|
|
Acceptable Use Policy for
Information Technology Resources
Use of information technology (DoTS) resources must be consistent
with the University's mission and with its role as a public agency. Each member
of the University community is expected to protect the integrity of these resources
and to know and adhere to University rules, regulations and guidelines for their
appropriate use. It is the responsibility of users of DoTS Resources to understand
and be aware of the current Acceptable Use Policy, which is available from DoTS
Services. The Acceptable Use Policy applies to all individuals who access DoTS
resources, regardless of their familiarity or understanding of the policy.
Regulations that govern personal conduct and use of University
facilities (as published in the University of Wisconsin System Administrative
Code and UW-River Falls policies) also apply to the use of DoTS resources. In
addition, the following guidelines apply more specifically to use of DoTS resources:
- General Guidelines
Access to University DoTS resources is a privilege granted to members of the
University community which carries with it the responsibility to use them
for University related activities, exercising common sense and civility.
- Individual Responsibility
Authorization for use of DoTS facilities is provided to each individual for
his or her own use. No person may use an authorization which belongs to someone
else, nor can any person granted this right share it with another. In many
cases the University has obtained access to these resources exclusively for
the use of members of the University community. It is a violation of those
agreements for others to use them.
- Security
The protection of University DoTS resources depends heavily on each user's careful
handling of keys to these resources. Since any account can serve as an entry
point for theft, damage or unauthorized use, users must protect the confidentiality
of their personal identification codes and passwords and are expected to exercise
reasonable care to insure that others cannot use their accounts. Every account
must be safeguarded as any account could provide a foot in the door for a
hacker.
- Hacking
Persons may not obtain or use — or attempt to obtain or use — passwords,
IP addresses or other network information that have not been assigned to them
as individuals or authorized for their use. Persons may not obtain - or attempt
to obtain - unauthorized access to computer accounts, software, files, or
any other University DoTS resources.
- Malicious Activity
Persons may not alter or intentionally damage software or data belonging to
someone else or interfere with another person's authorized access to DoTS resources.
Users may not intentionally disrupt or damage University computers or networks
in any way.
- Impersonation and Anonymity
Users of University DoTS resources may not send electronic messages with the
sender's identity forged or send anonymous messages unless the recipient has
agreed to receive anonymous messages.
- Commercial, Political and Non-University Activities
Persons may not use University DoTS resources to sell or solicit sales for any
goods, services or contributions unless such use conforms to UW-River Falls
rules and regulations governing the use of University resources. University
employees may not use these resources to support the nomination of any person
for political office or to influence a vote in any election or referendum.
No one may use University DoTS resources to represent the interests of any non-University
group or organization unless authorized by an appropriate University department.
- Exposure to Offensive Material
Use of network resources, and the Internet in particular, may expose an individual
to content which they personally find objectionable, including comments or
graphics which are profane, obscene, racist, sexist or otherwise offensive.
UW-River Falls does not seek to censor any materials that you may access via
DoTS Resources. The individual accessing DoTS resources is solely responsible
for what they may encounter. In accordance with the University's Sexual Harassment
Policy, sexually explicit or obscene materials may not be publicly displayed,
whether they are obtained via electronic or other means.
- Personal Usage
In the interest of making the use of DoTS resources a natural part of the day-to-day
learning and work of all members of the University community, incidental personal
use is tolerated. However, one should use other providers of e-mail, Internet
access, and other DoTS services for activities of an extensive nature that are
not related to University purposes.
- State and Federal Laws
Persons may not use University computing facilities to violate state or federal
laws, including copyright and election laws.
Individuals who suspect or know of violations of the Acceptable Use Policy
must report the incidents to DoTS. Report violations by email at abuse@uwrf.edu.
If you are unsure whether actions of yourself or another person may be in conflict
with the Acceptable Use Policy, please contact
DoTS for clarification. If you feel personally threatened, instead
immediately call the Office of Public Safety, the police or 911 emergency services.
Violation of University rules governing appropriate use of DoTS resources may
result in loss of access privileges, University disciplinary action, and/or
criminal prosecution.
April 26, 2002
More DoTS policies
|
