Use of Electronic Information Resources (F-40)

Original Implementation: July 25, 2002
Last Revision: July 19, 2011

STATEMENT

Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA) supports the responsible use of its electronic information resources. SFA's information resources include, but are not limited to, computers, servers, wired and wireless networks, computer-attached devices, network-attached devices, voice systems, cable systems and computer applications. The use of information resources is for SFA academic activities, research and public service. Access to SFA's information resources is, however, a privilege. All users of information resources should act responsibly to maintain the integrity of these resources. Furthermore, all users shall abide by all existing SFA codes of conduct as well as local, state and federal statutes. SFA reserves the right to limit, restrict or extend privileges and access to its resources.

RESPONSIBILITIES

It is the responsibility of all individuals using SFA's information resources to protect the privacy of their account(s). Personal account information should not be released to friends, relatives, roommates, etc. Users are responsible for the security of their passwords. Passwords should be changed on a regular basis.
All individuals using SFA information resources are prohibited from using a computer account for which they are not authorized, or obtaining a password for a computer account not assigned to them.
The owner or designated assignee of a computer that is attached to the SFA network is responsible for both the security of the computer system and for any intentional or unintentional activities from or to the network connections. Owners or designated assignees are responsible for all network activity originating from their equipment, regardless of who generates it.
Any person operating a network-intensive application or a defective computer that causes network overload shall be notified, and steps shall be taken to protect other users and the overall SFA network. This may include disconnecting the defective computer system from the network until the problem is resolved. If the condition is an imminent hazard to the SFA network or disrupts the activities of others, the defective computer system or the subnet to which it is attached may be disabled without notice. The operator of the defective computer system shall be expected to follow instructions from networking staff for securing the machine.
Any person using e-mail should not send unnecessary e-mails, attachments, or messages locally or over the network.
The content of any files or services made available to others over the network is the sole responsibility of the person with ownership of and/or administrative authority over the computer providing the service. It is this person's responsibility to be aware of all applicable federal and state laws, as well as SFA policies. This person shall be liable for any violations of these laws and policies.
It is the responsibility of every person using SFA's information resources to refrain from engaging in any act that may seriously compromise, damage, or disrupt the operation of computers, terminals, peripherals, or networks. This includes, but is not limited to, tampering with components of a local area network (LAN) or the backbone, blocking communication lines, interfering with the operational readiness of a computer, creating/operating unsanctioned servers or personal Web (NAT, DHCP or BOOTP servers included) or File Transfer Protocol (FTP) sites, or delivering unsanctioned streaming audio, video, high bandwidth gaming, or high bandwidth video conferencing. Users should refrain from using an IP address not specifically assigned to them and should not attempt to create unauthorized network connections or unauthorized extensions, or re-transmitting any computer or network services.
All email messages of a personal nature sent by faculty, staff, and retirees using an SFA email address must contain the following disclaimer: “The views and opinions expressed in this message are my own and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Stephen F. Austin State University, its Board of Regents, or the State of Texas.”
All breaches of system security shall be reported immediately to networking personnel.

INFRACTIONS

Examples of infractions include, but are not limited to:

Circumventing or attempting to circumvent data protection schemes or exploiting security loopholes.
Running programs that attempt to identify passwords, weaknesses in the SFA system, or other security codes.
Attempting to monitor or tamper with another user's data communications or network traffic, or reading, copying, changing, or deleting another user's files or software without the explicit agreement of the owner.
Knowingly running or installing on any computer system or network, or giving to another user, a program intended to damage or to place an excessive load on a computer system or network. This includes, but is not limited to, programs known as computer viruses, Trojan horses and worms.
Using SFA computer resources for private business or commercial activities (except where such activities are otherwise permitted or authorized), fundraising or advertising on behalf of non-SFA organizations, reselling of SFA computer resources and using SFA's name in an unauthorized manner.
Engaging in unlawful communications, including threats of violence, obscenity, child pornography and harassing communications.
Attempting to alter any SFA computing or networking components (including, but not limited to, switches, routers and data/phone/cable TV wiring) without authorization or beyond one's level of authorization.
Failing to comply with requests from appropriate SFA officials to discontinue activities that threaten the operation or integrity of computers, systems, networks, or otherwise violate this policy.

PENALTIES

Misuse of computing, networking, or information resources may result in the loss of computing privileges, as well as other disciplinary action.

PRIORITIES

When demand for computing resources exceeds available capacity, priorities for their use shall be enforced. The priorities for use of computing resources are:

Highest: Uses that directly support the educational, research and service missions of SFA.
Medium: Uses that indirectly benefit the education, research and service missions of SFA, as well as reasonable and limited personal communications.
Lowest: Recreational use, including game playing and general browsing.
Forbidden: Uses listed in the Infractions section of this policy, as well as breaches of the Responsibilities section not specifically listed under the Infractions section.

SFA may enforce these priorities by restricting or limiting usages in circumstances where their demand and limitations of capacity impact or threatenusages of higher priority.

IMPLIED CONSENT & LIABILITY RELEASE

All individuals with access to SFA computing resources are responsible for their appropriate use. Such use constitutes an agreement to comply with applicable SFA policies and regulations, with applicable city, state, and federal laws and regulations, and with applicable policies of the affiliated networks and systems.

Each person requesting service from an SFA Telecommunications and Networking technician for equipment owned by a person or entity other than SFA must acknowledge and accept the following liability release before the technician provides the requested service:

By accepting technical support from the Telecommunications and Networking staff, I expressly waive all claims against SFA and its agents for any damages to my computer system or data that are incidental to the technical support rendered by Telecommunications and Networking. I understand that the technical support I receive from Telecommunications and Networking may void manufacturer warranties and I understand that Telecommunications and Networking offers no verbal or written warranty, either expressed or implied, regarding the success of this technical support. I understand that I have the right not to accept support from Telecommunications and Networking staff and to seek technical assistance elsewhere.

Cross Reference: None

Responsible for Implementation: Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

Contact for Revision: Director of Information Technology Services

Forms: None

Board Committee Assignment: Academic and Student Affairs