning the Use of Telecommunications Wiring and Facilities

The integrity, security, and safety of the network at the University of Maryland (UMD) is the responsibility of the Division of Information Technology (DIT). Strict control over the physical infrastructure and facilities must be maintained to prevent tampering, accidental damage, or service degradation.

Therefore, it is the policy of UMD that existing telecommunications, wired and wireless, may not be altered in any way except by DIT personnel or with DIT approval. This includes, but is not limited to, copper, fiber, and coaxial cabling as well as wireless access points and antennae used for voice, data, and video communications in addition to telecommunications facilities located in various university buildings.

Only the Vice President for Information Technology & Chief Information Officer (VPIT & CIO) or their designee(s) may authorize contractors and/or UMD personnel to remove, install, or alter any telecommunications infrastructure described herein.

1. Existing telecommunications wiring may not be altered by anyone except DIT employees, authorized contractors, or authorized UMD staff under the supervision of DIT.
2. DIT shall review and approve the telecommunications plans for new buildings, both university-owned and leased facilities, and for major renovations as per the Design Criteria/Facilities Standards maintained by Facilities Management. DIT shall inspect all telecommunications wiring in new and renovated buildings to ensure proper installation.
3. Any unauthorized wiring found in telecommunication spaces or campus buildings shall be promptly investigated by DIT to determine its user and purpose. If deemed an immediate threat to network security, the wiring will be disabled prior to investigation.
4. Any unauthorized wiring that interfaces with telecommunications wiring or services but is not in telecommunication spaces shall be reported to the Department of Environmental Safety, Sustainability & Risk (ESSR) and the DIT Director of Network and Infrastructure Services for review. If the wiring is found to be a safety hazard, not in conformance with applicable codes, or detrimental to the functioning of X-3.04(A) page 2 the network, the user of the wiring shall be notified, and it shall be removed.
5. The Radio Frequency Spectrum used for Telecommunications is a shared campus resource. DIT manages the use of devices providing wireless networking services (i.e., Wi-Fi or similar services) in all university-owned and leased facilities. Other campus units or individuals may not operate wireless networks that could potentially interfere with campus wireless services without permission from DIT.
6. Any unauthorized wireless equipment that interferes with DIT services shall be promptly investigated by DIT to determine its user and purpose. If deemed an immediate threat to network security, the wireless network will be disabled prior to investigation.

1. Any DIT-managed facilities including data centers, closets, manholes, and duct banks containing telecommunications conduit or wiring shall be under the exclusive control of DIT. No one may enter such areas without the express permission of DIT, and no equipment may be placed in these areas without DIT knowledge and consent.

1. DIT may accommodate special circumstances for departments requesting consideration for the following:
   1. The placement of equipment in telecommunications closets;
   2. The performance of on-demand wiring rearrangements;
   3. The installation of user-administrable connection fields; and
   4. Provisions for DIT-authorized designees to perform wiring services.
2. All such special circumstances require DIT staff participation and on-site attendance for facility access. Only DIT staff are issued keys or lock access to DIT telecommunications closets.