WMU Rules For Use of Computing Resources
Purpose
Access
to computing resources is a privilege, not a right, and is granted
with restrictions and responsibilities for use. The purpose of this policy is to set forth the rules for using computing resources at Western Michigan University.
Scope
These rules apply
to all users of University computing resources and all computing accounts
on University computers.
Policy Statement(s)
- Account
sharing is prohibited. You are responsible for all activity conducted
within your account. Account information must not be given to anyone
else. Improper safeguarding of your password that results in unauthorized
use of your account will not be tolerated.
- Use
of computing resources must be in accordance with University policies,
and codes of conduct. Files
controlled by individual users are considered private. The ability
to read, alter, or copy a file does not imply permission to do so.
The University reserves the right to access and/or remove any files
in violation of University policies. The ability to connect to or make
use of other systems through the network does not imply the right to
do so unless properly authorized by the owners of these systems. To
do so without proper authorization will result in disciplinary action.
People with security access privileges to confidential data and/or data management systems shall not use those privileges for anything other than fulfillment of official duties. Use of those privileges for any other purpose will result in disciplinary action, up to, and including, termination of employment.
- Do
not create or participate in electronic chain mail messages or send
unsolicited mass mailings to people using the University network
or computing systems. Electronic chain mail and mass mailings cause network congestion
and waste computing resources. If you receive electronic chain mail
at WMU, please forward it only to abuse@wmich.edu and then delete
it.
- Email
is not confidential and is subject to disclosure in State laws and
court procedures. The University also reserves the right to access
email information if
the University suspects or is advised of possible breaches of security,
harassment, or other violations of other University policies, rules,
regulations, directives, or law. Once
a message has been sent, control over it is lost. It may be forwarded
to others or displayed on an electronic bulletin board or in a newsgroup
without the author's knowledge or consent. Never say anything in
email that wouldn't be said publicly. Abusive or insensitive language,
in public or in private, is an inappropriate use of computing resources.
And, use of electronic means to send or post fraudulent, harassing,
obscene, indecent, profane, intimidating, or unlawful messages is
prohibited.
- Respect
intellectual property rights. Do not access or copy software or
data belonging to others without prior written authorization. Unauthorized
duplication of copyrighted information, data and/or software is a direct
infringement of the federal copyright law. Doing so subjects one to
criminal prosecution or civil liability.
- Commercial
use prohibited. Computing accounts are provided for non-commercial,
academic use only. Accounts found being used for commercial and/or personal
gain will be turned off. Electronic
advertising using University computing resources is prohibited.
- Do not
negatively impact computing resources. Users share many resources
including disk space, CPU cycles, printer queues, batch queues, login
sessions, dial-up modems, software licenses, etc. Resources also include,
but are not limited to, computing facilities, accounts, WMU computing
equipment, and network systems and connections. Do not monopolize these
resources, especially for non-academic purposes. While computers may be
used for email and Internet activities, the machines provided in the
computing labs are primarily for academic work. The University reserves
the right to limit the use of computing resources.
- Act
responsibly and practice due dilligence to prevent the spread of computer
viruses. Have
anti-virus software installed on your computer and keep your Virus Definition
File up to date. Perform appropriate security updates for your specific
hardware operating system in a timely fashion. The University reserves
the right to remove infected or vulnerable computers from the network.
Enforcement
Violations
of these rules are subject to the investigative and disciplinary
procedures of the University with the Office of Information Technology
acting in an advisory role. Complaints against students' abuse are
usually forwarded to and handled by the Office of Student Conduct.
Complaints against faculty and staff are forwarded to and handled
by the supervisors and/or the appropriate Vice President and sometimes,
in the case of faculty members, to the Provost's office.
In some cases the
University must act more immediately to protect its interests and resources,
or the rights and safety of others. The Vice Provost and Chief Information Officer, or a delegate within the Office of Information Technology,
has the authority to suspend or limit account privileges and access
to resources in those situations. When an account and/or access has
been suspended in this way, OIT shall notify the appropriate office
who will handle the complaint and attempt to notify the account or
computer owner. Account suspension, or removal from the network is
typically temporary while the complaint is handled through the normal
investigative and disciplinary procedures of the University.
Reference
In
addition to the above rules, all users of computing resources at Western
Michigan University are also responsible for adherence to any State
or Federal regulations regarding computer use, including, but not limited
to the Telecommunications
Act of 1996.
Revised 2/2010
