ResNet Rules of Use PolicyTechnology Services' (TS) ResNet Rules of Use Policy augments the current versions of the University’s acceptable use policies: The ResNet Rules of Use Policy applies to all students connecting to the network, and is intended to preserve the integrity of the network as an academic and administrative resource, and to ensure fair and equal access for all students, faculty and staff. All users connected or connecting to the network must limit activities that use excessive network and computing resources that would otherwise degrade the ability of others to use the network. Use of the University’s network and computing resources constitutes FULL agreement with and understanding of University’s acceptable use policies and the ResNet Rules of Use Policy. The Office of the Dean of Students and TS have the responsibility to protect the rights of network users, to set policies consistent with those rights and to publicize those policies to users. They have the authority to control or refuse access to the network and its resources to anyone who violates these policies or who threatens the rights of other users. TS reserves the right to temporarily terminate services, pending investigation of the violation, in order to prevent expansion of a threat to network security or performance, or in cases where a user's account is seriously degrading network performance. TS staff will attempt to give advanced warning in these situations, however, may be required to terminate service without notice. Network access will be automatically terminated if the user does not contact TS within a week of being notified of a violation. No refund or adjustment in the ResNet fee will be allowed in such cases. TS monitors network traffic for performance management, troubleshooting and routine maintenance. Staff routinely scans the network to ensure that only authorized systems are connected to the network and that they meet standards of security. Staff may need to access files, email, and physical systems that are suspected of unauthorized use or misuse, have been corrupted or damaged, or to collect information in order to diagnose and correct technical problems. Such access will not be withheld from TS and may be subject to search under court order. In no case will an offending computer be allowed to reconnect to the network without OIS’ approval. Failure to comply with these guidelines may result in denial of access to the network and its services, and may further subject the user to disciplinary action through the Office of the Dean of Students. The following specific rules apply to student’s use of the University's network and computing resources, and are not exhaustive. From time to time TS and the Office of the Dean of Students will amend them as appropriate. Academic Uses Network and computing resources are provided, first and foremost, for uses consistent with the academic mission of the institution. Commercial Uses The University’s network may not be used at any time to provide network or Internet access to anyone outside of the University community for any purpose. University-specific software and other resources provided by the University may not be retransmitted outside of the University community (e.g., University site-licensed software). In addition, users may not use network services for disseminating unsolicited mail, spam or advertising. Resource Uses Since the University’s network is a shared resource, network use or applications, which inhibit or interfere with the use of the network by others, are not permitted. For example, applications which use an unusually large portion of the bandwidth for extended periods of time and applications designed to send repeated email messages, spam, chain letters or mass email messages ("email bombs" or "bulk emailers") are not allowed. Email programs (e.g., Outlook, Eudora, Mail, etc.), if set to retrieve email automatically from the server, must be set to retrieve email no more frequently than every thirty (30) minutes. System Modification Network equipment, services, wiring, hardware and jacks may not be modified or extended beyond the area of their intended use. Network Services The provision of network services from user computers (e.g., BBS, Chat, DHCP, DNS, FTP, IRC, NNTP, POP3, SMTP, Telnet, WINS, Web servers, etc.) is prohibited. Users who have an academic need to provide such services from their personal computers must obtain prior written authorization from a faculty or department sponsor before OIS staff can activate any such service(s) on the network. File Sharing & Copyright Use Access to all shared files on a user’s computer must be secured by a password. It is illegal to share or use files, software and other work creations that are protected under copyright law, without explicit permission from the copyright holder. This includes, but is not limited to, all copyrighted audio, video and game files, and published software that is licensed. Users who violate copyright laws may be subject to University disciplinary action and/or prosecution under State and Federal guidelines. Honesty Forgery or other misrepresentation of one’s identity via electronic or any other form of communication is a violation of the Student Integrity Code and will be referred to the Dean of Students Office for disciplinary action. Prosecution under State and Federal laws may also apply. This includes the use of an IP address not specifically assigned to the individual and the use of a spoofed, forged or false identity. Additionally, users must respect the intellectual property of others and adhere to University standards of academic honesty. Examples of academic dishonesty include accessing files or works of others without their expressed permission, altering and destroying files or messages, and violating other statutes set forth in the Academic Honesty Policy. Wireless & Foreign Equipment Users are required to contact TS prior to installing any network equipment (e.g., wireless access points, routers, gaming consoles, etc.) to receive consultation on appropriate use. Failure to do so will result in termination of service without warning. Desktop Support & Security Users must use current anti-virus software and definition files to protect their computers against computer viruses. If a user does not have Virus Scanning Software, TS will provide and install McAfee VirusScan free of charge to all current residential students. This is the University-preferred software. Users must also protect and maintain their Windows operating systems by installing announced and available critical security patches as they are published. Users must upgrade their systems and operating systems as software companies discontinue support for out-dated products. Computers that have been removed from vendor support will not be allowed to connect to the network. Users must adhere to any additional security standards set forth by TS. The University reserves the right to modify, change, and reformat this document, as it deems necessary without permission or consent of its users. University policies and this ResNet Rules of Use Policy are available via the University’s web site. The staff of the TS will respond as appropriate to complaints of harassment or other misuse of computing and network services. To register a complaint or raise a concern, contact the HelpDesk at 253.879.8585 or via e-mail, or Campus Security at 253.879.3311. Revised: Summer 2004 |