Kutztown University Policy 1996-403
This policy addresses the acceptable use of the computer and network resources that Kutztown University provides for its students, faculty, staff, and associates. While using these resources, each individual is expected to act responsibly to assure the operational security and integrity of the computer and network resources and the University encourages all members of its community to use these resources in a manner that is respectful to others. The goal of this policy is to protect the resources provided for the support of the University’s educational mission and to respect the rights and obligations of academic freedom.
The scope of this policy is the use of all University computer and network resources.
With regard to the University’s computer and network resources, the following activities are prohibited:
1. Providing false or misleading information to obtain an account to the computer and network resources.
2. Using an account that you are not authorized to use. If you allow others to use your account, as the account holder, you are responsible for the account activity.
3. Obtaining or attempting to obtain a password for an account without the consent of the account owner. The negligence or naiveté of another person in revealing their account or password is not considered permission to use their account.
4. Disguising or attempting to disguise the identity of an account or resource you are using.
5. Using the computer and network resources to gain unauthorized access to remote computers or networks.
6. Performing acts that impede the normal operation of networks, computers, terminals, or peripherals, including actions that cause a security risk.
7. Monopolizing the computer and network resources to the exclusion of others. Since these resources are limited, the needs of others must be considered.
8. Circumventing or attempting to circumvent data protection schemes or uncover security loopholes.
9. Violating the terms of intellectual property rights, in particular, software license agreements and copyright laws.
10. Using the computer and network resources in a manner that infringes upon the legal rights of another individual.
11. Attempting to monitor or tamper with another's electronic communications, or reading, copying, changing, or deleting another's files or software without the explicit agreement of the owner.
12. Compromising the confidentiality of information to which you have access in the course of your academic or administrative activity. The information accessible through the computer and network resources is considered private to the individual or organization which owns or holds right to them unless specifically stated otherwise.
Administration and Implementation:
Those who do not abide by this policy should expect possible suspension of privileges and referral to the appropriate judicial process. When faced with evidence of such activity and in order to protect the operational security and integrity of the computer and network resources, the University reserves the right to limit access to these resources. Under such circumstances, the University may need to examine computer files to investigate the situation. The record of investigation will state the names and positions of the individuals who examined the computer files, the computer files that were examined, and the reason for the investigation. Privacy of computer files is assured.
Reminders:
Use of the University’s computer and network resources is subject to the regulation of Kutztown University, the State System of Higher Education, and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. As participants of a global network, any network traffic is subject to the acceptable use policies of the networks and systems through which it flows as well as this policy. Abuse of the computer and network resources may subject the user to prosecution under local, state, or federal law and the user should expect the University to pursue such action.
By inference and association, anything generated with the University's computer and network resources represents Kutztown University as well as the individual. Even with disclaimers, the University is represented by its students, faculty, staff, and associates. Therefore, appropriate language, behavior, and style are recommended.
December 5, 1996
University Senate