College iPad Usage and Restriction Guidelines

This knowledgebase article provides an overview of the restrictions placed on college-owned iPads, the reasons behind these restrictions, and the process to request changes to these restrictions. The aim is to maintain the security and proper management of iPads within the college, ensuring the safety of sensitive information and preventing unauthorized access or misuse.

Welcome to the College iPad Usage and Restriction Guidelines. This document outlines the policies in place for the utilization and management of college-owned iPads to ensure their optimal and secure usage. Understanding these policies will provide a smoother and more productive user experience.

1. App License Management

• Restriction: Apps can only be installed through the Self Service app provided by JAMF.
• Rationale: This practice ensures the proper management of software licenses and avoids any loss of access to college-owned apps.
• Illustration: If a professor purchases an app using their personal Apple ID, this restriction prevents the loss of access to that app when they depart from the institution.

2. Activation Lock

• Restriction: The Activation Lock feature is disabled on college-owned iPads.
• Rationale: This prevents iPads from becoming unusable if a staff or faculty member departs from the college, and it facilitates Apple repairs.
• Illustration: If a staff member exits the college with Activation Lock enabled, the iPad would remain locked and unusable until they disassociate the device from their Apple ID.

3. Device Tracking and Management

• Restriction: All iPads must be enrolled in JAMF for device tracking and management.
• Rationale: This enables the college to locate lost or stolen devices, and manage app licenses, policy updates, and other device settings efficiently.
• Illustration: In case a college-owned iPad is stolen, being enrolled in JAMF allows the IT department to track and lock the device, preventing unauthorized access or misuse.

4. FaceTime and Messages

• Restriction: FaceTime and Messages are disabled by default on college-owned iPads.
• Rationale: This encourages the primary use of college-owned iPads for educational and professional activities, and promotes the use of official communication channels like Microsoft Teams or Zoom.
• Note: The restrictions on FaceTime and Messages can be lifted upon request.

5. Passcode Requirement for  iPads

• Restriction: iPads must have a passcode set (classroom or shared use iPads are exempt from this).
• Rationale: Setting a passcode protects sensitive information and ensures the security of shared devices.
• Illustration: An unsecured iPad left unattended could allow unauthorized individuals to access sensitive data or tamper with the device.

Unified Process for Requesting Changes to iPad Restrictions

1. Submit a Request: Contact the IT Service Desk to initiate a formal request, detailing the specific restriction you wish to change, the reason for the change, and the iPad's serial number. 

2. Review and Approval: Your request will be reviewed by our IT administrators, who will assess the necessity and potential risks associated with the requested change.

3. Implement Changes: If approved, an IT administrator will use JAMF to implement the change on the specified iPad, while ensuring that other necessary restrictions remain in place.

4. Document and Communicate Changes: The restriction change should be noted in the TDX inventory record for the device in question.