Clean Desk Policy

Purpose

This directive aims to guarantee that all confidential materials are safely stored when not actively being used or when personnel are absent from their stations. Adherence minimizes vulnerabilities to data breaches and protects organizational assets during all operational periods.

Scope

All staff members and partners associated with Montreat College are required to follow these guidelines.

Policy

• Individuals must eliminate all classified or private data from visible surfaces and secure them in locked containers during breaks, after work hours, or whenever leaving the area unattended.
• Desktops need to be secured with locks when unoccupied.
• Cabinets holding protected files should remain closed and fastened until needed again.
• Access keys for restricted zones cannot remain at unattended workspaces.
• Mobile electronics require either cable locks or storage in locked drawers.
• Passwords must never be displayed openly near computing devices or recorded in accessible spaces.
• Printed materials with sensitive content should be taken directly from printers without delay.
• Disposed documents containing protected information must undergo shredding.
• Whiteboards with restricted content must be completely wiped clean.
• Portable media like CDs, USBs, or DVDs holding sensitive data must be stored securely.

Policy Compliance

Monitoring mechanisms include scheduled inspections, surveillance systems, digital analytics, formal evaluations, and stakeholder input to ensure adherence.

Exceptions

Requesting deviations from standard protocol requires prior authorization from the IT department.

Non-Compliance

Violations trigger progressive measures ranging from formal warnings to potential termination, alongside possible legal recourse depending on severity and jurisdiction.

Definitions of Terms

Protected Information: Includes identifiers such as Social Security Numbers, medical records, financial details, trade secrets, and academic records demanding strict protection protocols.

Contact Information

For queries, reach out to Campus Technology via phone at 828-669-8012 extension 3663 or email support@[SITEURL].

Revision History

Original draft dated August 9, 2016; subsequent updates on August 18, September 2, and September 7, 2026.

A downloadable PDF version is available at the designated link.