The University provides an opportunity for students and other members of the UAM community to enhance their educational experiences and expand their academic knowledge by making available to them access to computer facilities and resources, including the Internet and the World Wide Web. This modern computer technology places a significant amount of power and information in the hands of its users. This power carries with it an equal amount of responsibility. This policy has been created to define what the University of Arkansas at Monticello considers responsible and ethical behavior in using its computing facilities and resources and is applicable to all UAM faculty, staff, students, and guests.

Computing activities and products must be compatible with UAM's Computer Usage Policy as well as federal and state statutes. Engaging in any activity which violates the Computer Usage Policy can result in the immediate suspension of an individual's computer access. Other penalties may include disciplinary action by UAM and/or legal action. Anyone who has questions about the acceptability of a contemplated use of computing resources should call the Department of Information Technology at 870-460-1036.

Purpose of Computing and Networking Resources

Computing and networking resources have been allocated for academic activities that are consistent with the mission and goals of the University; i.e., to support teaching, research, administrative processes, UAM-sponsored community service, and other legitimate pursuits.

Each faculty and staff member is eligible for an Internet account, as is any student who has been officially admitted.

Administration

The UAM Department of Information Technology is responsible for administering and/or overseeing the campus computer network as well as the campus's public computer labs and facilities. While Information Technology has authority to enforce the Computer Usage Policy, it seeks to place its efforts toward the enhancement of technology resources, not the policing of these resources. Responsibility is placed on individual users to utilize the campus computing resources in an effective, efficient, ethical, and lawful manner.

Only UAM students, faculty, staff, and recognized University organizations may have home pages on the campus computer system. Exceptions must be approved by the Director of Information Technology or his/her designee.

Disclaimer

The University recognizes the value and potential of electronic communications and publishing on the Internet. The University allows and encourages students, faculty, and staff to experiment with producing personal World Wide Web home pages that facilitate the achievement of the University mission and goals. However, the University accepts no responsibility for the contents of home pages or electronic mail communications. Views and opinions expressed in e-mail and on home pages are strictly those of the authors.

Privacy of Electronic Files

The right to privacy of electronic mail and other electronic files against unwarranted or unreasonable entry or search is a basic tenet of University policies. Authorized University officials will access or enter electronic files (including e-mail files) only under one or more of the following conditions:

The user requests or gives permission to the University to access his/her account.
There is a valid search warrant or court order.
There exists an emergency situation in which the physical safety and/or well-being of a person(s) may be affected or University property may be damaged or destroyed. Responsibility for authorizing access lies with the Director of Information Technology or the Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration.
Reasonable grounds exist to suspect a violation of law or University policy is occurring. Access will take place only after a reasonable effort has been made to obtain consent. Responsibility for authorizing access lies with the Director of Information Technology or the Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration.
Personnel authorized by the Director of Information Technology or the Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration must access the files to maintain the integrity of the computer system or to protect the rights or property of the University.

Violations

Computing and telecommunications resources may be used only for legal purposes and may not be used for any purpose which is illegal, unethical, dishonest, damaging to the reputation of the University, inconsistent with the mission and goals of the University, or likely to subject the University to liability. Impermissible uses (some of which may also constitute illegal uses) include, but are not limited to, the following:

Unauthorized use of the account of another. The individual account owner is responsible for the proper use of the account, including proper password protection. Non-university affiliated individuals cannot be given access to computer accounts.
Commercial or profit-making activities unrelated to the mission of the University or to University life.
Unauthorized copying of any software which is licensed or protected by copyright.
Failure to observe software copyrights and/or license agreements.
Unauthorized copying or use of the intellectual work and property of others.
Extensive use of the Internet or World Wide Web for private or personal business.
Unauthorized access to any University computer system and/or any computer system on the Internet.
Creating, displaying, or transmitting threatening or harassing language and/or materials.
Displaying obscene, lewd, or sexually harassing images or text that can be in view of others in a public facility or location.
Misrepresentation of one's identity in electronic communications.
Vandalism and mischief that incapacitates, compromises, or destroys University resources and/or security measures and/or violates applicable laws.
"Mudding" (game playing) on any UAM dial-up lines.

Hierarchy of Needs

Academic computing resources are provided in part so that users can learn, explore, and grow. However, activities related to the University's scholarly mission, such as completing class assignments or conducting research, take precedence over computing pursuits of a more recreational nature, such as exploring the Web or game playing. Game playing is specifically restricted to those times when terminals and resources are not needed for other purposes.

Authorized University personnel may ask recreational users to relinquish computer use to accommodate educational needs.

Enforcement

Minor infractions of this policy are generally resolved informally by Information Technology personnel. This may be done through electronic mail or in-person discussion and education. Examples of minor infractions are consuming excessive resources or overloading computer systems.

Repeated minor infractions or misconduct which is more serious may result in the temporary or permanent loss of campus computer or network access. More serious violations include, but are not limited to, unauthorized use of computer resources, attempts to steal passwords or data, unauthorized use or copying of licensed software, repeated harassment, or threatening behavior. The Director of Information Technology or his/her designee has the authority to limit access based on the seriousness of the infraction.

Decisions limiting access to any faculty or staff member may be appealed through the normal grievance process as stipulated in the Faculty Handbook or Staff Handbook, respectively. Decisions limiting access to any student may be appealed through the Academic Appeals Process as stipulated in the Student Handbook.

Anyone who feels that a student has violated the UAM student conduct code through the use of computing resources and/or facilities should contact the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Student Services to file a complaint against the offending party.

Updates

This policy is subject to change at any time. Occasional review is recommended.

Effective: April 1989