Policies and Procedures for Access to Networked Information Resources

Students and staff may employ electronic mail as a tool for communications. The University may rely upon this medium to communicate information, and students will be responsible for checking and reading messages.

The network is provided for staff and students to conduct research and communicate with others. Communications over the network are often public in nature; therefore, general rules and standards for professional behavior and communications will apply.

The network is primarily intended for the use of students and staff. Others wanting access to the network including PC's in labs must first check with the supervisor of the equipment and pay fees as set by the University.

Network administrators may review files and communications to maintain system integrity. Users should not assume that files stored on university servers will be private. (See Electronic Communications Privacy Act 18 USC §2701 (1988).)

The following behaviors are not permitted on university networks:

• Sending or displaying offensive messages or pictures
• Assisting a campaign for election of any person to any office or for the promotion of or opposition to any ballot proposition
• Using obscene language
• Harassing, insulting or attacking others
• Engaging in practices that threaten the network (e.g., loading files that may introduce a virus or installing software not previously approved).  Downloading and installation of software is only allowed with prior approval from Information Technology.  Instructors must supervise the installation.  This also applies to the installation of hardware.
• Violating copyright laws
• Using others' accounts
• Trespassing in others' folders, documents, or files
• Intentionally wasting limited resources
• Employing the network for commercial purposes
• Violating regulations prescribed by ONENET
• Promoting, supporting or celebrating religion or religious institutions

The Network Supervisor will report inappropriate behaviors to the University administration who will take appropriate disciplinary action. Any other reports of inappropriate behavior, violations, or complaints will be routed to the Vice-President of Student Affairs for appropriate action. Violations may result in a loss of access and/or disciplinary action.

Each student will be given copies of this policy and procedures and will sign an acceptable use agreement before establishing an account. Accounts will expire for students not enrolled by the end of the regular enrollment period each Fall and Spring semester.

Each employee will be given copies of this policy and procedures and will sign an acceptable use agreement before establishing an account or continuing their use beyond December 9, 1996.