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Post by professor on Jul 8, 2009 12:29:48 GMT -5
For those of you who are currently in training, you might be interested to learn a tidbit of info. Right before the last lunch break, the head instructor for my class (the "Lincolns") informed us that the instructors have been asked to keep track of all of us who are using our computers for any reason other than to follow the lecture (for those of you not here, we each have a desktop with internet access). She also said that they will be reporting our names and activities, although she didn't say whom that authority entity might be. I'm not sure what repercussions might be suffered for this transgression, but it seems that our class is the only one that has been warned.
Prof
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Post by decadealj on Jul 8, 2009 12:57:53 GMT -5
Hate to tell you folks but this is just the beginning; you are about to be micro-managed and monitored on a daily basis. Even your telephone calls are now routed through the big computer in Baltimore and there are datadinks in every region whose sole function is to manage your case activity on a daily basis.
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Post by jagghagg on Jul 8, 2009 13:03:17 GMT -5
Must our colleagues sit in alphabetical order ? Shortest to tallest ? Girls on one side, boys on the other ? Beagles up front but Bunnies at the back ? (After all, where else would beagles be ?)Today will the "blue eyes" be the "good" people and the "brown eyes" the bad people, but switch tomorrow ?  |
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Post by morgullord on Jul 8, 2009 13:41:57 GMT -5
Tomorrow, everyone will be micro-chipped, in case an ALJ gets lost...
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Post by professor on Jul 8, 2009 14:51:17 GMT -5
For those of you who are currently in training, you might be interested to learn a tidbit of info. Right before the last lunch break, the head instructor for my class (the "Lincolns") informed us that the instructors have been asked to keep track of all of us who are using our computers for any reason other than to follow the lecture (for those of you not here, we each have a desktop with internet access). She also said that they will be reporting our names and activities, although she didn't say whom that authority entity might be. I'm not sure what repercussions might be suffered for this transgression, but it seems that our class is the only one that has been warned. Prof I should clarify that the warning is about using the computers for websurfing during the lectures. You can do what you want on the breaks. |
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Post by privateatty on Jul 8, 2009 17:50:19 GMT -5
Some of us would definitely be destined for the Gulag.
We all know who we are..."God bless us, every one...".
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Post by Legal Beagle on Jul 8, 2009 18:00:00 GMT -5
Any sanction for activity occuring before the warning would violate the ex post facto doctring. So tomorrow, we all go in, log on as usual, then do fruit basket turnover at each break. That way they can't figure out who did what.
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Post by ruonthelist on Jul 13, 2009 19:21:16 GMT -5
Hate to tell you folks but this is just the beginning; you are about to be micro-managed and monitored on a daily basis. Even your telephone calls are now routed through the big computer in Baltimore and there are datadinks in every region whose sole function is to manage your case activity on a daily basis. Listen to him. He knows whereof he speaks. If you resent this intrusion on your privacy, there is a lot about ODAR you won't like. First of all, you have no privacy right in your use of a government computer to access the internet. Not in class, not in your eventual duty station, and not in any other agency. As a federal civil servant, your salary will be searchable in a database run by a newspaper. That, like the monitoring of your internet use, is part of working for the government, and is not specific to SSA. In addition, as an SSA ALJ, your annual case production, and your percentage of favorable/unfavorable decisions will be available in another newspaper's database. There are good aspects to the ALJ job, but scrupulous concern for your privacy is not among them. |
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Post by candor on Jul 13, 2009 19:49:51 GMT -5
there is no "privacy" right to surf the work provided internet, on work provided computers, during work provided training or work hours in your office.
Good lawrd.
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Post by decadealj on Jul 13, 2009 21:08:01 GMT -5
Couldn't agree more. Maybe someone can suggest to me where there is a Constitutionally protected right to privacy for someone who launches an e-mail or other electronic communication into space, which wiill remain subject to retrieval for eternity; the folks who complain about goverrnent invaisions of privacy just demonstrate their total ignorance of Constitutional law.
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Post by professor on Jul 14, 2009 7:10:54 GMT -5
Hate to tell you folks but this is just the beginning; you are about to be micro-managed and monitored on a daily basis. Even your telephone calls are now routed through the big computer in Baltimore and there are datadinks in every region whose sole function is to manage your case activity on a daily basis. Listen to him. He knows whereof he speaks. If you resent this intrusion on your privacy, there is a lot about ODAR you won't like. First of all, you have no privacy right in your use of a government computer to access the internet. Not in class, not in your eventual duty station, and not in any other agency. As a federal civil servant, your salary will be searchable in a database run by a newspaper. That, like the monitoring of your internet use, is part of working for the government, and is not specific to SSA. In addition, as an SSA ALJ, your annual case production, and your percentage of favorable/unfavorable decisions will be available in another newspaper's database. There are good aspects to the ALJ job, but scrupulous concern for your privacy is not among them. It's not the lack of privacy that irks me. I never have had any expectation of privacy in my government computers, offices, etc. What bothers me was the condescending and belittling warning that if we are not paying strict attention in class then our activities will be reported to some unnamed authority with a veiled threat of unspecified repercussions. I suppose that instead of my Big Brother subject reference I should have written something like, "Teacher's gonna rap your knuckles!" or words to that effect. So long as the class is listening, asking questions, and otherwise participating in the lectures, why does it matter if we are also surfing the internet, sending emails, or doing soduku puzzles at the same time? We are all intelligent professionals who presumably have the ability to multitask. Add the fact that 90% of these classes is old information for those of us with prior agency experience, and I think that some leeway should be granted. Or in the alternative, at least have the courtesy to talk to us like judges and not errant schoolchildren. Prof |
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Post by puravida on Jul 14, 2009 7:28:40 GMT -5
I won't be there til next month, so I can't speak to the attitude with which the warning was conveyed. But for anyone new to the government, be forewarned. All internet use is monitored, in every agency. Disciplinary action can be taken if there is excessive non-work related use, and people have been fired for going to certain "racy" sites.
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Post by candor on Jul 14, 2009 19:14:27 GMT -5
Listen to him. He knows whereof he speaks. If you resent this intrusion on your privacy, there is a lot about ODAR you won't like. First of all, you have no privacy right in your use of a government computer to access the internet. Not in class, not in your eventual duty station, and not in any other agency. As a federal civil servant, your salary will be searchable in a database run by a newspaper. That, like the monitoring of your internet use, is part of working for the government, and is not specific to SSA. In addition, as an SSA ALJ, your annual case production, and your percentage of favorable/unfavorable decisions will be available in another newspaper's database. There are good aspects to the ALJ job, but scrupulous concern for your privacy is not among them. It's not the lack of privacy that irks me. I never have had any expectation of privacy in my government computers, offices, etc. What bothers me was the condescending and belittling warning that if we are not paying strict attention in class then our activities will be reported to some unnamed authority with a veiled threat of unspecified repercussions. I suppose that instead of my Big Brother subject reference I should have written something like, "Teacher's gonna rap your knuckles!" or words to that effect. So long as the class is listening, asking questions, and otherwise participating in the lectures, why does it matter if we are also surfing the internet, sending emails, or doing soduku puzzles at the same time? We are all intelligent professionals who presumably have the ability to multitask. Add the fact that 90% of these classes is old information for those of us with prior agency experience, and I think that some leeway should be granted. Or in the alternative, at least have the courtesy to talk to us like judges and not errant schoolchildren. Prof so you want preferential treatment? So you've functioned as an ALJ and know all the facits of the position. You want to surf the net, thereby bothering all the people positioned behind you that get to see the many different colors and screens that you pop up. Disrespectful to your peers. Its also disrespectful to the people who have traveled from various parts of the country and spent time to develop training and deliver it. Think of it this way how would you like an attorney taking cell phone calls in the hearing or texting in your hearing while you are talking to him. He says, HEY JUDGE I CAN MULTI-TASK, keep going, I've done a million of these hearings. By the way do you get netflix on this hearing room computer. Little disrespectful. They developed these classes so the insiders can interact on a intellectual level with teh outsiders. And the outsiders who, for instance were judges in other areas, can interact and assist the insiders who never have run a hearing. |
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Post by lawmaker on Jul 14, 2009 19:49:45 GMT -5
Listen to him. He knows whereof he speaks. If you resent this intrusion on your privacy, there is a lot about ODAR you won't like. First of all, you have no privacy right in your use of a government computer to access the internet. Not in class, not in your eventual duty station, and not in any other agency. As a federal civil servant, your salary will be searchable in a database run by a newspaper. That, like the monitoring of your internet use, is part of working for the government, and is not specific to SSA. In addition, as an SSA ALJ, your annual case production, and your percentage of favorable/unfavorable decisions will be available in another newspaper's database. There are good aspects to the ALJ job, but scrupulous concern for your privacy is not among them. It's not the lack of privacy that irks me. I never have had any expectation of privacy in my government computers, offices, etc. What bothers me was the condescending and belittling warning that if we are not paying strict attention in class then our activities will be reported to some unnamed authority with a veiled threat of unspecified repercussions. I suppose that instead of my Big Brother subject reference I should have written something like, "Teacher's gonna rap your knuckles!" or words to that effect. So long as the class is listening, asking questions, and otherwise participating in the lectures, why does it matter if we are also surfing the internet, sending emails, or doing soduku puzzles at the same time? We are all intelligent professionals who presumably have the ability to multitask. Add the fact that 90% of these classes is old information for those of us with prior agency experience, and I think that some leeway should be granted. Or in the alternative, at least have the courtesy to talk to us like judges and not errant schoolchildren. Prof It's got nothing to do with leeway or anything else you have recited in your post. You need to familiarize yourself with the rules of use of the computer and other such similar things/devices that belong to "the man". It's usually referred to in your packet of materials as "personal use of government equipment" Every government agency has such a policy and they are nearly identical It's possible that they haven't given you the memos yet and just wanted to warn you about the til they give you the memos. But if there are any ALJ union reps around, ask them to give you more information about the "personal use" issue. And whether or not there has ever been any discipline meted out for the violation of personal use terms. |
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Post by doctorwho on Jul 14, 2009 22:29:13 GMT -5
For Pete's sake. Pay attention in class and don't engage in "other" activities while you are in class. To do so is just rude, regardless of whether or not you can multi-task. The instructors are trying to provide you with information you need to do your job. Behave like an adult. Quit your whinning.
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Post by privateatty on Jul 15, 2009 15:03:41 GMT -5
For Pete's sake. Pay attention in class and don't engage in "other" activities while you are in class. To do so is just rude, regardless of whether or not you can multi-task. The instructors are trying to provide you with information you need to do your job. Behave like an adult. Quit your whinning. Heeeeeee's back! Hey, doc, good to see you! "Never complain, never explain." Disraeli |
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Post by counselor95 on Jul 18, 2009 4:33:31 GMT -5
Any sanction for activity occuring before the warning would violate the ex post facto doctring. So tomorrow, we all go in, log on as usual, then do fruit basket turnover at each break. That way they can't figure out who did what. Ah, not quite. The first screen on any SSA computer is a warning that the computer is for official government use only and all computer use is subject to monitoring. The user has to agree before (s)he can log in. As for "fruit basket turnover", each employee is held accountable for anything done while (s)he is logged in -- using a computer logged in to someone else is prohibited. ANY use of government time, equipment, or supplies, for personal purposes must be de minimus. I can't think of a faster way to get fired, than to violate this policy-- and that has been true since long before computers were on each desk. As a taxpayer, I appreciate this-- I'm not paying for equipment and supplies used for personal purposes, and I'm not paying salaries of employees who are not working on job duties. As a SSN holder, I am glad that SSA, in particular, protects the integrity of its database. As a long-time government employee, I don't mind waiting to surf the web and email until getting home to my own computer. BTW, this is just the tip of the iceberg. My understanding is that video hearings can be monitored remotely, hearing recordings can be listened to, and any word-processing or email files on an employee's computer can be read-- at least by those who have the proper level of access. And with efiles, it's not 100% certain that the private section will remain private. Regional office constantly looks at statistics, many of which are available in real time, and you will get an email if not in line with expectations. In Fourth Amendment terms, SSA employees have no expectation of privacy. |
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Post by oldjag on Jul 18, 2009 11:45:10 GMT -5
I am sometimes amazed by the lack of manners among people and utterly amazed at the response of some when their rudeness is brought to their attention. As an instructor I spend a lot of time getting ready to do my presentations, and I give up time with my family to do my best to provide the information that new judges of any background need. Even the most experienced SSA veteran can still learn--but only if they are listening. So turn off the internet and pay attention.
You all have gone through a long process designed to find the very best and people who can act like adults and take their work seriously. Reading, texting and surfing the internet during lectures shows that you are not serious. If you are so bored that you can't listen, I am sure the agency can arrange for you to return to your past job within the week.
This has nothing to do with privacy and everthing to do with taking this job seriously and acting with common courtesy.
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Post by privateatty on Jul 18, 2009 14:18:41 GMT -5
I am sometimes amazed by the lack of manners among people and utterly amazed at the response of some when their rudeness is brought to their attention. As an instructor I spend a lot of time getting ready to do my presentations, and I give up time with my family to do my best to provide the information that new judges of any background need. Even the most experienced SSA veteran can still learn--but only if they are listening. So turn off the internet and pay attention. You all have gone through a long process designed to find the very best and people who can act like adults and take their work seriously. Reading, texting and surfing the internet during lectures shows that you are not serious. If you are so bored that you can't listen, I am sure the agency can arrange for you to return to your past job within the week. This has nothing to do with privacy and everthing to do with taking this job seriously and acting with common courtesy. I'm not sure any of us (at least the "us" I subscribe to) disagree with your sentiments and I, for one, applaud them wholeheartedly. I think the teachers should be able to throw erasers like they did when I went to school. Doesn't that prove I'm an old f**t? Its how they are doing this, rather than what they are doing. The good old form over substance dictum. In Ireland not too long ago and in another "societiy" where I have been, informers are shot. |
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Post by lawmaker on Aug 1, 2009 17:13:07 GMT -5
It's not the lack of privacy that irks me. I never have had any expectation of privacy in my government computers, offices, etc. What bothers me was the condescending and belittling warning that if we are not paying strict attention in class then our activities will be reported to some unnamed authority with a veiled threat of unspecified repercussions. I suppose that instead of my Big Brother subject reference I should have written something like, "Teacher's gonna rap your knuckles!" or words to that effect. So long as the class is listening, asking questions, and otherwise participating in the lectures, why does it matter if we are also surfing the internet, sending emails, or doing soduku puzzles at the same time? We are all intelligent professionals who presumably have the ability to multitask. Add the fact that 90% of these classes is old information for those of us with prior agency experience, and I think that some leeway should be granted. Or in the alternative, at least have the courtesy to talk to us like judges and not errant schoolchildren. Prof It's got nothing to do with leeway or anything else you have recited in your post. You need to familiarize yourself with the rules of use of the computer and other such similar things/devices that belong to "the man". It's usually referred to in your packet of materials as "personal use of government equipment" Every government agency has such a policy and they are nearly identical It's possible that they haven't given you the memos yet and just wanted to warn you about the til they give you the memos. But if there are any ALJ union reps around, ask them to give you more information about the "personal use" issue. And whether or not there has ever been any discipline meted out for the violation of personal use terms. This is related to the use of government equipment issue. At some point you were given or will be given your systems sanctions documents to sign. If you are interested in this subject, you may be interested in this article www.databreaches.net/?p=6523 |
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