Acceptable Use Policy

Read the entire Lincoln University Acceptable Use Policy
at http://www.lincolnu.edu/pages/128.asp

PURPOSE: The purpose of these policies is to assure that: (a) The University community is informed about the application of policies and laws to University computing resources; (B) Computing resources are used in compliance with those policies and laws; (C) Users of computing resources are informed about how concepts of privacy and security apply to those resources; and (D)Disruptions to University Information Technology services are minimized. REPORTING VIOLATIONS: Users must report any evidence of violation of these policies to appropriate OIT personnel and/or other University authorities. Users must not conceal or help to conceal or "cover up" violations by any party. The policies described herein are those that Lincoln University intends to use in normal operation of its computing resources. LAWFUL USE: All use of computing resources is subject to Federal, State, and local law and University regulations. Users must observe intellectual property rights, in particular the software copyright law. PROPER AUTHORIZATION: Except in cases of explicitly authorized external access, such as for incoming electronic mail, anonymous ftp or similar services, or specially authorized external users, Lincoln University computing resources are limited to members of the LU community. Users must not permit or assist any unauthorized person in accessing OIT facilities. Authorization for other external use of the University's computing resources by outside organizations or individuals requires written approval of the President, and will be granted only when that use is determined to further the University's mission. ACCOUNT OWNERSHIP: Another person may not use an account assigned to an individual. Faculty, students and staff are individually responsible for the proper use of their accounts, including proper password protection and appropriate use of computing resources. PERSONAL IDENTIFICATION: Users of University computing resources, including microcomputers, workstations, printers, or other public facilities must show identification upon request by members of the Lincoln University Department of Public Safety, OIT staff, or any other authorized University official. CONTRACTS: All use of University computers and networks must be consistent with all contractual obligations of the University, including limitations defined in software and other licensing agreements EXTERNAL DATA NETWORKS: Users shall observe all applicable policies of external data networks when using such networks, including sites visited via the Internet. ACCESS TO DATA: Users must allow OIT personnel access to data files kept on OIT systems for the purpose of systems backups or diagnosing systems problems, including rules violations. FOR-PROFIT USE: Without specific authorization, all activities using Lincoln University computing resources for personal profit or for the direct financial benefit of any non-LU organization are prohibited. However, this is not meant to restrict normal communications and exchange of electronic data, consistent with the University's education and research roles that may have an incidental financial or other benefit for an external organization. For example, it is appropriate to discuss products or services with companies doing business with LU or to contribute to Usenet bulletin boards discussing issues relating to commercial products. INCIDENTAL PERSONAL USE: Incidental personal use of University computing resources may be allowed when such use does not interfere with University operations, does not compromise functioning of the University's network, or interfere with the user's employment or other obligations to the University. THREATS AND HARASSMENT: University computing resources may not be used to threaten or harass any person. A user must cease sending messages or interfering in any way with another user's normal use of computing resources if the aggrieved user makes a reasonable request for such cessation. The University's Sexual Harassment policy is extended to include harassment via computing resources. MODIFICATION OF DATA OR EQUIPMENT: Without specific authorization, users of OIT computing or network facilities may not cause, permit, or attempt any destruction or modification of data or computing or communications equipment, including but not limited to alteration of data, reconfiguration of control switches or parameters, or changes in firmware. This rule seeks to protect "data, computing, and communications equipment" owned by OIT, LU University, or any other person or entity. "Specific authorization" refers to permission by the owner or designated administrator of the equipment or data to be destroyed or modified. REMOVAL OF DATA OR EQUIPMENT: Without specific authorization by the owner or designated administrator, users may not remove any University owned or administered equipment or documents from a University facility. FOREIGN DEVICES: Without specific authorization, users must not physically or electrically attach any foreign device (such as an external disk, printer, or video system) to OIT equipment or networks. LEVEL OF SECURITY: Unless otherwise guaranteed, users should regard the network communication infrastructure as not secure from invasive technologies. OIT policy will ensure the greatest degree of confidentiality possible. CONCEALED IDENTITY: Users may not intentionally conceal their identity when using University computing resources. UNAUTHORIZED DATA ACCESS: Users may not make or attempt any deliberate, unauthorized access to or changes in data on a University computing resource, for example to read personal communications of other users or to access confidential University files. SECURITY COMPROMISE: Users shall not defeat or attempt to defeat or circumvent OIT security systems, such as by "cracking" or guessing user identifications or passwords or by compromising room locks or alarm systems. DATA INTERCEPTION: Users may not intercept or attempt to intercept data communications not intended for that user's access, for example, by "promiscuous" bus monitoring or wiretapping. DENIAL OF SERVICE: Users may not deny or interfere with or attempt to deny or interfere with service to other users, e.g., by means of "resource hogging," distribution of computer worms or viruses, etc. PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY: Users are responsible for the security of their OIT accounts and passwords. Any user changes of password must follow published guidelines for good passwords. Accounts and passwords are normally assigned to single users and may not to be shared with any other person without OIT authorization. Users must report any observations of attempted security violations. DEFINITIONS: - User: any person using Lincoln University computing resources - Network: interconnection via a networking protocol. This includes the Internet and intranet(s), the campus LAN, or any other Local, Wide, Municipal, or Campus networking protocol to which users have access. - Email: any message in electronic format sent over the network. The terms "electronic mail" and "email" are interchangeable. - Web page: any page containing HTML that is viewable by a browser via the network. - Web site: any collection of similar web pages, having the same base URL - OIT: Lincoln University's Office of Information Technology. - Computing resource: computers, terminals, printers, networks, modem banks, and related equipment, as well as data files or documents managed or maintained by residing on disk, tape, or other media. Computing resources also include computer rooms, laboratories, offices, and furnishings operated or maintained by LU OIT. - Internet Services: any computing resources that are accessed via the Internet - Computer Hardware: Computer parts physically existing inside or around a computer, including the monitor, the CPU (central processing unit), memory, internal and external drives and storage devices, keyboard, mouse, and peripherals, such as printers, scanners, speakers, etc. - Computer Software: Instructions executed by a computer, as oppose to the physical device (hardware) on which they run, and consisting of two main types, "system" and "application".

I have read and understand all of the acceptable use policies above.