Acceptable Use Policy for
Information Technology Resources

Use of information technology (IT) resources must be consistent with the University's mission and with its role as a public agency. Each member of the University community is expected to protect the integrity of these resources and to know and adhere to University rules, regulations and guidelines for their appropriate use. It is the responsibility of users of IT Resources to understand and be aware of the current Acceptable Use Policy, which is available from IT Services. The Acceptable Use Policy applies to all individuals who access IT resources, regardless of their familiarity or understanding of the policy.

Regulations that govern personal conduct and use of University facilities (as published in the University of Wisconsin System Administrative Code and UW-River Falls policies) also apply to the use of IT resources. In addition, the following guidelines apply more specifically to use of IT resources:

1. General Guidelines
   Access to University IT resources is a privilege granted to members of the University community which carries with it the responsibility to use them for University related activities, exercising common sense and civility.
2. Individual Responsibility
   Authorization for use of IT facilities is provided to each individual for his or her own use. No person may use an authorization which belongs to someone else, nor can any person granted this right share it with another. In many cases the University has obtained access to these resources exclusively for the use of members of the University community. It is a violation of those agreements for others to use them.
3. Security
   The protection of University IT resources depends heavily on each user's careful handling of keys to these resources. Since any account can serve as an entry point for theft, damage or unauthorized use, users must protect the confidentiality of their personal identification codes and passwords and are expected to exercise reasonable care to insure that others cannot use their accounts. Every account must be safeguarded as any account could provide a foot in the door for a hacker.
4. Hacking
   Persons may not obtain or use — or attempt to obtain or use — passwords, IP addresses or other network information that have not been assigned to them as individuals or authorized for their use. Persons may not obtain - or attempt to obtain - unauthorized access to computer accounts, software, files, or any other University IT resources.
5. Malicious Activity
   Persons may not alter or intentionally damage software or data belonging to someone else or interfere with another person's authorized access to IT resources. Users may not intentionally disrupt or damage University computers or networks in any way.
6. Impersonation and Anonymity
   Users of University IT resources may not send electronic messages with the sender's identity forged or send anonymous messages unless the recipient has agreed to receive anonymous messages.
7. Commercial, Political and Non-University Activities
   Persons may not use University IT resources to sell or solicit sales for any goods, services or contributions unless such use conforms to UW-River Falls rules and regulations governing the use of University resources. University employees may not use these resources to support the nomination of any person for political office or to influence a vote in any election or referendum. No one may use University IT resources to represent the interests of any non-University group or organization unless authorized by an appropriate University department.
8. Exposure to Offensive Material
   Use of network resources, and the Internet in particular, may expose an individual to content which they personally find objectionable, including comments or graphics which are profane, obscene, racist, sexist or otherwise offensive. UW-River Falls does not seek to censor any materials that you may access via IT Resources. The individual accessing IT resources is solely responsible for what they may encounter. In accordance with the University's Sexual Harassment Policy, sexually explicit or obscene materials may not be publicly displayed, whether they are obtained via electronic or other means.
9. Personal Usage
   In the interest of making the use of IT resources a natural part of the day-to-day learning and work of all members of the University community, incidental personal use is tolerated. However, one should use other providers of e-mail, Internet access, and other IT services for activities of an extensive nature that are not related to University purposes.
10. State and Federal Laws
    Persons may not use University computing facilities to violate state or federal laws, including copyright and election laws.

Individuals who suspect or know of violations of the Acceptable Use Policy must report the incidents to IT Services. Report violations by email at abuse@uwrf.edu. If you are unsure whether actions of yourself or another person may be in conflict with the Acceptable Use Policy, please contact IT Services for clarification. If you feel personally threatened, instead immediately call the Office of Public Safety, the police or 911 emergency services.

Violation of University rules governing appropriate use of IT resources may result in loss of access privileges, University disciplinary action, and/or criminal prosecution.

April 26, 2002

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Last modified: October 20, 2006