WILLIAM WOODS UNIVERSITY

Information Technology Resources
Acceptable Use Policy

William Woods University information technology resources, including electronic communications on and off the WWU campus and the computers attached to this network, are for the use of persons currently affiliated with William Woods University, including faculty, staff and students. Information technology resources are provided by the university to further the university's mission of lifelong education. Use of these resources should be consistent with this mission and this policy.

Central to appropriate and responsible use is the stipulation that, in general, computing resources shall be used in a manner consistent with the instructional, public service, research, and administrative objectives of the University. Use should also be consistent with the specific objectives of the project or task for which such use was authorized. All uses inconsistent with these objectives are considered to be inappropriate use and may jeopardize further access to services.

Unacceptable uses include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Using the resources for any purpose that violates federal or state laws.
• Using the resources for commercial, sales and/or advertising.
• Using excessive data storage or network bandwidth in such activities as propagating of "chain letters" or "broadcasting" inappropriate messages to lists or individuals or generally transferring unusually large or numerous files or messages.
• Sending or storing for retrieval patently harassing, intimidating, or abusive material.
• Misrepresenting your identity or affiliation in the use of information technology resources.
• Using someone else's identity and password for access to information technology resources or using the network to make unauthorized entry to other computational, information or communications devices or resources.
• Attempting to evade, disable or "crack" password or other security provisions of systems on the network.
• Reproducing and/or distributing copyrighted materials without appropriate authorization.
• Copying or modifying files belonging to others or to the university without authorization including altering data, introducing or propagating viruses or worms, or simply damaging files.
• Interfering with or disrupting another information technology user's work as well as the proper function of information processing and network services or equipment.
• Intercepting or altering network packets.

Access to the information technology environment at William Woods University is a privilege and must be treated as such by all users. Like any other campus facility, abuse of these privileges can be a matter of legal action or official campus disciplinary procedures. Depending on the seriousness of an offense, violation of the policy can result in penalties ranging from reprimand (i.e., don't do this any more), to loss of access, to referral to university authorities for disciplinary or legal action. In a case where unacceptable use severely impacts performance or security, in or to sustain reasonable performance and secure services for the rest of the user community, Information Technology Services will immediately suspend an individual's access privileges.

Violations of Guidelines

Violations of any of the above guidelines are certainly unethical and may be violations of University policy or criminal offenses. You are expected to report information you may have concerning instances in which the above guidelines have been or are being violated.
In accordance with established University practices, policies, and procedures, confirmation of inappropriate use of William Woods University technology resources may result in termination of access, disciplinary review, expulsion, termination of employment, legal action, or other disciplinary action.

This policy is subject to amendment at any time. For a copy of the most recent policy, see the William Woods University web site at: www.williamwoods.edu.