I. Introduction

These acceptable use guidelines

govern the use of computers and networks within the Southern residences.
As a user of these resources, you are responsible for reading
and understanding this document. This document protects the consumers of
computing resources, computing hardware and networks, and system administrators.
It is intended to augment and clarify the existing computer use policies for
Southern Connecticut State University.

II. Rights and
Responsibilities

Computers and networks can provide access to
resources on and off campus, as well as the ability to communicate with other
users worldwide. Such open access is a privilege and requires that individual
users act responsibly. Users must respect the rights of other users, respect the
integrity of the systems and related physical resources, and observe all relevant
laws, regulations, and contractual obligations. Since electronic information is
volatile and easily reproduced, users must exercise care in acknowledging and
respecting the work of others through strict adherence to software licensing
agreements and copyright laws.

III. Existing Legal
Context

All existing laws (federal and state) and University
regulations and policies apply, including not only those laws and regulations
that are specific to computers and networks, but also those that may apply
generally to personal conduct.

Users do not own accounts on University computers, but are
granted the privilege of exclusive use. Under the Electronic Communications
Privacy Act of 1986 (Title18 U.S.C. section 2510 et. seq.), users are entitled
to privacy regarding information contained on these accounts. This act, however,
allows system administrators or other University employees to access user files
in the normal course of their employment when necessary to protect the integrity
of computer systems or the rights or property of the University. For example,
system administrators may examine or make copies of files that are suspected of
misuse or that have been corrupted or damaged. User files may be subject to
search by law enforcement agencies under court order if such files contain
information which may be used as evidence in a court of law. In addition,
student
files on University computer facilities are considered "educational records"
under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (Title 20 U.S.C.
section1232[g]).

Misuse of computing, networking or information resources may
result in the loss of computing and/or network access. Additionally, misuse can
be prosecuted under applicable statutes. Users may be held accountable for their
conduct under any applicable University or campus policies, procedures, or
collective bargaining agreements. Illegal production of software and other
intellectual property protected by U.S. copyright law is subject to civil
damages and criminal punishment including fines and imprisonment. Southern
Connecticut State University supports the policy of EDUCOM on "Software and
Intellectual Rights."

Other organizations operating computing and network
facilities that are reachable via the Southern network may have their own policies
governing the use of those resources. When accessing remote resources from
Southern
facilities, users are responsible for obeying both the policies set forth in
this document and the policies of the other organizations.

IV. Enforcement

Minor
infractions of this policy, when accidental, such as consuming excessive
resources or overloading computer systems, are generally resolved informally by
the unit administering the accounts or network. This may be done through
electronic mail or in-person discussion and education.

Repeated minor infractions or misconduct which is more
serious may result in the temporary or permanent loss of computer access
privileges or the modification of those privileges. More serious violations
include, but are not limited to, unauthorized use of computer resources, attempts
to steal passwords or data, unauthorized use or copying of licensed software,
repeated harassment, or threatening behavior. In addition, offenders may be
referred to the their sponsoring advisor, department, employer, or other
appropriate University office for further action. If the individual is a
student, the matter may be referred to Student Affairs for disciplinary
action.

Any offense which violates local, state, or federal laws may
result in the immediate loss of all University computing privileges and will be
referred to appropriate University offices and/or law enforcement
authorities.

V. Conducts of Violation


Conduct which violates these guidelines includes, but is
not limited to the activities in the following list.

• Unauthorized use of a computer account.
  
  
• Using the Campus Network to gain unauthorized access to any
  computer systems.
  
  
• Connecting unauthorized equipment to the campus
  network.
  
  
• Unauthorized attempts to circumvent data protection schemes
  or uncover security loopholes. This includes creating and/or running programs
  that are designed to identify security loopholes and/or decrypt intentionally
  secure data.
  
  
• Knowingly or carelessly performing an act that will
  interfere with the normal operation of computers, terminals, peripherals, or
  networks.
  
  
• Knowingly or carelessly running or installing on any
  computer system or network, or giving to another user a program intended to
  damage or to place excessive load on a computer system or network. This
  includes, but is not limited to, programs known as computer viruses, Trojan
  Horses, and worms.
  
  
• Deliberately wasting/overloading computing resources, such
  as printing too many copies of a document.
  
  
• Violating terms of applicable software licensing agreements
  or copyright laws.
  
  
• Violating copyright laws and their fair use provisions
  through inappropriate reproduction or dissemination of copyrighted text, images,
  etc.
  
  
• Using university resources for commercial activity such as
  creating products or services for sale.
  
  
• Using electronic mail to harass or threaten others. This
  includes sending repeated, unwanted e-mail to another user.
  
  
• Initiating or propagating electronic chain
  letters.
  
  
• Inappropriate mass mailing. This includes multiple mailings
  to newsgroups, mailing lists, or individuals, e.g. "spamming," "flooding," or
  "bombing."
  
  
• Forging the identity of a user or machine in an electronic
  communication.
  
  
• Transmitting or reproducing materials that are slanderous
  or defamatory in nature, or that otherwise violate existing laws or university
  regulations.
  
  
• Displaying obscene, lewd, or sexually harassing images or
  text in a public computer facility or location that can be in view of
  others.
  
  
• Attempting to monitor or tamper with another user's
  electronic communications, or reading, copying, changing, or deleting another
  user's files or software without the explicit agreement of the owner.
  

Courtesy of Central Connecticut
State University