Acceptable Use Policy

Acceptable Use Policy (PN0014)
(Approved in Cabinet June 12, 2001)

Developments in information technology in recent years have lead to fundamental changes in the way that people communicate, learn and share information. Florida Memorial University is committed to using these innovations to provide new educational benefits to its students, faculty, and staff and to introduce them to this expanding global community.

The installation of a campus network that links individual computers to each other, to a central file servers and to the Internet creates a special opportunity to speed the flow of information both among individuals on this campus and the outside world.

A computer network establishes a community. In any community, especially one as tightly linked as an electronic network, individual decisions can have a powerful and immediate impact on a large number of people. Accordingly, it is important that a community develop rules and protocols to ensure that the rights and privileges of each member of the community are protected and that the University’s significant investment in the technology is not wasted. For this reason, Florida Memorial University has developed a set of rules and protocols to ensure that our electronic interactions are orderly and mutually respectful. This set of guidelines is based upon the importance of respect and consideration for the rights of others.

Florida Memorial University stresses respect for all campus technology and consideration upon those who use the system. Use of Florida Memorial University technology is considered a privilege rather than a right. Florida Memorial University reserves the right to alter this policy as the situation dictates. If there are questions regarding this policy, please contact the Vice President for Information Management and Technology.

a) Hardware, Software, Disks and Documents

Hardware: Florida Memorial University’s hardware (CPU, monitor, keyboard, mouse, printer, scanner and other peripherals) represents a large investment of funds and provides the student body, faculty and staff with an extensive array of tools for computer work. An equipment malfunction is costly to repair and makes the item unavailable to other users. Users should treat all equipment with respect noting that the user is part of the larger community.

Respecting the physical integrity of the hardware means that no one shall tamper with, treat roughly or remove any piece or part of a piece of hardware or its cabling from its proper location. All users must comply with use guidelines and restrictions that are posted or distributed by the Division of Information Management and Technology.

Malfunctions or suspected malfunctions should be reported to the IMT Helpdesk for immediate attention. No one should attempt to repair or modify any equipment without the direct supervision of the IMT staff.

System and Applications: All installation of software is the responsibility of the IMT staff. No one should attempt to install executable programs or applications without authorization from the Director of Administrative Computing and Network Services. No one should attempt to introduce system-corrupting software, such as viruses, into any computer system or otherwise intentionally interfere with the operation of any system. No one should attempt to copy, transfer or remove any licensed software including programs, applications, databases or fonts that are installed on any computer hard drives. All users of Florida Memorial University computers are expected to observe the terms of software license agreements and federal and state laws pertaining to software copyrights.

Disks, Files and Documents Privacy: The work of individuals stored on floppy disks, tape or saved in files on hard drives is considered to be private. Just as it is inappropriate to obtain, read, alter or copy work done by another on paper, it is inappropriate to access, read, alter, or copy work stored electronically without permission of the owner. The University will consider unauthorized electronic copying or electronic theft to be against University policy.

b) Computer Network Usage

Use of the network is public; therefore, the user is responsible for all activities generated by his/her account at all times. Use of the network outside of the scope of Florida Memorial University-related activities including commercial accounts is prohibited. The network is designed to monitor activity of all users. All users must abide by guidelines and restrictions on access and use that are posted or distributed either electronically or in physical form.

Network users are assigned a user name. Each user is responsible for the confidentiality of his/her password and account. It is considered a University policy violation to attempt any system security bypass involving Florida Memorial University equipment.

Users may not download or upload programs or other material protected by copyright without written authorization signed by both the user and the Vice President for Information Management and Technology. This includes any software belonging to the user or software located on the Florida Memorial University system.

Security of any computer system is a high priority, especially when the system involves many users. If you feel you can identify a security problem, you must notify the Division of Information Management and Technology immediately. Do not demonstrate the problem to other users. Do not use another individual’s account without written permission from the Director of Administrative Computing and Network Services. Any user identified as a security risk or as having a history of problems with other computer systems may be denied access to Florida Memorial University systems. Note that electronic mail is not guaranteed to be private. Florida Memorial University reserves the right to monitor and review all e-mail and other system use to protect the integrity of the system and the safety of its users.

A user in doubt about whether a specific use of the network is authorized should consult with the Director of Administrative Computing and Network Services.

Violations of the user agreement may result at least in the loss of user privilege and/or disciplinary action.

c) General Acceptable Usage

The use of your computer and/or account must be in support of education and research and consistent with the educational objectives of Florida Memorial University. Use of another organization’s network must comply with the rules appropriate for that network. Transmission of any material in violation of any local, state or federal regulation is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, copyrighted material, threatening or obscene material and material protected by trade secret. Use for commercial activities is prohibited. The use of product endorsement, political lobbying and illegal activities is also prohibited.

Any use of University computers and servers to transmit material that may be perceived as sexual in nature may be considered a violation of the University’s sexual harassment policy as well as the technology policy. The University reserves the right to direct that the transmission of any sexually inappropriate material be ceased and to remove the material itself if necessary.

The University has the right to remove any material that is contrary to the University’s mission or is otherwise inappropriate. The University can remove the privilege of using University computers from an individual violating this provision. Violations of the policy may be treated as disciplinary actions under the student code.

It is the responsibility of staff, faculty and students to know which activities are prohibited by state and federal law, including the Florida Computer Systems Protection Act, federal copyright and trademark laws, stalking laws and software piracy laws. Staff, faculty and students shall not engage in any computer activities that are illegal and those who so engage in these activities may be charged under the student disciplinary code.

d) System Reliability

Florida Memorial University makes no warranties of any kind, whether expressed or implied for the service it is providing. Florida Memorial University is not responsible for any monetary or emotional damage suffered by an employee as a result of system failure. This includes loss of data, system delays, non-delivery of documents or service interruptions caused by the University, employee errors or omissions or others not affiliated with the University. Use of any information obtained via the system or the Internet is at the employee’s own risk.

e) Intellectual Property Rights

Florida Memorial University reserves the right to all materials produced during an employee’s employment with the University or other materials produced using technologies supplied by the University. Release of copyright may be obtained through written contractual agreement signed by a designated University authority.

f) Internet and E-mail Policy

Access to the Internet and e-mail are services provided to the faculty, staff and students of the University. These services are to be used for University purposes only. All other uses are prohibited. Any violation of this policy may be grounds for disciplinary action including removal of access privileges.

This access will enable you to explore thousands of libraries, databases, museums, and other repositories of information. You should be aware that some material accessible via the Internet might contain items that are illegal, defamatory, inaccurate or potentially offensive. The main purpose for the University providing this access is to allow you to use the Internet for constructive educational and business endeavors.

You are responsible for appropriate behavior on the Internet. The use of the Internet is a privilege, not a right and may be revoked if abused. The user is personally responsible for his/her actions in accessing and utilizing the Internet. You are advised never to access, keep or send anything that is illegal, defamatory, inaccurate or potentially offensive.

The following statements will guide you in your use of the Internet while your are using hardware and software that are the property Florida Memorial University:

Human Resource Acceptable Use Policy for Access to E-Mail and the Internet

Each employee is required to read the following statement and sign the acknowledgement of acceptance during the employment orientation process.
1. I will use the Internet for “educational purposes,” including classroom activities, research, and career development and forlimited high quality, self-discovery activities. I will not use resources to “surf the Internet” for personal, non-academic or non-college business activities.

2. I will respect the rights of copyright owners and will not inappropriately reproduce a work that is protected by a copyright. If a work contains language that specifies appropriate use of the work, I will follow the expressed requirements. If I am unsure whether or not I can use a work, I will request permission from the copyright owner and will give appropriate credit.

3.I will not intentionally access material that is profane or obscene (pornography), that advocates illegal acts, or that advocates violence or discrimination towards other people (hate literature). (A special exception may be made for hate literature if your access is to conduct research that has been approved prior to accessing information on the Internet). Should I unintentionally access such a site, I will immediately move to another site. If I mistakenly access inappropriate information, I will immediately inform the Computer Center. (This will protect you against a claim that you have intentionally violated these guidelines.)

4.I will not waste limited resources such as disk space by storing large files unless absolutely necessary for college business purposes. If such downloading is necessary, I will download the file at a time when the system is not being heavily used and will immediately remove the file from the network to my personal file directory.

5.I will not print large files. Also, any printing I do will be strictly for University use and not for personal use.

6.I agree to be held accountable for any actions and for the loss of privileges if I violate these guidelines.