Policy for Responsible Use of
Computing & Communications Technologies

Purpose:

This policy promotes the responsible and ethical use of computing and communications resources.  It defines the rights and responsibilities of the University, its faculty, administrators, staff, students, and other authorized users with regard to the use of these resources.

General Statement: 

Xavier University acquires, develops, and maintains computing and communications resources.  These resources include but are not limited to computers, computer systems, software, databases and networks; any non-university owned computer equipment that utilizes campus connectivity; electronic mail, newsgroups; access to the internet; telephones, telephone switches, voice mail, and other telephone resources. Such resources support the university’s teaching, scholarship, and service missions; administrative functions; student life activities; and facilitate the free exchange of ideas among members of the university community and the wider community.

In using these resources, it is important for all to behave in a responsible, ethical, and legal manner.  In general, appropriate use means respecting the rights of other users, the integrity of the physical facilities and all pertinent license and contractual agreements.  This policy applies to all computing and communication resources owned or managed by Xavier University.

Individual departments and/or administrative units may have additional policies regarding computing and communication resources.  Such policies are designed to supplement not replace those established by the University.

Authorized Users: 

• Students (active status) 
• Faculty, administrators, and staff (currently employed or retired)
• Xavier University Library patrons 
• Cintas Business Conference Center customers
• Authorized Xavier suppliers or contractors
  
  

Xavier Rights: 

Xavier University is the owner of these computing and communication resources.  While it does not normally view files and messages on Xavier’s servers or traversing Xavier’s network, it has the right to examine, log, archive, and otherwise preserve them.  Xavier has the right to protect its resources by restricting, suspending, or terminating access by any user who does not observe the responsibilities outlined below, and such other rights as may be granted by law and/or  University policy.

Xavier University has the right to:

1. specify how the network, computers, software, and databases  maintained by the University may be used.
2. redress any use of technology inconsistent with the mission of the University, its policies, federal, state, and local laws
   
3. take necessary administrative, disciplinary, and/or legal action to insure its policies and federal, state, and local laws are followed.
   
   

User Rights: 

Authorized users have the right to access computing and communications resources consistent with their role and responsibilities at the university. 

User Responsibilities: 

Comply with all local, state, federal laws, applicable University policies, rules and regulations.

Protect the confidentiality and integrity of information obtained from access to Xavier resources.

Respect all licensing and copyright laws.  It is a violation of law to copy or use another’s intellectual property without permission.

Respect the finite capacity of those resources and limit use so as not to consume an unreasonable amount of resources or to interfere unreasonably with the activity of others.

Use only those computing resources for which authorization has been obtained and use them only in the manner and to the extent authorized.

Refrain from using a self-defined network address, commonly called an “IP” address or using any Ethernet (MAC) address other than the address(s) you have registered with the ISS department. 

When using email do not misrepresent yourself with a false email return address, send unsolicited mass email to persons not known; or send mail containing threats or abuse to anyone.

Do not configure your computer to act as a server unless you have first registered this computer and the services you intend to offer with the ISS department.

Do not download, distribute, or run any program for the purpose of damaging files, computers or networks, or eavesdropping on others’ communications.

Refrain from using computing resources for financial gain or commercial purposes.

Violations of these responsibilities are viewed most seriously by the University.  In addition to being denied access to computing and communication resources, violators may be subject to other penalties and disciplinary action under the Code of Student Conduct, the University Policy and Procedures Manual, as well as other action as provided by law. 

Allegations of violations of this policy should be referred using the university administrative and/or disciplinary procedures applicable to the relevant user.

User Recommendations:

In addition to the responsibilities described above, the following apply to prudent computer usage and are highly recommended:

• Do not share the password to your personal accounts on any Xavier computer with anyone.  All use of an individual passworded account is considered the sole responsibility of the account owner.  Change your password if you think it may have become compromised
  
  
• Do not leave your computer unattended while you are logged into your account.  You are responsible for all activity on your account, which may be compromised in this situation.
  
  
• Do not provide remote control of your office computer unless you have first registered the machine with ITS.  After it is registered, make sure that you protect access to it with passwords, so that others cannot access it.
  
  
• Forward inappropriate email received to postmaster@admin.xu.edu.  If it is a threatening communication, save the entire communication to a file and submit a printed copy to Xavier Police.
  
  
• Practice due diligence when downloading a file or opening email attachments.  There is a risk of infecting your machine with a virus and spreading the virus to other computers on the campus network.