Power User Responsibilities Implementation of the data warehouse by the Administrative Information Services is providing power users within the University access to significant amounts of institutional data, some of which is confidential. Power users are individuals who, through their University experiences, have developed an excellent understanding of the nature and confidentiality of various institutional data elements. These users generally have responsibility for analyzing data and deriving information from that data. The determination of "excellence of understanding" will be made by the Data Steward for that data. Requests for approval of access for the power user should be submitted according to instructions found within the Steps for Requesting Access page. Institutional data shall be used solely for legitimate business purposes of the University. Users of this data must understand and abide by the University Policy on Confidentiality of Student Records AD-11, the Security Operations and Services Policy AD-20, and the Use of Institutional Data Policy AD-23. Violation of these policies may result in initiation of disciplinary or legal action by the University which may include dismissal. In addition to having an excellent understanding of the data and a clear understanding of current security policies, the user must be proficient in using the microcomputer technology necessary to accomplish an Open Database Connectivity (ODBC) query via TCP/IP communications. The Administrative Information Services has published guidelines for Windows and Macintosh client access and minimum equipment/software requirements. The department, campus, or college technology contact will be responsible for configuring workstations to connect to the Data Warehouse. Ethnic data is confidential. Prospective students are told when their ethnic identification is first requested that: "This information is intended solely for Affirmative Action purposes and programs, including the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Plan for Equal Opportunity in the State Supported Institutions of Higher Education, and for statistical purposes." Ethnic data is provided voluntarily by the student and protected by federal law. If ethnic data on the individual student is to be used or reported outside of the immediate administrative area it must first be approved in writing by the Vice Provost for Educational Equity who has been assigned this responsibility by the Office of the President. Questions regarding the release of student ethnic data must be addressed to Dr. W. Terrell Jones, Vice Provost for Educational Equity.

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