acceptable Use
PURPOSE
The computing resources at Central Methodist University are
valuable and limited resources that serve a large number and
variety of users. The use of the computing resources is a
privilege that is extended to support the educational,
instructional and administrative activities of the University.
As a user of these computing resources, you have access to
valuable University resources and to internal and external
networks. Consequently, it is important for you to behave in a
responsible, ethical, and legal manner.
ACCEPTABLE USE OF COMPUTING RESOURCES
By using or accessing Central Methodist University computing
resources, the user agrees to the terms and conditions of this
Acceptable Use Policy:
- Using Central Methodist University computing resources in a
manner that does not violate University policies, local, state,
or federal laws and the rights and privacy of others;
- Respecting the integrity and security of Central Methodist
University computing resources and avoiding any action that
interferes with the efficient operation of the computing
resources or impedes the flow of information necessary for
academic or administrative operations of the University;
- Using Central Methodist University computing resources in a
manner that does not infringe upon or otherwise impair,
interfere with or violate any copyright or other intellectual
property rights of another. This pertains to all copyrighted
material, including, but not limited to music, video and
software;
- Protecting your assigned Central Methodist University account
information from unauthorized use and accessing information that
is your own, which is publicly available, or to which you have
been given authorized access;
- Respecting the rights and property of others, including
privacy, confidentiality and intellectual property.
For a sample list of specific actions which are detrimental or
unacceptable when using or accessing Central Methodist
University computing resources visit the policies section of the
Central Methodist University technology support site located at
http://www.centralmethodist.edu/support.
RECORDS OF ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION
Users should be aware that their uses of Central Methodist
University computing resources are not completely private.
Central Methodist does not routinely monitor individual usage of
its computing resources; however, the normal operation and
maintenance of the University's computing resources require the
backup and caching of data and communications. The logging of
activity, the monitoring of general usage patterns, and other
such activities are necessary for the rendering of service. The
University may also specifically access and monitor the activity
and accounts of individual users of University computing
resources, including individual log in session and
communications, without notice, when:
- the user has consented, or has voluntarily made information or
communications accessible to the public, as by posting them to a
web page or listserv;
- it is necessary to maintain University business functions and
the user is no longer with the University, is suspended, or is
otherwise unavailable;
- an account appears to be engaged in unusual or unusually
excessive activity, as indicated by the monitoring of general activity and usage
patterns;
- it reasonably appears necessary to do so to protect the
integrity, security, or
functionality of University or other computing resources or to
protect the University from liability;
- there is reasonable cause to believe that the user has
violated, or is violating, this policy or other University policies as reflected in
information for faculty, the employee handbook, student handbook
or other official University documents.
The University, in its discretion, may disclose the results of
any such general or individual monitoring, including the
contents and records of individual communications, to
appropriate University personnel or law enforcement agencies and
may use those results in appropriate University disciplinary
proceedings.
SCOPE
This policy applies to all entities using Central Methodist
University computing resources which includes (but is not
limited to) Central Methodist University students, alumni,
faculty, staff, administration, and special guests.
Computing resources include all university owned, licensed, or
managed hardware and software, and use of the university network
via a physical or wireless connection, regardless of the
ownership of the computer or device connected to the network.
These policies apply to technology administered by the
University, personally-owned computers and devices connected by
wire or wireless to the campus network, and to off-campus
computers that connect remotely to the University's network
services.
ENFORCEMENT
Penalties for violating the Acceptable Use Policy may include
restricted access or loss of access to the Central Methodist
University computing resources, monetary reimbursement to the
University or other appropriate sources, termination and/or
expulsion from Central Methodist University and in some cases,
civil and/or criminal liability.
Questions about this Acceptable Use Policy should be directed
toward the Vice-President of Information Services.
