Usage Policies
The following document provides general information and policies about use of the WisLine conference call service. It is not intended to provide definitive legal advice in specific situations or as a comprehensive legal document on appropriate use of this UW and State of Wisconsin resource. Please consult further with the Instructional Communications Systems office or resources within your own institution or State Agency if specific questions arise.
1. What is WisLine?
WisLine is an audio conference call service available to UW institutions and State of Wisconsin agencies. The service can link up to 120 telephone lines in any combination of conferences. WisLine can also be interconnected with other delivery formats (compressed video, satellite videoconferences, etc.) to extend outreach and communication.
2. Who provides the WisLine service?
WisLine is managed and operated by University of Wisconsin-Extension's Instructional Communications Systems (ICS) unit. WisLine uses state-owned equipment and supplies.
3. Who can use WisLine and for what purpose?
WisLine is available to faculty and staff of UW institutions and staff of State of Wisconsin agencies. It is also available to other educational, governmental and nonprofit agencies. Use of the WisLine conferencing service is restricted to educational and business programs and meetings that help UW institutions and State of Wisconsin agencies conduct their day-to-day business and fulfill their individual missions. WisLine is available for such UW or State Agency activities as: professional development programs, seminars, credit classes, training sessions, business meetings, public information discussions, conference planning sessions, employment interviews, unemployment hearings, coordination meetings and more.
4. Are there restrictions on use of WisLine?
Yes. Some proposed or actual uses of WisLine may be deemed inappropriate because they interfere with or detract from the teaching, research or public service missions of UW institutions and/or State of Wisconsin agencies.
It would be deemed inappropriate, for example, to use WisLine as a political forum to influence the election of a particular candidate, or as a resource to assist in the lobbying efforts on particular issues. Some proposed or actual conferences may also be deemed inappropriate or questionable because they may suggest an institutional endorsement.
Because WisLine is a UW and State of Wisconsin resource, it is important to balance the needs of organizations for efficient ways to communicate and foster knowledge on specific issues with concerns that some proposed uses of WisLine could be perceived as benefiting particular individuals or constituencies, present unfair advantages or suggest particular UW or State Agency endorsements.
The Chancellor of UW-Extension, or his or her designee, has the authority to question proposed or actual uses of WisLine based upon the conference call program or meeting title, and/or the stated primary purpose of the conference call, and/or any supporting materials received (agendas, e-mail communication, etc.). UW-Extension will consider questions about appropriate use carefully and will act with sensitivity and good faith in discussing these concerns with the conference call coordinator.
If, after consultation with the conference coordinator, the proposed use is deemed inappropriate or questionable, alternatives to using WisLine will be discussed. These include such options as scheduling the conference call through a commercial service provider or holding the proposed conference via an alternative format.
If UW-Extension learns of inappropriate or questionable use of WisLine too late to discuss the scheduled conference call, or after a conference call has already occurred, the conference coordinator will be advised of appropriate WisLine use policies for future reference.
5. What is the cancellation policy?
Twenty-four hour notice for cancellations is required for reserved and audio plus conferences. Reserved and audio plus WisLine conferences cancelled with less than 24 hours notice will be charged $5.00 per reserved line.
6. For more information:
Further information about WisLine features, scheduling procedures, or costs can be obtained by contacting WisLine Reservations, Instructional Communications Systems, UW-Extension, 608-262-0753, e-mail: wislineaudio@ics.uwex.edu
