So in an effort to protect the best interest of the people I work with from the mass idiocy of the people we work for...yeah...here's the story...

Alright, time to get into some URI HR (Human Resources) technical jargon...every new hire at the university is processed through a form called the USP-2. This form contains quite a bit of public information, however at the same time some of the information is sensitive. It contains social security numbers, d.o.b, addresses, etc...pretty much everything that you would want to keep secure and out of any risk...well...In an effort to make life slightly easier for the HR staff here within the college, my bosses boss, Cathy (Finance director of the college) wanted us to put together an Access Database of the forms. Fine by me, I created the database and it can be seen as a working digital copy of the form. Here’s the catch, after they use the form's to print out the USP-2 hardcopies on a LaserJet, they want to store this information on a cels central server...

Ummm...anyone else catch something fucked up about this yet? Access is one of the least secure applications out there for databases...and even still...we'd have to somehow encrypt the data...that’s not the issue though. Just the idea of making a digital copy of this form potentially fucks with half the privacy acts established...1974 and for students, potentially FERPA...I'd have to do more research in both before being able to say firmly exactly what but none the less...

I spoke with one the faculty members I work with regarding it and she sent me to speak with the University Lawyer. He referred me straight to the Vice-President of Human Resources...Anne Marie Coleman...So I managed to meet with her today, explain exactly what we were doing, and showed her the digital copy of the form in database form. So after talking to her regarding it she pretty much said there’s no way we can do it. So I came back here, spoke with Nate regarding my findings, and went on my way to do some work.

Cathy reamed him out totally. She also demanded to know exactly who I spoke with regarding it initially, and I've refused to disclose it to anyone...mainly because she'd go after her as well...Apparently she was most upset that a "student" went over her head to get this information. Nate pointed out to me how conveniently she pulls out the student card anytime it suits her needs, yet when he’s out I'm in full charge of IT in the college...right...pretty much Nate's backing me 100%...thank god...Anyways he told me to lay low for the next few days until she cools off (she’s worried about HR going after her), and if I want to, take the rest of the afternoon off...oh joy of joys...

Thank god its Friday...

I'll try to give an update about Italy later. Cheers.