Computer Use PolicyComputer Use Policy

Mount Aloysius College Computer Use Policy

Revised January 1998

Purpose

To ensure that Mount Aloysius College computing resources can be effectively shared by all users for academic, administrative, public service or academically-related communication purposes, this policy is intended to delineate the responsible use of information technology at Mount Aloysius College. Information technology includes, but is not limited to, computer networks, network servers, personal computers, printers, workstations, mainframe computers, software, e-mail, voice and video networks, transmission systems, and digital information. These computer and network resources are allocated by the College only for activities that support research, education, or administrative purposes. All office, campus network and Internet activities must be consistent with that purpose.

Scope

This policy applies to all students, faculty, and staff of Mount Aloysius College and to all other users who are authorized to access information technology at Mount Aloysius College. This policy is meant to augment and support existing College policy and also extends to use of those external networks with which Mount Aloysius College is interconnected, including, but not limited to, the college's present Internet service provider. For further information on the college's Internet service provider please contact Computer Services.

Authorized Use

An Authorized User is one who has been granted authority by Mount Aloysius College to access its computing and network systems and whose usage is consistent with this policy. Unauthorized use is strictly prohibited. The terms "authorized user" and "user" are hereinafter used interchangeably.

Privacy

All users must maintain confidentiality of student information in compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (20 USC 1221 note, 1232g.) But users must recognize that there is no guarantee of complete privacy with their use of Mount Aloysius College computer and network systems. The College may find it necessary to view electronic data and it may be required by law to allow third parties to do so (i.e. electronically stored data may become evidence in legal proceedings). It is also possible that messages or data may be inadvertently viewed by others. Should the security of a computer system be threatened, the system may be monitored and user files may be examined. (Electronic Communications Privacy Act, 18 USC 2701-2711).

Statement of Responsibility

Access to the College's computing services is a privilege guided by the Honor Principle. It is assumed that users accept responsibility for their actions and how their actions affect others in the community. Users also accept the responsibility to abide by the policies of the College as well as any state or federal laws that pertain. Those who do not abide by the policies listed below risk disciplinary action or criminal prosecution under state or federal law.

Policies

All users are responsible to respect and value the privacy of others, to behave ethically, and to comply with all legal restrictions regarding the use of electronic data. College computers or networks should not be used to: install, run or copy software without a license to do so; conduct commercial business; express animus or bias against individuals or groups; transmit offensive material such as obscenity, vulgarity or profanity, sexually explicit material, name-calling or cursing; guess or decrypt passwords of other users; deprive authorized users of access; secure a higher level of privilege than allowed by the College; read, copy, change or delete another user's files or software without his/her permission; gain unauthorized access to remote servers; libel, slander or harass any other person.

Examples of Computer Harassment include intentionally using a computer to:

Each user is responsible for the security and integrity of information stored on his/her desktop/laptop system and for not installing or copying copyrighted software without permission or license. Generally speaking, faculty and staff users should check with Computer Services before attempting to install software on College-owned desktop or laptop computers. Faculty and staff users should refer to the "Guidelines for Software Installation by Faculty and Staff"for more information. Students are not permitted to install software on college owned computer equipment. Only Computer Services personnel are authorized to install software on network systems. Computer accounts, passwords, and other types of authorization assigned to individual users or groups must not be shared with or used by others without authorization. Users are responsible for refraining from acts that waste College computer or network resources, prevent others from using them, or compromise the performance of campus computers, peripherals and networks. Users should avoid any willful action that would:

Each department has the responsibility of enforcing these policies. All users and departments have the responsibility to report any observed or discovered unauthorized access attempts or other improper usage of college computers, networks or other information processing equipment to their Department Head, Computer Services or Campus Security. Computer Services will provide each department with the resources to enforce this policy and help with data backup procedures as well as virus protection.

Disciplinary Actions: Anyone found to have violated this Computer Use Policy may be subject to suspension of computer privileges and possible disciplinary action under College rules for misconduct. Offenders may also be subject to criminal prosecution under federal or state law. As an example, under Pennsylvania law, it is a felony punishable by a fine of up to $15,000 and imprisonment up to seven years for any person to access, alter or damage any computer system, network, software or database, or any part thereof, with the intent to interrupt the normal functioning of an organization (18 Pa.C.S.3933(a)(1)). Disclosing a password to a computer system, network, etc, knowingly and without authorization, is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $10,000 and imprisonment of up to five years, as is intentional and unauthorized access to a computer, interference with the operation of a computer or network, or alteration of computer software (18 Pa. C.S. 3933 (a)(2) and (3)).