CSU Computer Use Policy

It is the policy of Chicago State University to provide the best possible computing services to staff, faculty, and students with minimal restrictions. Each individual who uses the computing facilities thereby agrees that his/her use of these facilities will remain within the bounds of acceptable use as described in this and other University computing policies. These policies and regulations are written to cover general issues of use and conduct; they are not designed to be all-inclusive.CSU computing systems and resources shall be used only for legitimate University purposes, including instruction, research, administration, public information and service, and other approved tasks. CSU recognizes the value and potential of publishing on the Internet, and so allows and encourages students, faculty, and staff to experiment with producing CSU Web pages.

Responsibilities

All computer users have the responsibility to use the CSU computing systems and resources in an efficient, ethical, and lawful manner. Users should:

1. Know and understand CSU Computing Use Policy.

2. Abide by the University policy on Ownership and Responsibility for CSU WEB Home Pages and Copyright, Intellectual Property, and Fair Use.

3. Maintain their own files, save and back up all data and remove outdated material from network storage.

4. Protect the integrity of their accounts by changing passwords regularly, not giving passwords to any other person, and not leaving a networked computer without logging out.

5. Learn how to operate the hardware and software they use.

Rights

All members of the CSU community have the right to computing access, including use of the campus LAN and the Internet for access to microcomputer applications and electronic mail. Federal law, state law, and University policy establish qualified rights to:

1. Privacy -- Users have the right to privacy in their computer files, comparable to privacy in University-assigned space such as an office or residence hall room.

2. Security -- Users may expect the University to take reasonable measures to protect the security of computer systems and files.

3. Freedom of inquiry and expression -- Users are guaranteed the academic freedom to conduct research, publish the results of their work, and communicate using the campus LAN and the Internet in accordance with University policies and procedures.

4. Ownership and acknowledgment of intellectual property -- Users have the responsibility for works published on personal web pages.

5. Freedom from harassment -- Policies of the University prohibit ethnic, sexual or racial harassment.

6. Due process -- All faculty, staff, and students, regardless of their status in the University community, shall be afforded the rights and privileges of due process through the appropriate University procedures.

These are privileges, emphasizing the conditional nature of these rights. Restrictions CSU students, faculty, staff, or other authorized users will not use University computing facilities for:

1. Unauthorized entry to any University computing system/server/network.

2. Any activity that violates the integrity or interferes with the normal operation of the University computing system.

3. Unauthorized use of another person's identification and password.

4. Unauthorized transfer of another person's or system file or files.

5. Unauthorized entry into another person's or system file to use, read or change its contents.

6. Any activity which causes a denial of service upon University computing resources.

7. Activity that interferes with the work of another CSU student, faculty member, staff member, or University official.

8. Personal financial gain or commercial activity.

9. Any obscene, harassing, or defamatory activity.

10. Any activity which is illegal under Federal or State law, including, but not limited to:


• accessing child pornography;
• participation in chain letters;
• introduction of viruses and/or other hacker activities;
• unauthorized reproduction or distribution of copyrighted material,
• including software, text, images, audio, or video. All U.S.
• copyright laws must be adhered to.

It is the policy of Chicago State University to provide the best possible computing services to staff, faculty, and students with minimal restrictions. Each individual who uses the computing facilities thereby agrees that his/her use of these facilities will remain within the bounds of acceptable use as described in this and other University computing policies. These policies and regulations are written to cover general issues of use and conduct; they are not designed to be all-inclusive.CSU computing systems and resources shall be used only for legitimate University purposes, including instruction, research, administration, public information and service, and other approved tasks. CSU recognizes the value and potential of publishing on the Internet, and so allows and encourages students, faculty, and staff to experiment with producing CSU Web pages.

Responsibilities

All computer users have the responsibility to use the CSU computing systems and resources in an efficient, ethical, and lawful manner. Users should:

1. Know and understand CSU Computing Use Policy.

2. Abide by the University policy on Ownership and Responsibility for CSU WEB Home Pages and Copyright, Intellectual Property, and Fair Use.

3. Maintain their own files, save and back up all data and remove outdated material from network storage.

4. Protect the integrity of their accounts by changing passwords regularly, not giving passwords to any other person, and not leaving a networked computer without logging out.

5. Learn how to operate the hardware and software they use.

Rights

All members of the CSU community have the right to computing access, including use of the campus LAN and the Internet for access to microcomputer applications and electronic mail. Federal law, state law, and University policy establish qualified rights to:

1. Privacy -- Users have the right to privacy in their computer files, comparable to privacy in University-assigned space such as an office or residence hall room.

2. Security -- Users may expect the University to take reasonable measures to protect the security of computer systems and files.

3. Freedom of inquiry and expression -- Users are guaranteed the academic freedom to conduct research, publish the results of their work, and communicate using the campus LAN and the Internet in accordance with University policies and procedures.

4. Ownership and acknowledgment of intellectual property -- Users have the responsibility for works published on personal web pages.

5. Freedom from harassment -- Policies of the University prohibit ethnic, sexual or racial harassment.

6. Due process -- All faculty, staff, and students, regardless of their status in the University community, shall be afforded the rights and privileges of due process through the appropriate University procedures.

These are privileges, emphasizing the conditional nature of these rights. Restrictions CSU students, faculty, staff, or other authorized users will not use University computing facilities for:

1. Unauthorized entry to any University computing system/server/network.

2. Any activity that violates the integrity or interferes with the normal operation of the University computing system.

3. Unauthorized use of another person's identification and password.

4. Unauthorized transfer of another person's or system file or files.

5. Unauthorized entry into another person's or system file to use, read or change its contents.

6. Any activity which causes a denial of service upon University computing resources.

7. Activity that interferes with the work of another CSU student, faculty member, staff member, or University official.

8. Personal financial gain or commercial activity.

9. Any obscene, harassing, or defamatory activity.

10. Any activity which is illegal under Federal or State law, including, but not limited to:


• accessing child pornography;
• participation in chain letters;
• introduction of viruses and/or other hacker activities;
• unauthorized reproduction or distribution of copyrighted material,
• including software, text, images, audio, or video. All U.S.
• copyright laws must be adhered to.


Risks

All users must acknowledge the risks of networked computing. The University cannot be held responsible for:

1. System crashes or hardware failure -- It is the responsibility of users to regularly save and back up their work, to protect themselves from system crashes or hardware failures that would interrupt work and/or destroy data.

2. Viruses -- Despite University computing security efforts, viruses can still invade the network and personal files. The University will provide an update of antivirus software.

3. Criminal activity of others -- The integrity of any computer system depends on the integrity of the users; innocent victims may suffer from the actions of forgers, intruders, or plagiarists.

4. Offensive electronic publications -- Users may encounter offensive material on networked computer systems. The presence of certain publications may have to be tolerated in a community that values the rights of free speech.

5. Public attention -- Users may lose their "private" person status because of photographs, personal information, and opinions they publish on the computer network.

6. Privacy of information -- Users should recognize security limitations when storing confidential information on computer equipment owned, leased or operated by CSU.

Failure to comply with this policy will result in action which may include suspension of user privileges or other disciplinary action, including suspension or expulsion from the University or termination of University employment. In addition, violations may result in referral for prosecution by local state or federal authorities.

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