The computers and networks at Alfred University provide students, faculty and staff with powerful tools for communicating with others and for supporting our educational mission. When used appropriately, these tools can significantly enhance your experience at Alfred. Unlawful or inappropriate use, on the other hand, can infringe on the rights of others and may result in judicial proceedings and the suspension or loss of computing privileges.
The fundamental guiding principle for the use of computing resources at Alfred is respect for the rights of others.
USER ID AND PASSWORD CONFIDENTIALITY
Users are responsible for safeguarding their User IDs and Passwords.
Never, ever, share your User ID or Password with anyone.
Never, ever, use anyone else’s User ID or Password.
Users are responsible for anything sent or created using their User ID and Password.
Users may not disguise or falsify their identity when using University resources and networks.
EXPECTATION OF PRIVACY
Alfred University computer users can expect reasonable confidentiality in the messages they receive and the files they create. Information Technology Services personnel do not routinely monitor an individual’s computer use, nor do they routinely examine files or read electronic mail in an individual’s account, or review any content on web pages accessible through the University’s website. However, Information Technology Services staff is responsible for responding to alleged abuses and has the right to investigate suspected offenses, to suspend or revoke computing privileges, or to remove or deny access to any content it deems objectionable or illegal.
System administrators have the right, but not the obligation, to monitor system and network activities and logs to ensure optimal performance and integrity.
The Internet and e-mail are public forms of communication. You should be aware that there is always a possibility that what you send via e-mail or make available on a web site may be seen by unauthorized individuals. With this in mind we strongly urge you not to send or post anything that you wouldn’t want to see on the front page of your hometown newspaper.
PROHIBITED ACTIVITIES:
UNAUTHORIZED ACCESS
Users may not access (e.g. read, copy, alter, or delete) anyone else’s files, electronic communications, backup tapes, floppies, printouts, etc. without specific authorization from that user.
Users may not try to access another user’s account or attempt to guess or “crack” someone’s User ID or Password.
INTERFERING WITH THE ACTIVITIES OF OTHERS
Users may not modify, disable, or tamper with any files, software programs or equipment (computers, furniture, printers, manuals) provided by Alfred University, or attempt to bypass security measures in place on the University system or the resources to which it connects.
Academic work takes priority over personal and recreational use with regard to network resources and services, computer laboratories and the libraries.
HARASSMENT
Users may not use University resources to send material that is fraudulent, profane, obscene, intimidating, threatening, defamatory, abusive, offensive, or otherwise unlawful or inappropriate.
UNAUTHORIZED USE
Users may not use University computing resources or networks for personal gain, commercial or profit-making purposes.
Users may not use University resources or networks for political campaigning, personal statements or solicitation (solicitation is defined as any verbal or written effort to raise funds through the sale of merchandise/services or through charitable donations as well as to influence opinions or to gain support for an issue or cause). Fundraising for organizations outside the University is not permitted unless authorized by the president or designee.
WASTEFUL OR FRIVOLOUS USE
Any wasteful or frivolous uses of computing facilities and resources are prohibited. Examples of such uses include, but are not limited to, the following:
Chain mail – chain mail usually contains phrases such as “pass this on,” “forward – don’t delete,” “don’t break the chain,” etc.
Mass mail – inappropriate use of mailing lists is considered a misuse of resources. Individual students are not authorized to send any mass e-mail messages. Recognized student organizations, faculty and staff may use mass mailings only for topics that meet the administrative or academic mission of the University. See Mass Mail Policy and Guidelines www.alfred.edu/its/massmailguidelines.html.
E-mail or printer bombing – e-mail or printer bombing is flooding someone’s e-mail with large e-mail messages or large volumes of mail. It can disrupt service for all users and impact innocent bystanders.
Virus hoaxes – virus hoaxes on the Internet are widespread. Before warning others about a virus, check its authenticity with the Helpdesk @ 871-2222.
Creating unnecessary network traffic, for example chain mail, spamming, network scanning or probing.
ILLEGAL USE:
Examples of illegal uses include, but are not limited to, the following:
Illegal copying – contrary to popular belief, materials found on the Internet, including text, digital images, trademarks, videos and digital audio files (e.g. MP3 or AVI format) are typically protected by copyright. You should always have permission to use any material you did not create. “Fair use” of web-related copyrighted material may be allowed under certain circumstances. Librarians at Herrick or Scholes Libraries can assist you in determining “fair use.”
Special note regarding digital music sound recordings and motion pictures on the Internet: Professional associations such as the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) take the unauthorized use of music and sound recordings on the Internet very seriously. The bottom line is that sound recordings and motion pictures are typically protected by copyright, and copyright infringement (including unlawful uploading and downloading of files) is against the law. Penalties are stiff (up to $250,000 in fines).
Software piracy – software is protected by copyright law and unlawful copying of software is illegal. For more detailed information see Guide to the Ethical Use of Software: www.alfred.edu/its/softwareuse.html.
Child pornography – uploading or downloading this material is a federal offense.
Distribution of pornography to minors.
Obscenity – may not be used in mail headers, process names, personal/organizational web pages or any other output on University-owned computers or systems.
Bomb threats and hoaxes – it is illegal to send a message via e-mail that threatens other persons or property. Federal authorities may investigate these messages.
ENFORCEMENT
Abuse of Alfred University computing resources and networks, or behavior that violates University policy or local, state or federal laws may result in temporary or permanent suspension of computing privileges, disciplinary action by the University, and/or liability under applicable civil or criminal laws.
Information Technology Services reserves the right to prohibit unauthorized activities that disrupt network services.
Abuses and infringements under the Alfred University Responsible Use of Computing Resources Policy should be reported to the information security officer, associate vice president for information services, the assistant director of Information Technology Services, or the Information Technology Services Helpdesk @ 871-2222.
