University of Central Oklahoma
Computer and Network Usage Policies
Application:
This policy applies to all computer systems and networks operated and managed
by UCO colleges, academic, and administrative departments.
I.
Introduction
The University of
Central Oklahoma has the responsibility for securing its computing and
networking systems ( both academic and
administrative) against unauthorized access, while making the systems
accessible for legitimate academic and administrative uses. This
responsibility includes informing persons who use the UCO computer and network
systems of expected standards of conduct and encouraging their application. It
is important for the user to practice ethical behavior in computing activities
because the user has access to many valuable and sensitive resources and the
user’s computing practices can adversely affect the work of other people.
Improper use and abuse of the computers and networks will not be permitted.
II. Purpose
This policy
provides direction to be used in managing computer resources and in allowing
or denying access to UCO computer or network resources.
Unauthorized Use of UCO Computing Equipment
Allowing others to
use one’s User ID and password.
Inappropriately
using the computing facilities at other sites through network connections from
UCO ( e.g. illegal or unauthorized access;
modifications to programs or information, etc.).
Using abusive or
harassing language.
Viewing pictures of
an erotic or sexual nature when such images are able to be viewed by others
who are offended by them; and, mailing, printing, or copying obscene
materials.
Thefts of services
1.
Thefts
of Services
Thefts of services
can be a crime under state and federal law. Violators may be referred to the
appropriate authority for disciplinary action. Accounts may be subject to
immediate deactivation.
A.
Computer Accounts
Student accounts
will be considered inactive if students do not maintain continuous enrollment
in successive fall and spring semesters. Enrollment in the summer session is
not required to maintain continuous enrollment from the spring to the fall
semester in the same calendar year.
B.
Mailbox Size
If a user’s
mailbox reaches 70% utilization, a notice will be sent requesting that the
user delete some messages; if the mailbox reaches 100% capacity new mail will not
be received.
III. Statement of Use
This policy of
computing practice applies to all persons using the UCO computing and
networking systems. Disciplinary action for violating the policy shall be
governed by, but may not be limited to, the applicable provisions of student
handbooks, faculty and staff handbook, policies of the University of Central
Oklahoma, Board of Regents of Oklahoma Colleges, Oklahoma State Regents for
Higher Education, Statutes of the State of Oklahoma and federal law. Persons
who violate this policy may also have their access privileges to UCO computing
and networking systems revoked.
1.
Computer and network system users are responsible for following the published
procedures to access UCO and other University of Central Oklahoma computing
systems and networks.
2.
A
user must use only the computer accounts which have been authorized for
his/her use.
3.
Users
are responsible for the use of their computer accounts. Users should make
appropriate use of system-provided protection features such as passwords and
file protections, and should take precautions against others obtaining access
to their computer resources. Users should not make an account available to
others for any purpose. If assistance is needed in using an account, contact
Information and Technical Support (helpdesk) at extension 2255 or
support@ucok.edu
4.
Computer accounts and access to networks interred, UCO Department networks,
etc., must be used only for the purposes for which they are authorized. For
example, student faculty and staff accounts, issued for legitimate classroom
or office work, cannot be used for non-UCO related private consulting,
commercial enterprise and/or personal financial gain.
5.
The
computer will not be used as an instrument to intimidate or offend persons.
Using the computer as a means of communication to terrify, intimidate,
threaten, harass, annoy or offend another person constitutes grounds for
cancellation of access to UCO computers/networks and may result in
disciplinary and/or legal actions. Use of a computer as a means of: a)
communicating indecent, lewd or obscene language to another person, or b.)
communicating a threat or lewd suggestion to another person, shall be prima
face evidence of an intent to terrify, intimidate,
threaten, harass, annoy or offend.
6.
Playing computer games other than for educational purposes on UCO computers is
not allowed and may result in the loss of access to UCO computers and
networks.
7.
Users
shall not access, copy, or transport privileged programs, files, or data
without prior authorization. User software may be used on computers only if it
has been legally obtained and if its use does not violate license or copyright
restriction. Users may not inspect, modify, distribute or copy privileged data
or software.
8.
Users
shall not attempt to encroach on others’ use of the facilities or deprive them
of resources.
9.
Users
shall not attempt to modify system facilities. Users should not damage or
obstruct the operation of the computer systems or networks.
10.
Users
should avoid or schedule for non-peak hours intense computing and/or
transmission activities which would degrade system performance.
11.
Users
shall not supply, or attempt to supply, false or misleading information or
identification in order to access computer systems or networks.
12.
Users
shall not attempt to subvert the restrictions associated with any computer
accounts.
13.
Users
shall not examine, change, or use another person’s ( or
institutional) username, password, files or e-mail.
14.
Users
shall always identify themselves appropriately and undertake no activities
anonymously.
15.
Electronic data on all UCO systems is private and confidential.
16.
Use
of OneNetâ
, SREB,
and other systems to which UCO connects and /or is associated with, shall be
governed by the policies and guidelines of said service.
IV. Computer/Data Communication Resource Management
The University will
not guarantee the privacy or integrity of user’s files, including e-mail, but
will use its best efforts to protect the integrity of individual user accounts
and files from access and use by unauthorized persons. The University does not
routinely review user’s files including e-mail, however, in cases of system
failure and subsequent repair or where there is reason to believe there has
been unauthorized use or misuse of computer resources, Office of Information
Technology computing personnel, UCO Department of Public Safety personnel and
administrative personnel of the university shall have the authority and right
to monitor, review and audit individual user files, including email.
Individual user files may also be reviewed ,
audited or searched when subject to court order, subpoena or other process of
law.
1)
All files stored on the computer mainframe and UCO file servers may be
routinely copied to a tape or disk. Information can be recovered by systems
administration personnel.
2)
All files created, stored, uploaded or received through electronic mail
are subject to audit and / or review by specifically designated computer
administrators/managers. A review/audit may include files stored in a user’s
active account or archived on tape or disk. Such reviews/audits will be in
compliance with federal and state law, as well as appropriate university
policies and procedures.
3)
Acceptance of a UCO computer account and /or use of UCO computing
equipment constitutes consent to appropriate
monitoring.
4)
Questions about the use, material or links not covered in these
policies and guidelines should be brought to the attention of the Office of
Information Technology before the user conducts the activity in question.
5)
All new purchase of desktop systems shall:
a)
Conform to the Desktop Management Interface protocol and
b)
Be purchased with a minimum three years parts and labor warranty from
the manufacturer.
V.
Obscenity Law and the Internet
Oklahoma has
adopted the Miller test ( Miller vs.
California, 1973) and has attached criminal penalties to obscene
expression. The Miller test provides the following definitions of obscenity:
1)
Whether the average person, applying contemporary community standards
would find that the work, taken as a whole, appeals to the prurient interest:
2)
whether the work depicts or describes, in a patently offensive way,
sexual conduct specifically defined by the applicable state law: and
3)
whether the work, taken as a whole, lacks serious literary, artistic
political or scientific value;
Federal law
prohibits conduct similar to that at the state level. The general federal
restriction on obscenity is codified at 18 U. S. C. S. 1461-1465.
VI. World Wide Web (WEB) Homepage Construction
UCO recognizes the
benefit to the public and to members of the university community of electronic
publishing on the Internet. Subject to resources available,
The university
provides access distribution, storage capacity maintenance and other creative
and technical support of academic and administrative units, for educational
use and other purposes consistent with official university business.
1.
Websites are
to be developed and maintained responsibly in compliance with university
policy, and applicable state and federal laws. The Office of Information
Technology and the Office of University Relations will review and monitor
departmental and college websites to ensure technical integrity and protection
of the University’s image. Please refer to the UCO Principles and
Guidelines for Use of the World Wide Web.
VII. Distribution
This policy shall
be distributed to all managers of UCO systems and file servers, users of the
UCO computing and network facilities, Information Technology personnel, and
Department of Public Safety personnel. This document is accessible on the UCO
Website
VIII. Effective Date
Created: May 1,
1998
Revised: 2/25/03
