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Computer and Network Responsible Usage Policy

STATEMENT | GUIDELINES | FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

POLICY STATEMENT

1. GENERAL STATEMENT

The Computer and Network Responsible Usage Policy is a University-wide measure providing rules for the proper use and management of all University computing and network resources. The University provides these resources to support Pepperdine’s instruction, research, and service missions; administrative functions; student and campus life activities; and the free exchange of ideas among members of the University community and between the University and the wider local, national, and world communities.

The use of University technology, like the use of any other University resource or activity, is subject to the normal requirements of legal and ethical behavior within the University community. Thus, legitimate use of the University’s computer and network systems does not extend to whatever is technically possible. Although some limitations are built into computer operating systems and networks, those limitations are not the sole restrictions on what is permissible. Users must abide by all applicable restrictions, whether or not they are integrated into the operating system or network and whether or not they can be circumvented by technical means.

The University grants access to its networks and computer systems subject to certain responsibilities and obligations described below, and subject to all local, state, and federal laws. Consequently, all computer and network use must be legal, ethical, and consistent with the University’s mission.

2. APPLICABILITY

This policy applies to all users of University computing resources, whether affiliated with Pepperdine or not, and to all uses of those resources, whether on campus or from remote locations. Additional policies may apply to specific computers, computer systems, or networks provided or operated by specific units of the University or to uses within specific units. For further information, users should consult the operators or managers of the specific computer, computer system, or network, in which they are interested.

3. POLICY

All users of University computing resources must:

Comply with all federal, state, and other applicable laws; all generally applicable University rules and policies; and all applicable contracts and licenses.
Examples include, but are not limited to, the laws of libel, privacy, copyright, trademark, obscenity, and child pornography; the Electronic Communications Privacy Act and the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act, which prohibit “hacking,” “cracking,” and similar activities; the applicable code of student conduct; the University’s sexual harassment policy; and all applicable software licenses. Users who engage in electronic communications with persons in other states or countries or on other systems or networks should be aware that they may also be subject to the laws of those other states and countries and the rules and policies of those other systems and networks. Users are responsible for ascertaining, understanding, and complying with the laws, rules, policies, contracts, and licenses applicable to their particular uses.
Users may use only those computing resources for which they are authorized to use, and may use them only in the manner and to the extent authorized.
Ability to access computing resources does not, by itself, imply authorization to do so. Users are responsible for ascertaining what authorizations are necessary and for obtaining them before proceeding. Unless authorized by the University’s Office of Information Technology, user IDs and passwords may not, under any circumstances, be shared with, or used by, persons other than those to whom they have been assigned by the University.
Respect the privacy of other users and their accounts, regardless of whether those accounts are securely protected.
Ability to access other persons’ accounts does not, by itself, imply authorization to do so. Users are responsible for ascertaining what authorizations are necessary and for obtaining them before proceeding.
Respect the finite capacity of technology resources and limit use so as not to consume an unreasonable amount of those resources or interfere unreasonably with the activity of other users.
Although there is no set bandwidth, disk space, CPU time, or other limits applicable to all uses of University computing resources, the University may require users of those resources to limit or refrain from specific uses in accordance with this principle. For example, streaming audio or news feeds for non-academic purposes can saturate technology resources with voluminous traffic to the exclusion of another’s use. The reasonableness of any particular use will be judged in the context of all of the relevant circumstances.
Refrain from using resources for personal commercial purposes or for personal financial or other gain.
University computing resources cannot be used for personal commercial purposes or for personal financial or other gain.
Users must refrain from stating or implying that they speak on behalf of the University, and from using University trademarks and logos without authorization to do so.
Affiliation with the University does not, by itself, imply authorization to speak on behalf of the University. Authorization to use University trademarks and logos on University computing resources may be granted only by the Office of Public Affairs, as appropriate. The use of suitable disclaimers is encouraged.

4. ENFORCEMENT

Users who violate this policy may be denied access to University computing resources and may be subject to other penalties and disciplinary action, both within and outside of the University. Violations will normally be handled through the University disciplinary procedures applicable to the relevant user. However, the University may temporarily suspend or block access to an account, prior to the initiation or completion of such procedures, when it reasonably appears necessary to do so in order to protect the integrity, security, or functionality of University or other computing resources or to protect the University from liability. The University may also refer suspected violations of applicable law to appropriate law enforcement agencies.

5. SECURITY AND PRIVACY

The University employs various measures to protect the security of its computing resources and of its users’ accounts. Users should be aware, however, that the University cannot guarantee such security. Users should, therefore, engage in “safe computing” practices by establishing appropriate access restrictions for their accounts, guarding their passwords, and changing them regularly. Also, users should ensure the installation of anti-virus software and appropriate updates for personally-owned computers connecting to Pepperdine’s network and University computers.

Users should also be aware that their uses of University computing resources are not private. While the University does not routinely monitor individual usage of its computing resources, the normal operation and maintenance of the University’s computing resources require the backup, the logging of activity, the monitoring of general and individual usage patterns, and other such activities that are necessary for the rendition of service.

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.

GUIDELINES FOR RESPONSIBLE USAGE

While not exhaustive, the following list provides some specific guidelines for responsible and ethical behavior.

Security

Make copies of important computer files on a regular basis.
Retain your original computer software disks in a safe place.
Keep your computer's operating system and other computer software up-to-date with manufacturers’ patches and updates.
Secure your voice, computer, and network accounts with unique passwords that you change regularly and do not share with anyone.
Use a virus protection program that you regularly update to detect the latest types of viruses.
Do not violate the security of any technology resource at the University or anywhere on the Internet.

Laws and Regulations

Abide by all federal, state and local laws.
Comply with all product licensing and contractual agreements.
Adhere to all copyright laws. The unlawful distribution of copyrighted works can provide the basis for civil litigation and criminal prosecution.

Sharing Resources

Do not use peer-to-peer file sharing utilities (for example: Kazaa, iMesh and Morpheus) to unlawfully download or share copyrighted material for which you do not hold the copyright.
Do not saturate technology resources with voluminous traffic, such as mass e-mails or malicious activities, to the exclusion of another's use. The University network, computer labs, e-mail system, and telephone system are shared broadly and are, therefore, limited.

E-mail

Keep your mailbox size to a minimum by deleting all unnecessary messages and storing other messages outside your mailbox.
The use of offensive communications, such as obscenity, profanity, and inappropriate jokes is not permitted. Likewise, libel, slander, intimidation, and harassment are expressly forbidden.
Submit e-mail messages directed at a large number of faculty, staff, or students to Public Relations & News.

Other Uses of Technology Resources

Do not use University resources for personal financial gain without explicit University approval.
Limit your use of University technology unrelated to your University role. Such use must not interfere with University activities or your University responsibilities.
Do not use technology resource privileges that are no longer authorized after graduation, transfer to another University role, or separation from the University.
Wireless networking is reserved for classroom and “mobile” computing. It is not intended as a primary means for connecting to University networks.

Privacy and Confidentiality

Respect the privacy and personal rights of others.
Do not access or copy another user's e-mail, data, computer software, or other files without permission.

Web Pages/Publishing

Faculty and staff: do not publish personal information un-related to your University responsibilities with Pepperdine Web resources. Personal pages represent an individual as a private person and are permitted for students only.
Keep all Web page content up-to-date or remove it.
Post the name of the unit or group represented by the page on the site; a means of contacting the person(s) responsible for maintaining the page content; and the date of last revision.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Does this policy mean that I can’t download copyrighted audio or video programs?
What are the possible consequences of violating this policy?
What will Pepperdine University do to protect my operating system from viruses?
How am I supposed to know when there are viral breaches to Pepperdine’s systems and networks?
Is the University responsible for my computer’s anti-virus protection?
Is the University’s technical staff required to provide network connectivity?
What does “personal use” include? When does “personal use” cross the line from permitted to prohibited?
Does the restriction on personal use prohibit faculty and staff from using University resources in connection with their consulting work?
Are my communications via the University’s computer and network resources private?

Questions and Answers

1. Does this policy mean that I can't download copyrighted audio or video programs?

Generally, yes. The unlawful use or distribution of copyrighted works provides the basis for civil litigation and criminal prosecution as well as disciplinary action by the University. “Fair use” of such material for legitimate educational purposes, however, may be permissible.

2. What are the possible consequences of violating this policy?

Some of the possible consequences include:

temporary deactivation of University technology resource access;
permanent deactivation of University technology resource access;
disciplinary actions taken by the appropriate University department;
expulsion from school or termination of employment; and
prosecution under applicable federal, state, or local laws

3. What will Pepperdine University do to protect my operating system from viruses?

Information Technology (IT) works diligently to block system and network access to viruses and to secure the University’s centralized servers. However, individual users are responsible for maintaining their operating systems and other computer software with the available updates and virus protection programs.

ALL USERS MUST TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THEIR ROLE IN KEEPING THEIR SYSTEMS UP TO DATE

4. How am I supposed to know when there are viral breaches to Pepperdine's systems and networks?

For students, University notices and announcements are posted on WaveNet. For faculty and staff, notices are posted in the daily Public Announcements.

5. Is the University responsible for my computer's anti-virus protection?

All personally-owned computers are the responsibility of the owner. This includes ensuring the installation of anti-virus software and maintaining the software by updating it as necessary. Ensuring installation of anti-virus software and appropriate updates for University computers is the responsibility of the individual users. IT will assist on an as-needed basis.

6. Is the University's technical staff required to provide network connectivity?

Technical staff is not required to assist users in connecting personally owned computers to the network. Their assistance may be provided as a courtesy.

7. What does "personal use" include? When does "personal use" cross the line from permitted to prohibited?

Use of University technology resources for personal commercial purposes or for personal financial gain is generally improper and, under some circumstances, may be illegal. In general, personal use should meet the following criteria:

it must not consume a significant amount of technology resources;
it must not interfere with the performance of the user’s University responsibilities;
it is not made for personal commercial or financial gain; and
it is otherwise in compliance with applicable laws, rules, policies, agreements, and licenses.

8. Does the restriction on personal use prohibit faculty and staff from using University resources in connection with their consulting work?

The use of University technology resources in connection with consulting work, must be approved in advance by the relevant department chair and dean, and arrangements must be made to compensate the University if the use of its resources will be significant.

9. Are my communications via the University's computer and network resources private?

Users should be aware that their uses of University computing resources are not private. While the University does not routinely monitor individual usage of its computing resources, the normal operation and maintenance of the University’s computing resources require the backup, the logging of activity, the monitoring of general and individual usage patterns, and other such activities that are necessary for the rendition of service.

Get more help from the IT Help Desk at 1-310-506-HELP (4357).