Computing, networking and information resources are
provided to the University community to support its academic and administrative
functions in accordance with its teaching, research, and service missions. These
resources are intended to be used for educational purposes and the business of
the University.
·
The rights of academic freedom and freedom of expression apply to
the use of University computing resources, as do the responsibilities and
limitations associated with these rights. This
policy is intended to permit freedom of use consistent with state and federal
laws, ethical standards, University policies, and a productive educational and
working environment.
·
It is the responsibility of the user to be informed and aware of
the need to comply with applicable laws, policies, and associated regulations.
Users must abide by all applicable restrictions, whether or not they are
built into the operating system or network, and whether or not they can be
circumvented by technical or other means. Individuals
who engage in electronic communications with persons in other states or
countries or on other systems or networks may also be subject to the laws of
those states and countries and the rules and policies of those systems and
networks.
·
All individuals using University computing resources, whether
affiliated with the University or not, and all uses of those resources, whether
on campus or from remote locations, must:
Comply with all federal, state, and other applicable laws, all applicable
University policies, procedures, and regulations, and all applicable contractual
and license agreements, including, but not limited to such matters as:
copyright; computer fraud and abuse; defamation; ethics; right to
privacy; obscenity, child pornography, and indecency; sexual, racial, and other
forms of harassment. Additional
policies may apply to specific computers, systems, or networks provided or
operated by departments within the University.
Use only those computing resources that they are authorized to use.
Unauthorized use of accounts or passwords is prohibited.
Computing, networking, and information resources may not be used to
threaten the security or integrity of these resources or harass an individual or
entity.
Respect the privacy of other users and their accounts.
Attempts to log on to another user's account (whether secured or
otherwise), remove or modify files, access protected files, or in any way alter
another user's account are prohibited.
Refrain from intentionally running processes that unreasonably tax the
system, providing system access to unauthorized users, and distributing computer
viruses or trojans.
Not use University resources for financial gain, unauthorized
solicitation, or activities associated with a for-profit business, or engage in
an activity that involves a conflict of interest. (Refer to 7001.01 – Conflicts of Interest, and 7005.01 –
Solicitation and Distribution of Materials, Employees.)
Not speak on behalf of the University unless authorized.
Sending electronic communications in such a way that masks the source or
makes it appear to come from another source is prohibited.
Not disrupt, perform unauthorized monitoring of electronic
communications, or make use of any software or hardware designed to capture user
activity or to capture network packet traffic.
·
Personal use of computing resources not otherwise addressed in
this policy or these procedures will generally be permitted if such use does not
consume a significant amount of resources, does not interfere with the
performance of an individual’s job or other University responsibilities, and
is otherwise in compliance with University policies.
·
Users should be aware that computing resources are subject to
normal operation and maintenance which require the backup of data and
communications, logging of activity, monitoring of general usage patterns, other
activities necessary to provide service, and compliance with any law, rule,
regulation, subpoena, or the order of any administrative agency or court.
Procedures
1.
Reports concerning violations should be directed to the appropriate
computer system administrator.
2.
The systems administrator for the computer system on which the violations
of this policy are alleged to have occurred may address such violations on an
interim basis. These actions
include protecting the computer system from misuse or damage.
When a violation has been observed, the systems administrator may issue
warnings and/or informational correspondence.
Such correspondence may be accompanied by referral to the violator’s
supervisor, if a student to the instructor, for appropriate action.
3.
Students violating this policy will be subject to disciplinary action in
accordance with "The Code of Student Rights, Responsibilities, and
Conduct," as published in Penguin Playbook (Student Handbook).
4.
Employees violating this policy will be subject to disciplinary action in
accordance with applicable collective bargaining agreements and/or other
University policies and procedures.
5.
University personnel will be permitted access to users’ computer
accounts to investigate reported, alleged, or observed violations of this
policy. (See last Parameter above.)
6.
Violations of this policy can result in the immediate removal of
privileges pending final resolution.