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Rockhurst University is committed to providing
reliable, secured, and equitable access to and
use of its computing, networking, telephone,
and information resources. These resources are
intended for the use of Rockhurst University
students, faculty, staff, and administrators
in support of the college’s missions of
education, and community service.
The following access and acceptable use policies exist to facilitate
that commitment and to protect the University’s computing, networking,
telephone, and information resources, as well as the people who use them.
Anyone who uses these resources is expected to be cognizant of and to
abide by all of the policies that govern that use.
University owned or operated computing resources
are provided for use by faculty, students, staff,
and authorized associates of the Rockhurst University.
All faculty, students, staff, and associates
are responsible for use of Rockhurst computing
resources in an effective, efficient, ethical,
and lawful manner.
The Official Policy
The following guidelines
relate to the use of these computing resources:
This Rockhurst University Computer Usage policy
constitutes the University-wide policy for the
computer data networks and the resources they
make available, and any and all stand-alone computers
that are owned and administered by Rockhurst
University (“computing resource”).
This policy is applicable to all students, faculty,
staff and recognized organizations of Rockhurst
University and all others who use or access the
University computing resource. This policy reflects
the ethical principles of the University community
as embodied in the Statement of Mission and Values
of Rockhurst and defines the privileges and responsibilities
of use of the University computing environment.
Computer use has become an integral part of
many University activities. While much computing
is now done on individual computers, most information
and communications systems either reside on central
computers or use networks. Distributed resources
such as computer labs provide additional computing
tools. Procedures for gaining access to and making
optimum use of these resources, including the
steps to be taken in lodging complaints, are
available to users through the Computer Services
Help Desk, located on the 4th floor of Conway
Hall, Room 420, x4357 (HELP).
Members of the University community who access
or traverse non-University networks whether or
not through the University computing resource
must follow the policies of those non-University
networks provided they are not in conflict with
legal use, University mission and values, and
this policy. The guidelines of the network traversed
can usually be obtained from the network information
center of the network traversed.
Security
Rockhurst University advises all users that
any and all information entered into, stored,
transmitted or received via the University computing
resource is not fully secure and regarding non-University
networks, the levels of obtainable security vary
depending on the non-University network traversed.
All users of electronic mail systems are advised
that electronic mail in its present form cannot
be secured and is extremely vulnerable to unauthorized
access and modification. Information on methods
available for protecting information on the University
computing resource from loss, tampering, unauthorized
search or other access is available from the
Computer Services Help Desk, located on the 4th
floor of Conway Hall, Room 420, x4357. Information
on methods available for protection on a non-University
network is often available from the information
center of the network traversed.
Confidentiality
and Privacy
General
Users are advised that the University does not
guarantee the confidentiality or privacy of any
information entered into, stored, transmitted
or received via the University computing resource.
There is no expectation of privacy in any information
or data entered into, stored, transmitted or
received via the computing resource.
The University may access, search, view, retrieve,
modify or print information or data entered into,
stored, transmitted or received on the computing
resource in connection with, among other things,
the following:
- maintenance or improvement of the computing
resource;
- monitoring of the computing resource for
viruses and other destructive computer programs;
- any work-related purpose;
- investigation of violation of University
policy;
- investigation by an authorized law enforcement
or other federal, state or local agency; or
- where otherwise required by law.
In general, requests for disclosure of information
entered into, stored, transmitted or received
on the computing resource will be honored only
under one of the following conditions:
- When approved by the appropriate
University officials or the head of the department
involved.
- When authorized by the
owners of the information.
- When required or not prohibited
by federal, state or local law.
- Where appropriate and possible,
the University will provide notice of disclosure
to the effected computer user(s).
The Family Educational and
Privacy Rights Act
The Family Educational and Privacy Rights Act,
20 U.S.C. Section 1232g and implementing regulations
(“FERPA”), restricts the disclosure
of student education records. Users should familiarize
themselves with the attached FERPA policy and
guidelines which describe restrictions on disclosure
of student education records. If you have any
question about the FERPA policy or guidelines
and in particular any question on whether information
in a student education record is subject to restrictions
on disclosure, contact the Registrar at x4057.
Responsibilities
of Users
- The user should assign
an obscure account password and change it frequently.
- The user should understand
the levels of protection applicable to the
University computing resource or non-University
networks traversed automatically applies to
files and, if and when necessary, supplement
it for sensitive information.
- No one should share their
password with another.
- A University computer account
may be used only by the person to whom it is
assigned.
- The microcomputer user
should be cogniscent of computer viruses and
other destructive computer programs, and take
all available steps to avoid being a victim
or unwitting distributor of these viruses and
programs.
- The user, and not the University,
is responsible for any invasion of the user’s
or another’s privacy and for any loss
of data.
Acceptable
Use
Guidelines for Acceptable
Use
The computing resource is a tool integral to
the functioning of the University. All who use
the computing resource must understand that it
is primarily for advancement of the University’s
mission and values expressed through its teaching,
research, public service, business and outreach
functions. Use of the computing resource is permitted
only in conformity with these values as expressed
in University policy, including this Computer
Usage Policy and other University policy, and
in conformity with federal, state and local law.
The computing resource is the property of the
University. Use of the computing resource is
a privilege and not a right and the University
may withdraw that privilege under its policies.
It is prohibited to register a nonRockhurst University.edu
domain for any computer which is connected to
the University computing resource without the
prior approval of the Director of Computer Services.
Any approval, if given, must clearly identify
that the nonRockhrust.edu address is using Rockhurst
University resources for delivery. Any personal
e-mail account or creation of a personal World
Wide Web page or a personal collection of electronic
material that is accessible to others must include
a disclaimer that reads as follows:
“The material located
at this site is not endorsed, sponsored or
provided by or on behalf of Rockhurst University.”
Because of the state of the art of computing
technology, the computing resource is subject
to invasion and injury by unauthorized persons
whether caused or facilitated intentionally,
negligently or unintentionally. To protect against
prohibited invasion and injury, all who use the
computing resource must use it in conformity
with its security protections. A University computer
account may be accessed or used only by the person(s)
to whom it is assigned.
The computing resource is a limited resource
shared by the Rockhurst community. The resource
is finite and all who use the resource must recognize
that they are one of many users and overuse can
bring with it negative consequences. Those who
use the computing resource must also respect
the needs of other authorized users.
No list of acceptable uses or prohibited activities
can be complete. Below are examples of prohibited
activity.
- Circumventing or attempting
to circumvent any system security.
- Gaining or attempting to
gain unauthorized access to any University
computer account.
- Overloading causing overload
or otherwise negatively impacting the performance
of the University computing resource.
- Sending or collecting chain
letters or unsolicited bulk mail messages to
the University community or other population
(e.g., “spamming” or “MLM”).
- Sending e-mail under another’s
e-mail address (e.g., “spoofing”)
for any purpose.
- Invading the privacy or
confidentiality of any other user including
without limitation accessing or attempting
to access another’s account without permission
from the account holder or the Director of
Computer Services.
- Harassing another person,
group or organization on any basis.
- Disrupting or monitoring
electronic communications of another without
authorization from the Director of Computer
Services.
- Tapping, that is sniffing,
or taping telephone or network transmissions
without the express permission of all parties
to the transmission.
- Preventing another authorized
user from that user’s authorized access
or use of the computing resource or otherwise
interfering with another’s authorized
use.
- Use of another’s
password except with permission of the Director
of Computer Services.
- Stating or implying
University sponsorship or endorsement.
Engaging in any use which results in any direct
cost to the University.
Other activities, although not specifically described in this policy
may result in violation of University policy. If you have a question
of whether any use or anticipated use is a violation of University policy,
contact the Computer Services Help Desk, located on the 4th floor of
Conway Hall, Room 420, x4357.
In addition to this statement of acceptable
use, below are specific categories of uses which
provide additional guidance on use.
Institutional Use
The University computing resource is to be used
primarily to advance the University’s missions
of education, research and public service or
for University-related business. Faculty, staff,
students and others with permission may use the
computing resource only for purposes related
to their studies, their responsibilities for
providing instruction, the discharge of their
duties as employees, their official business
with the University, or other University-sanctioned
activity.
Commercial Use
The use of the University computing resource
for commercial purposes is only as permitted
under University policy, including University
intellectual property policy and this Computer
Usage policy, by special arrangement with the
appropriate University official, or as defined
in existing conflict of interest policies. Commercial
use which is otherwise permissible must be communicated
in writing to the Director of Computer Services.
Any commercial use that is accessible to others
must include a disclaimer that reads as follows:
“The information contain in this communication
is not endorsed, sponsored or provided by or
on behalf of Rockhurst University.”
Legal Use
The computing resource may only be used for
legal purposes. Examples of unacceptable and
illegal use includes, but are not limited to,
the following:
- Discrimination or harassment on the basis
of race or color, sex or gender, sexual harassment,
national origin or ancestry, disability or
handicap, religion or creed, age, or veteran,
citizenship or intending citizenship status.
Violation of any University licensing agreement or any copyright or
trademark law, including unauthorized copying of copyright-protected
material.
- Libel, slander or defamation of another including
other users.
Destroying or damaging equipment, software or data belonging to the
University or any other user.
- Accessing pornography for purposes other
than education or research.
Some of the prohibited uses described at the Guidelines for Acceptable
Use.
Ethical Use
- The computing resource should be used in
accordance with the ethical standards of the
University community. Examples of unethical
use, some of which may also have legal consequences,
include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Use of the computing resource in ways that
unnecessarily impede the computing activities
of others, such as randomly initiating interactive
electronic communications or e-mail exchanges,
overuse of interactive network utilities and
similar activities.
- Use of the computing resource for private
business purposes unrelated to the mission
of the University or University life, absent
authorization as stated in this policy.
- Academic dishonesty, for example plagiarism
or cheating.
Violation of network usage policies and regulations.
Cooperative Use
Users of the computing resource can facilitate
computing at the University in many ways. Collegiality
demands the practice of cooperative computing.
It includes:
- Regularly deleting unneeded files from one’s
accounts on shared computing resource.
- Refraining from any use that overloads or
otherwise negatively impacts the performance
of the University computing resources including
without limitation overuse of connect time,
information storage space, printing facilities
or processing capacity and overuse of interactive
network utilities such as the VMS talk command
or Internet Relay Chat.
- Refraining from use of sounds and visuals
which might be disruptive to others.
- Refraining from irresponsible use of any
computing resource.
- Refraining from unauthorized use of a departmental
or individual computing resource, such as a
personal or departmental laser printer or modem.
Political Use
Use of the University computing resource for
political purposes is prohibited.
Discipline
and Sanctions
For Rockhurst University students, faculty,
staff and recognized organizations, reporting
of, discipline for and sanctions for violation
of this policy are those provided at the policies
applicable to the status of the violator as a
student, faculty, staff or recognized organization
and may include, in addition to sanctions provided
at the applicable policy, such things as loss
of computing privileges and reporting of the
violation(s) to administrators of other computing
resources and federal, state or local law enforcement
authorities.
Violations of this policy by guests of the University
and others with permission to use the University
computing resource are to be reported to the
Director of Computer Services and will be handled
in the discretion of the administration. Sanctions
may include, among other things, withdrawal of
use privileges and reporting of the violation(s)
to administrators of other computing resources
and federal, state or local law enforcement authorities.
Violations of the legal and ethical use provisions
of this policy are serious infractions and addressed
in the manner applied to serious violations.
Disclaimer
As part of the services available through Primary
Network and UNIT, the University provides access
to a large number of conferences, lists and bulletin
boards. Some of these conferences, lists and
bulletin boards may contain objectionable material.
Rockhurst University takes no responsibility
for the content of those entities over which
it has no control.
Be aware of the potential for offensive or objectionable
material found, stored in, transmitted or received
from conferences, lists or bulletin boards and
use the University computing resource with the
recognition that the University neither assumes
responsibility for nor endorses any content found
thereat. Use of the University computing resource
to access conferences, lists and bulletin boards
is at the user’s risk and use of the University
computing resource to access offensive or objectionable
material may subject the user to violation of
federal, state and local law and University policy
with the possibility of criminal prosecution
and sanctions under University policy or both.
Existing
University Rules & Regulations
This policy is in addition to existing University
rules and regulations and does not alter or modify
any existing University rule or regulation. All
users of the University computing resource must
comply with other University policies and use
of the University computing resource in violation
of these other policies may be cause for sanctions
under those policies in addition to this policy.
Questions and Comments
Please direct any question or comments regarding
this policy to Computer Services Help Desk located
on the 4th floor of Conway Hall, Room 420, x4357
(HELP).
Terminology
The following terms have very specific meanings
in the context of this document:
Administrator – The person
having executive authority over one or more computing
resource.
Central computing resource – Computers
and peripherals purchased, maintained and operated
by Computer Services and made available to the
University community.
Departmental computing resource – Computers
and peripherals purchased by Computer Services,
a University department or an administrative
unit, primarily for the use of the personnel
within that entity.
Individual computing resource – Computers
and peripherals purchased by Computer Services,
University departments or administrative units,
primarily for the use of an individual member
of that entity, and which can be made available
to other individuals or groups.
Networked computing resource – Computers
and peripherals connected to any University data
network.
Shared computing resource – Computers
and associated peripherals that are commonly
used, simultaneously, by more than one person.
System administrator – The
person or group who has system privileges and
is responsible for the operation and security
of one or more networked computing resource.
Unit – The individual,
group or organization responsible for performing
a function within the University community.
User – Any individual
who has access to a University computing resource.
University community – The
aggregate of individuals employed by and/or enrolled
as students at Rockhurst University, as evidenced
by a valid school ID.
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