Technology Policies

Acceptable Use Policy
Computing, Networking, Web and Communication Resources

PURPOSE
The University of Tampa provides computing, networking, Web pages and communication resources to students, faculty, and staff to further institutional goals, increase productivity, and ensure better communication regarding University matters. It is important that University community members use these resources in a manner consistent with these goals.

Users of University technology resources are responsible for being familiar with and abiding by the guidelines governing their use as stated below.

SCOPE
This policy applies to any individual/organization/group/entity using University of Tampa computing, network, audio/video equipment and communication resources including voice, data, and video transmissions. It encompasses all University telecommunications equipment including campus computer networks, e-mail services, Internet access, academic systems (e.g., Blackboard), faxed messages, the phone system as well as University computers and personal computers.

POLICY/GUIDELINES
Activities utilizing University computing and communications resources must be in accordance with University Policies, Employee Handbook, Student Handbook, Student Code of Conduct, relevant local, state, federal, and international laws/regulations and the following guidelines.

Authorized Access

Users Should:
- Use University resources only for authorized purposes.
- Protect your userID (or username), password and system from unauthorized use. Users are responsible for all activities associated with their userID or that originate from their system and/or residence hall network wall jack.
- Access only information that is your own, that is publicly available, or to which you have been given authorized access.
- Choose safe passwords, protect them, and change them regularly.
Users Should Not:
- Attempt to decode passwords or access control information.
- Use another person's system, userID, password, files, or data without permission.

Security & Virus Protection
Each system user is required to have current anti-virus software installed on their system prior to connecting to the network. Campus Network users are responsible for transmissions originating from their computer systems and/or residence hall network wall jack. A system infected with viruses/worms, will be taken off the network, generally without notice.

Users Should Not:
- Engage in any activity that might be purposefully harmful to systems or to any information stored thereon, such as creating or propagating viruses, disrupting services, damaging files or making unauthorized modifications to University data.
- Attempt to circumvent or subvert system or network security measures.

Privacy

Each system user is responsible for the security of any system he/she connects to the network and the information contained therein including confidential University information stored on their computer hard drive in databases, files, word documents, spreadsheets, etc. It is the users’ responsibility to not disseminate University information without proper authorization.

Excessive Usage
Be considerate in your use of shared resources. Users should not monopolize systems, initiate bandwidth intensive programs, overload networks with excessive data, send chain letters or unsolicited mass mailings, or utilize excessive connect time, disk space, printer paper, or other resources.

Copyrights and Intellectual Property

Users Should:
- Use only legal versions of copyrighted software in compliance with vendor license requirements.
Users Should Not:
- Copy, use, or share copyrighted digital information files, including but not limited to music and movies without legal authorization.
- Store such copies on University systems, transmit or share them over University networks.

Harassment

Users Should:
- Respect individuals’ rights to be free of intimidation, harassment, and offensive behavior.
Users Should Not:
- Participate in a pattern of conduct that interferes with performing one’s assigned role.
- Use e-mail or messaging services to harass or intimidate another person.

Spoofing/Fraud

Users Should Not:
- Use University systems or network as a vehicle to gain unauthorized access to other systems.
- For purposes of deception, transmit any electronic communications using a name or address of someone other than the assigned computer or account user name or address.

Other Prohibited Activities

Users Should Not:
- Use University systems or networks for personal, commercial or partisan political purposes.

REPORTING SUSPECTED ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY VIOLATIONS
Anyone who has reason to suspect a deliberate or significant breach of the University Acceptable Use Policy should promptly report it to the appropriate Dean, Director, Department Head, or Campus Security.

ENFORCEMENT/CONSEQUENCES
The University reserves the right to copy and examine any files or information resident on University systems allegedly related to unacceptable use, and to protect its network from systems and events that threaten or degrade operations. Violators may have their electronic access revoked and may be subject to disciplinary action as prescribed in University Policies, the Student Handbook, and the Employee Handbook. Offenders also may be prosecuted under laws including (but not limited to) the Communications Act of 1934 (amended), the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act of 1986, The Computer Virus Eradication Act of 1989, Interstate Transportation of Stolen Property, Digital Millennium Copyright Act of 1998, and the Electronic Communications Privacy Act.

INFORMATION DISCLAIMER
The University of Tampa disclaims any responsibility and/or warranties for information and materials residing on non-University systems or available over publicly accessible networks. Such materials do not necessarily reflect the attitudes, opinions, or values of The University of Tampa, its faculty, staff, or students.

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