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CODE OF CONDUCT FOR USE OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AT GANNON UNIVERSITY FEBRUARY 1997

DRAFT UPDATE TO POLICY OF SPRING 1995
APPROVED BY PRESIDENT'S STAFF IN APRIL 1997

 

This policy applies to all data, voice, and video systems and networks (including hardware, software, and data) owned or operated by Gannon University as well as to outside systems and networks to which Gannon University is connected. The systems range from multi-user systems to single-user devices such as computers and telephones, whether free-standing or connected to networks.

The information technology systems and networks at Gannon University are intended to be used in a manner that supports the educational mission of the University and is conducive to the overall academic climate.

Accounts and Passwords

Gannon University allows only current employees and registered students to apply for and have accounts on its systems. Alumni must have permission from Alumni Relations to apply for an account. To be granted the use of an account, users must agree to abide by certain rules and regulations related to appropriate, legal, and ethical use of Gannon University systems and networks.

• You must have an individual access, login ID, or authorization code for each system you use; you must not share your access code or password with another person. If someone else knows and/or uses your access code or knows your password, you are still responsible for any of his or her actions on the system or network.

Acceptable Use -- General Statement

Since the Gannon University systems and networks are vital to the programs of instruction, research, and administration of the University, the expectation of ethical conduct by users of such systems and networks is the same as in all other areas of University life and is of equal importance. Because users de facto represent Gannon University, they are expected to apply standards of normal academic and professional ethics and considerate conduct in the economical use of all Gannon University systems and resources. In addition, users are expected to be aware that their use of the systems and networks is subject to all applicable University regulations, Internet regulations, and federal, local, and international laws.

Prohibitions

Users are prohibited from using systems and networks to conduct various activities including, but not limited to, the following:

• access or use without explicit authorization accounts, information, systems or networks at Gannon or at other sites accessible from Gannon's networks
• disrupt or interfere with the performance or functional behavior of systems or networks; such interference or disruption includes, but is not limited to: propagation of computer worms or viruses; the transmission of information which, by virtue of its content, amount, or routing, degrades the performance, functionality, or reliability or any network or system
• interfere with productivity, privacy, or comfort of users of systems or networks; such interference or disruption includes, but is not limited to: distribution of unsolicited advertising or recruiting materials; transmission of annoying amounts of information not desired by the recipient(s); impersonating another user; attempting to gain access to or use the passwords or access codes of another user; and altering or deleting information belonging to another user
• inspect, copy, transmit, distribute or disclose any proprietary or confidential information or data, including that pertaining to Gannon University's students, employees, vendors, donors, and alumni; this applies to both print and electronic formats
• copy or distribute or transmit intellectual property without explicit permission of the owner; intellectual property includes text, video, audio, software programs, and data
• create, access, copy, transmit or distribute obscene or pornographic materials or materials contrary to the University's mission and vision
• harass, threaten, stalk, or abuse others
• conduct business unrelated to the University or excessively use resources for personal reasons; such use includes, but is not limited to sending storing personal files on computer systems; printing output for personal projects without permission; using lab computers for long times to send personal e-mail or web browsing

Obligations

• Use only your login ID or account to access a system; never use anybody else's login ID.
• Keep your passwords confidential; do not share them with anyone. If you think someone else knows your password, change it immediately.
• Because materials posted or transmitted on the Internet are identified as coming from Gannon University computer systems, include a disclaimer on any posted or widely distributed materials that the information does not necessarily represent the views of Gannon University.
• Every time you start your computer, run anti-virus software. Also run anti-virus software when you use a diskette that has been used on another computer or when you download files from the Internet.

System Administration

• The privacy of electronic mail or voice mail is in general respected, but not guaranteed. System administrators receive undeliverable mail and may try to determine how to return it or send it to the correct recipient.