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Methodist University Computer
Use Policy
The college reserves the right to modify and/or expand this policy at
any time.
- All users shall respect the privacy of other users. This means that no users
will attempt to access, copy, or disrupt the use of information that belongs
to others. This includes email files. Proscribed behavior includes any attempt
to hack or any hacking behavior. Any unauthorized attempt to access campus
resources or any disruptive behavior on campus networks or systems will be
dealt with immediately and severely.
- All users shall abide by copyright laws. This means that copying or use
of programs or files that are not licensed to the user is forbidden. If you
don't own a copy of a program, you cannot load it on your computer.
You cannot load multiple copies of programs for which you don't own
multiple licenses. If of computer software is loaded on a Methodist University
computer and no license can be produced for the software, the computer staff
will remove the software from the computer.
- All users who are authorized to use the Methodist University Student Information
System are required to exercise diligence and discretion to ensure that confidential
information contained within the Methodist University Student Information System
is protected against unauthorized disclosure. This means safeguarding passwords,
as well as informing the Computer Services staff immediately when a user suspects
that security has been compromised. Each user is required to obtain a unique
account and password and use only that account and password. Users are also
required to log off of any terminal when they are physically away from the
keyboard. Each user must confine the use of the information contained in the
Methodist University Student Information System to official needs. Individual
users must not allow unauthorized parties to load software on their systems,
and they must not download information onto removable media without proper
authorization.
- All users shall follow appropriate standards of civility and conduct and
respect the feelings of others when engaged in communication. This means that
all users will identify themselves and restrain from any behavior or communication
that might be considered harassing, discriminatory, or in any way calculated
to cause discomfort or embarrassment to readers or users of the communication.
- All users shall use Methodist University computing resources for college-related
work consistent with the stated mission of the college. This means that no
one shall use college resources for personal financial gain or any activity
that would jeopardize the tax-exempt status of the college. The college will
not be responsible for unauthorized debts or obligations incurred by users.
- All users will realize that, although there is no set bandwidth, CPU time,
or other limit applicable to all users of Methodist University computing resources,
Methodist University may require users of these resources to limit or refrain
from specific uses in accordance with the principles stated elsewhere in this
policy. The reasonableness of any particular use will be judged in the context
of all of the relevant circumstances at the time.
- All users shall abide by all applicable state and federal law pertaining
to communications. This includes the sending of chain letters on the Internet,
which is a violation of federal law.
- All violations of the above policies will be investigated by college authorities
and/or law enforcement agencies. At such time that a violation is discovered,
the Computer Services staff will take the appropriate action to immediately
curtail the activity. This includes, but is not limited to, the immediate
revocation of all rights on computer systems at Methodist University. In carrying
out an investigation pertaining to the violation of any of the above policies,
or the violation of any college policy, it may become necessary for college
authorities to examine files, accounting information, printouts, tapes, or
any other materials. For reasons of potential liability, the college reserves
the right to monitor all communications on the college systems. Users should
be aware of this fact and the fact that any computer correspondence can be
used against them in disciplinary actions within the college disciplinary
system, as well as used as evidence in a court of law.
- Penalties for the violations of the above provisions may include, but are
not limited to, expulsion, suspension, discharge from employment, and possible
prosecution by state and federal authorities.
- Use of the Methodist University computer system(s) signifies acceptance of
the Methodist University Computer Use Policy.
Published by the Office of Institutional Computing 2006 third
edition
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