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Purpose
1. The purposes of these policies and procedures are to cultivate computer
use at Western New Mexico University (the University) and to regulate computer
and network use as necessary to protect individual privacy, to provide an
equitable sharing of limited resources and to promote responsibility in the use
of University computing resources.
Policy
2. The University's general policies for use of its computer systems and
equipment are
A. All computer users have the responsibility
to use the University computing and networking systems in an effective,
efficient, ethical and lawful manner.
B. Use of the University computing facilities
is a privilege, not a right. The University may protect legitimate facilities
uses by imposing sanctions on users who abuse the privilege, including the loss
of the privileges.
C. Computer users shall
(1) Respect the intended use of accounts
established for their use;
(2) Respect the integrity of the
University computing and networking systems;
(3) Respect the privacy of other
computer users;
(4) Respect the rules, regulations and
procedures governing the use of University computing facilities, equipment and
systems, including those of the University's official server(s);
(5)
Respect the proprietary rights of soft‑ware owners and comply with all
copyright laws, treaties and compacts of the United States and all laws of the
state of New Mexico, including the New Mexico Computer Crimes Act, Sections 3045‑1 to 30‑45‑7, New Mexico Statutes Annotated (1978
Compilation).
D. University computer systems and networks are dedicated to the educational mission of the University. In addition to these policies and procedures, standards of common sense and common decency must be applied in deterring what uses are proper when using the public resources of the University.
E. University shall not provide computer access
to persons or entities not affiliated with the University as that would violate
Article IX, Section 14, of the Constitution of New Mexico, which
prohibits donations by the state to private individuals or entities.
F. University acknowledges that the computer
medium provides its students, faculty and staff opportunities for research,
dialogue and expression. However, the University and each computer user has the
responsibility to use each of the computing and networking systems, which are
public property, in a manner related to the educational process for which they
are intended.
Procedures
3. Computer
Accounts in General. All
computer accounts shall be the property of the University. The privileges of
such accounts shall be given by authorized units, departments and offices of
the University for specific academic, administrative and other authorized
University uses.
4. Account
Protection. The integrity of
the University computer systems shall be maintained by the protection of
accounts through use of passwords. Any violation of the integrity of a
University computer system shall be deemed to be a prohibited misappropriation
of University property and will subject the violator to discipline and loss of
computer privileges.
Attempts to perform any of the following acts
are among such prohibited actions:
(1) Make an account available to any person not
authorized access by the university;
(2) Defeat the security system of any computer;
(3) Circumvent the accounting system;
(4) Access and/or use an account without
authorization;
(5) Use accounts for other than intended
purposes;
(6) Misappropriate the data or files of another
person;
(7) Download or upload copyrighted material; or
(8) Use University computing and networking resources to gain
unauthorized access to any computer system.
5. Resource
Limits. The University
reserves the authority to establish storage and memory limits of accounts. If
resources are low, the account holder should notify the course instructor,
Academic Computing, the Information Systems Department, or the authorizing
manager or department head, whichever is appropriate for that account.
6. Session
Limits. The University may
limit a computer user's session if there are insufficient resources or if the
user is determined by appropriate authorities to be acting in an irresponsible
or unlawful manner. The University may also cancel, restart, or place a hold on
a job, process or program to protect or improve system performance.
7. Protection of the System. Responsible continued use of the University
computing and networking systems requires that
A. Refrain from development or use of programs
or utilities which:
(1)
Harass or interfere with other University computer users;
(2)
Infiltrate or modify the system or an account; or
(3)
Damage the hardware or software components of the system
B. When requested, cooperate with systems
administrators in investigations of systems abuse, and report suspected abuse, especially any damage
to or problems with the user's files.
8. Non‑Confidentiality. The University recognizes that users might
believe computer files and e‑mail messages to be confidential. However,
such files and messages are subject to access by Academic Computing and/or
Information Systems during system maintenance as well as when there is a report
of suspected unlawful or improper activities to the proper University or other
governmental authorities. Although the University will not routinely review
user's e‑mail or files, the University reserves the right to review all
information on any University server. Users' files are not confidential.
9. Rules. In addition to these policies and procedures,
the University has various specific rules, regulations and procedures which
govern the use of computing and networking equipment and facilities located
around the University and which are posted in labs or readily available in
printed form. Each computing site and environment has operators, consultants
and/or supervisors who have the responsibility of the use of that site. Users
shall abide by the rules, regulations and procedures of the University, users
shall cooperate with operators, consultants and supervisors.
10. Consultation. Computer users are encouraged to consult with
Academic Computing or Information Systems personnel (or other appropriate
University consultants) regarding computer use. However, obtaining assistance
in completing computer related academic assignments is prohibited unless
permission for consultation is given by the instructor.
11. Copyrights and Licenses. Computer users shall not copy software
protected by copyrights or software licenses except as specifically allowed by
the Licensing agreements or other stipulations of the owner. Making and
distributing copies shall not be done in such a way that the number of
simultaneous users exceeds the number of original copies purchased, unless
other‑wise stipulated in the purchase contract. Computer users at the
University should presume that software is copyrighted unless they have
specific knowledge to the contrary.
12. Recreational and Personal
Use. There are uses of
University computing and networking systems which are improper. Reasonable
recreational and other personal uses are allowed, provided such use does not
interfere with academic use, violate any University policy or procedure or law.
The responsibility to use good judgement to avoid improper use resides with the
user. All such improper uses cannot be anticipated or listed here; but some
uses are:
A. Under no circumstances may games be played,
or other recreational uses occur, when such use would interfere with the
availability of facilities for academic use.
B. Certain other activities are expressly
prohibited. These include but or not limited to:
(1) Commercial activities or
advertising,
(2) Libelous statements that would damage a person,
(3) Use of computers to harass or threaten a person,
(4) Dissemination of licensed software, and
(5) Invasion or violation of personal property.
13. Sanctions. Failure to abide by the guidelines set forth in the foregoing policies and procedures shall
subject any user of the University computing and networking systems to
sanctions, which may result in denial of computer account privileges and/or
other disciplinary action, which could lead to expulsion from the University,
dismissal from a position, or legal action.
14. Administration. These policies and procedures shall be
administered by the Director of Information Systems and the Director of
Academic Computing (the Directors), with oversight by the Executive Committee.
A. Student concerns not resolved by the
Directors may be presented to the office of the Vice President for Academic
Affairs.
B. Faculty concerns not resolved by the
Directors may be presented to the Executive Committee.
C. Administrative concerns not resolved by the
Directors may be presented to the Vice President for Business Affairs.
15. Agreement to Abide bv
Acceptable Use Policy. I
hereby certify that I have received a copy of the WNMU Acceptable Use Policy
for Computing Resources and agree to the terms and conditions set forth within
the policy. I understand that access to the University computing facilities is
a privilege, and not a right, and that this access may be completely revoked or
limited by the University at any time, for any reason deemed sufficient by the
University. I further understand that any violation of the terms of this policy
may result in suspension or termination of my access privileges, and also
result in disciplinary action in accordance With the Faculty, Staff or Student
Handbooks.