Blocked Websites

Summary

In support of the mission of Bethel University and the Covenant for Life Together, in the Fall of 1999, the faculty voted to block access to web pages involving pornography and gambling. Information Technology Services updated this to include websites that contain security risks. Bethel uses Cisco to filter webpages. The following article explains the process for reclassifying a web page or gaining temporary access to a blocked site.

Misclassified Website

The content filter will sometimes misidentify a website and it will be inappropriately blocked. You can request that a website be reevaluated by filling out the BrightCloud Self Service Form. BrightCloud will process the new URL category request and update the Cisco filer. You will need the following information to fill out the service form:

• The website's URL
  
  
• Description of the sites actual content
  
  
• Need / reason for accessing the site

Blocked Website

If access to a blocked website is time sensitive, a request can be submitted to the IT Help Desk asking to whitelist a certain website. The IT Help Desk will forward this request to be discussed by IT Leadership and may involve other Bethel community members, such as the Provost or VP of Student Life. You will need the following information included:

• The website's URL
  
  
• Description of the sites actual content
  
  
• Need / reason for accessing the site
  
  
• Reason for urgency of the request