POLICIES AFFECTING STUDENTS

University Guidelines for Responsible Computing

Towson University provides access to computing and information resources for students, faculty, staff and other authorized users in support of the university's mission of teaching, research and public service. Computing resources include host computer systems, university-sponsored computers and workstations, communication networks, software, and electronic files. Access to computing resources carries with it certain responsibilities and should reflect the academic honesty and discipline appropriate for the shared community of network and computer resources. Proper use demonstrates respect for intellectual property, ownership of data, systems security mechanisms, and each individual's rights to privacy and to freedom from intimidation, harassment and unwarranted annoyance. Use of the university's information technology resources is a privilege. Each user must accept the responsibility for his/her actions and agree to:

• Act responsibly so as to ensure the integrity and lawful use of computing and information resources.
• Respect the rights of others and not threaten, harass, intimidate or engage in unlawful activity.
• Abide by all applicable licenses, copyrights, contracts, and other restricted or proprietary information.
• Understand that system administrators may examine electronic files, electronic mail and printer listings for the purpose of diagnosing and correcting problems with the system.
• Acknowledge the right of the university to restrict or rescind computing privileges in accordance with this and other applicable university policies when the user has exhibited inappropriate behavior in the use of computer facilities.
• Be considerate in use of shared computing resources. Refrain from monopolizing systems, overloading networks with excessive data, or wasting computer time, connect time, disk space, printer paper, manuals or other resources.
• Recognize that the same standards of intellectual and academic freedom developed for faculty and student publications in traditional media are applicable to publications in computer media. Web pages, electronic mail and electronic files may not contain copyrighted material without the approval from the owner of the copyright.
• Use appropriate language, behavior and style. Examples of Unethical, Unlawful and/or Inappropriate Behavior
• Attempting to alter system, hardware, software or account configurations.
• Accessing or monitoring another individual's accounts, files, software, electronic mail or computer resources without the permission of the owner.
• Misrepresenting your identity, role or the identity of any other person in any type of electronic communication.
• Implying that the content of a personal home page constitutes the views or policies of the university.
• Misusing the university's computing resources so as to reduce their efficiency.
• Producing chain letters or broadcasting messages (SPAM) to individuals or lists of users, or producing any communication which interferes with the work of others.
• Breaching or attempting to breach computer security systems, whether with or without malicious intent.
• Engaging in any activity that might be harmful to systems or to any stored information such as creating or propagating viruses, worms, Trojan Horses, or other rogue programs, disrupting services, or damaging files.
• Violating copyright and/or software license agreements.
• Using computing resources to threaten or harass others or transmitting obscene or fraudulent messages.
• Using computing resources for commercial or profit-making purposes without written authorization.
• Disobeying lab, system, or university policies, procedures or protocol.
• Installing or operating computer games on university owned computers for non-academic purposes.
• Downloading or posting to university computers, or transporting across university networks, material that is illegal, proprietary, in violation of university contractual agreements; or in violation of university policy.
• Violating local, state or federal laws.

How to Report a Violation
Suspected violations should be reported to the appropriate office:

• Office of Judicial Affairs for alleged violations by students
• Immediate supervisor for alleged violations by faculty and staff
• Information Security Officer of the Office of Technology Services for any questions regarding this policy

Enforcement
The university considers any violation of these guidelines to be a serious offense. Violations may result in

• Administrative Action – Violations may result in the revocation or restriction of computer privileges.
• Disciplinary Action – Violations may result in disciplinary action outlined in the Code of Student Conduct, applicable faculty and staff handbooks, and University Policies and Procedures.
• Legal Action – Alleged violations may also be referred to local, state and/or federal authorities.

Approved by President’s Council, September 1997.