Acceptable use & Administration of Computer and Communications Systems at Averett University

PURPOSE

This is a university computer and communication facilities, including those dealing with voice, data, and video. It relates to the use and administration of telecommunications equipment (including computer networks involving the CBX and Internet) as well as mainframe, midrange, minicomputer, workstation, and personal computer systems. Thus, it covers all activities involving computing and communication facilities of Averett University. Every user of these systems is expected to know and follow this

top

POLICY

This policy applies to any individual using or administering Averett University computer and/or communication facilities. Not covered are activities solely involving personal property. Related university policies and guidelines that must be respected by such individuals include the following:

top

ACCEPTABLE USE GUIDELINES

Data communication facilities at Averett University have been developed to encourage widespread access and distribution of data and information. Computing systems facilitate manipulation and sharing of data and information. Together, these systems and facilities can be used in similar fashion to mail and telephone services, and so are governed by principles of appropriate use for those services.
University communication and computing resources are used to support the educational, research, and public service missions of the institution. Activities involving these resources must be in accord with the university honor codes, Employee Handbook, student handbooks, and relevant local, state, federal, and international laws and regulations. Access to computer systems and networks owned or operated by Averett University imposes certain responsibilities and obligations and is granted subject to university policies, and local, state, and federal laws. Acceptable use always is ethical, reflects academic honesty, and shows restraint in the consumption of shared resources. It demonstrates respect for intellectual property, ownership of data, system security mechanisms, and individuals' rights to privacy and to freedom from intimidation and harassment. In making acceptable use of resources you must:

use resources only for authorized purposes.
protect your userid and system from unauthorized use. You are responsible for all activities on your userid or that originate from your system.
access only information that is your own, that is publicly available, or to which you have been given authorized access.
use only legal versions of copyrighted software in compliance with vendor license requirements.
be considerate in your use of shared resources. Refrain from monopolizing systems, overloading networks with excessive data, degrading services, or wasting computer time, connect time, disk space, printer paper, manuals, or other resources.

In making acceptable use of resources you must NOT:

use another person's system, userid, password, files, or data without permission.
Use computer programs to decode passwords or access control information.
attempt to circumvent or subvert system or network security measures.
engage in any activity that might be purposefully harmful to systems or to any information stored thereon, such as creating or propagating viruses, disrupting services, or damaging files or making unauthorized modifications to university data.
Use university systems for commercial or partisan political purposes, such as using electronic mail to circulate advertising for products or for political candidates.
make or use illegal copies of copyrighted materials or software, store such copies on university systems, or transmit them over university networks.
Use mail or messaging services to harass or intimidate another person, for example, by broadcasting unsolicited messages, by repeatedly sending unwanted mail, or by using someone else's name or userid.
waste computing resources or network resources, for example, by intentionally placing a program in an endless loop, printing excessive amounts of paper, or by sending chain letters or unsolicited mass mailings.
Use the university's systems or networks for personal gain; for example, by selling access to your userid or to university systems or networks, or by performing work for profit with university resources in a manner not authorized by the university.
Engage in any other activity that does not comply with the General Principles presented above.

top

ENFORCEMENT

The university considers any violation of acceptable use principles or guidelines to be a serious offense and reserves the right to copy and examine any files or information resident on university systems allegedly related to unacceptable use, and to protect its network from systems and events that threaten or degrade operations. Violators are subject to disciplinary action as prescribed in the Honor Codes, the University Policies for Student Life, and employee handbooks. Offenders also may be prosecuted under laws including (but not limited to) the Communications Act of 1934 (amended), the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act of 1986, The Computer Virus Eradication Act of 1989, Interstate Transportation of Stolen Property, The Virginia Computer Crimes Act, and the Electronic Communications Privacy Act. Access to the text of these laws is available through the Averett University Library Reference Department.

top

REPORTING SUSPECTED SECURITY BREACHES

Anyone who has reason to suspect a deliberate or significant breach of established security policy or procedure should promptly report it to the appropriate Dean, Director, or Department Head, and to the University Security Office. If it is felt the breach is serious and needs immediate attention, the Averett University Police or local law enforcement should be contacted. The Information Technology Security Office may be involved with suspected breaches and can also be a resource for those involved in any investigation.

top

INFORMATION DISCLAIMER

Individuals using computer systems owned by Averett University do so subject to applicable laws and University policies. Averett University disclaims any responsibility and/or warranties for information and materials residing on non-university systems or available over publicly accessible networks. Such materials do not necessarily reflect the attitudes, opinions, or values of the Commonwealth of Virginia, Averett University, its faculty, staff, or students.

top