(Condensed Version - August 2003)

All members of the University community who use the University's computing and information resources must do so responsibly. Every user is responsible for the integrity of these resources. Computing facilities and accounts are owned by the University and are to be used for the University-related activities for which they are assigned. The University reserves the right to limit, restrict or extend computing privileges and access to its information resources. Users and system administrators must guard against abuses that disrupt or threaten the viability of all systems, including those at the University and those on networks to which the University's systems are connected.

USER RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Use only those computers, computer accounts, and servers for which you have University authorization.
• Use accounts only for the purpose(s) for which they have been issued.
• Be responsible for all use of your accounts and for protecting each account's password. Users are not allowed to divulge computer account passwords. Passwords should consist of a mix of 6 to 20 alphanumeric characters, and should be changed frequently throughout each semester of use. Do not use easily identifiable personal information such as names, telephone numbers, birth dates, etc.
• Immediately report unauthorized use of your accounts to the Office of Information Technology.
• University communications systems (electronic mail, electronic messaging, and similar services) may not be used for unlawful purposes or purposes that violate other University policies or guidelines. The latter include, but are not limited to, sexual or other forms of harassment. Electronic communication may not be used for commercial purposes except under the direction of the University.
• Ensure that all software that you use is properly licensed. Do not use or share unlicensed software including computer programs, music files and other digital media. The unauthorized sharing of music files and other digital media is a violation of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act and you are potentially liable for damages.

The University is not responsible for loss of information from computing misuse, malfunction of computing hardware or software, or external contamination of data or programs.

PENALTIES FOR MISUSE OF COMPUTING AND INFORMATION RESOURCE PRIVILEGES

Abuse of computing resources is subject to disciplinary action. If there is sufficient evidence that misuse of computing resources has occurred, any or all of the following steps will be pursued to protect the user community:

• Notify the user's project director, instructor, academic advisor, or administrative officer of the investigation.
• Refer the matter for processing through the University's judicial system.
• Suspend or restrict the user's computing privileges during the investigation. Disciplinary action may include the loss of computing privileges and other disciplinary sanctions up to and including non-reappointment, discharge, dismissal, and legal action, including in some cases, civil or criminal prosecution under Title 18 PA C.S. @5742 (1990), or other appropriate legislation.

The complete Computing Usage Policy is available from the Office of Information Technology and via the World Wide Web at http://www.sju.edu/infotech/support/