Browser expectations

Today I received an email message about our switch from Formstack [1] to Qualtrics [2]. That message suggested that I read our new survey policy and contained a link to the policy [3]. Of course, because it’s GrinCo, I couldn’t read the document. Instead, I got an error message

There’s a configuration problem preventing us from getting your document. If possible, try opening this document in Microsoft Word.

Of course, since I didn’t have the document, only the link, so there was no way to try opening it in Word. I did request a copy. The response included not only the document also a suggestion that I should just check directly at the policy center [4]. I didn’t know that we had a Policy Center on GrinCo. Time to check it out.

What’s the first thing I see at the policy center?

** DO NOT USE GOOGLE CHROME FOR WORKING IN THE POLICY CENTER ** PLEASE USE INTERNET EXPLORER **

Um … Isn’t Internet Explorer being discontinued, even on Windows? There also hasn’t been an Internet Explorer for over four years and I don’t think there’s ever been an Internet Explorer for Linux. Does that mean the policies don’t apply to MacOs and Linux users?

More seriously, though. Why should our policy center expect a particular browser [5]?

[1] Easy to use form builder. Not FERPA compliant.

[2] I have no idea whether or not it’s easy to use. I do assume it’s FERPA compliant.

[3] The link was to ] https://grinco.sharepoint.com/sites/President/PolicyCenter/_layouts/15/WopiFrame.aspx?sourcedoc=%7B9FE52665-5AD9-4753-8C1F-AE7A59DB96D6%7D&file=Survey%20Implementation%20Policy%20Final%208%207%202017.docx&action=default for those of you who enjoy Sharepoint links and have access to GrinCo.

[4] No link included. I found it at https://grinco.sharepoint.com/sites/President/PolicyCenter/SitePages/Home.aspx.

[5] And why are our policies behind a password wall?

Version 1.0 of 2017-08-28.