Acceptable Use of Computing Resources Policy

15 March 2006

Preamble
Plymouth State University computer resources, including access to local, national, and international networks, are available to students, faculty, staff, alumni and other authorized users as they carry out the University's mission.  When used appropriately, these tools can enhance dialogue and communications. Inappropriate use of these tools, however, can infringe on the rights of others.

Appropriate use should always be legal and ethical, reflect academic honesty, reflect community standards, and show restraint in the consumption of shared resources. It should demonstrate respect for intellectual property, ownership of data, system security and individuals' rights to privacy and to freedom from intimidation and harassment.

These guidelines set forth standards for responsible and acceptable use of PSU computer and network resources.  They supplement existing PSU policies, agreements and state and federal laws and regulations.  Computer resources include host computer systems, PSU-sponsored computers and workstations, communication networks, software and files.

Primary Principles: Freedom of Expression and Personal Responsibility
Plymouth State University values freedom of expression, scholarly inquiry and information sharing.  The University does not limit access to information due to its content when it meets the standard of legality.

Concomitant with these values is the personal obligation of each member of our community to use computer and network resources responsibly, ethically, and in a manner in accordance with the laws and the rights of others. The use of shared campus resources relies on a spirit of mutual respect and cooperation to create and maintain an open community of responsible users.
 
Indemnification
Each user is responsible for his or her own activities in using the University's computing resources, and will indemnify and hold harmless the University from any liability to the user or any third party arising out of the use of the computing resources by the user or any loss of information existing or stored on the University's computing equipment or resources, including all files and electronic mail.

User Responsibilities
All devices that connect to the PSU network need to be approved and authorized by ITS.  Once approved, users who connect personal computers and/or network devices - wired or wireless - assume responsibility for maintaining specified operating system and network security and protection software. 

Users are responsible for safeguarding their identification (ID) codes and passwords, and for using them for their intended purposes only. Each user is responsible for all transactions made under the authorization of his or her ID, and for all network activity originating from his or her equipment.

The University makes some resources available for specified uses including research, teaching and administrative tasks. Users are responsible for respecting the intended use of resources dedicated to specific purposes or users.

 The following provisions describe conduct prohibited under these guidelines:

1. Altering system software or hardware configurations, or disrupting or interfering with the delivery or administration of computer resources.
2. Attempting to access or accessing another's account, server, workstation, files, or e- mail without the owner's permission; or misrepresenting oneself as another individual in electronic communication.
3. Installing, copying, distributing or using software in violation of: copyright and/or software agreements; applicable state and federal laws.
4. Using computing resources to engage in conduct which interferes with others' use of shared computer resources and/or the activities of other users, including studying, teaching, research, and University administration.
5. Using computing resources for commercial or profit making purposes without written authorization from the University.
6. Failing to adhere to individual departmental, computer cluster and USNH policies, procedures, protocols or intended use.
7. Allowing access to computer resources by unauthorized users.
8. Acts of vandalism, theft or tampering of computer resources.
9. Using computer resources for any activities the courts, legislative bodies, and/or the University System of New Hampshire have determined illegal or unacceptable.  Such activities include identity theft, child pornography, threats, harassment, theft and unauthorized access. 

Administration
Violation of these guidelines constitutes unacceptable use of computer resources and may violate other University policies and/or state and federal laws. Suspected or known Appropriate Use Policy violations should be reported to the Chief Information Officer (2443), Dean of Students (2260), and/or the Director of Human Resources (2551) who will process them in accordance with established University policies.

Violations may result in revocation of computer resource privileges, disciplinary action or legal action.

The maintenance, operation, and security of computing resources require responsible PSU personnel to monitor and access the system. To the extent possible in the electronic environment and in a public setting, a user's privacy will be preserved. Nevertheless, that privacy is subject to applicable University System of New Hampshire policies, state and federal laws, and the needs of the University to meet its administrative, business, and legal obligations.