Individual Responsibilities with Respect to Appropriate Use of Information Technology Resources

Background and Reason for the Policy: The University's computer and network resources support thousands of users and systems to fulfill the academic, research and business needs of the University. These resources must be used in a responsible manner consistent with Federal and States laws and University policies.

Purpose of Policy: The purpose of this policy is to clarify some of the standards of behavior, consistent with federal and state laws, as well as the University's General Rules of Conduct, expected of our users in sharing technology resources that the University of Connecticut provides to its University community.

Expected Institutional Outcome:  It is expected that all members of the community will use the University's computing and network resources in a responsible and ethical manner in compliance with the University's General Rules of Conduct, the President's Policy on Harassment and other published policies, rules and procedures.

Definitions:

Technological Resources:  includes equipment such as, computers, drives, printers, scanners, networks, video and audio recorders, cameras, photocopiers, telephones, modems, PDA's and other related devices. Software includes, but is not limited to, computer software, and print and non-print resources. Networks include, but are not limited to, all voice, video and data systems, including Intranets and the Internet both wired and wireless.

Applicability of Policy: This policy applies to all users of the University's computer and network resources.

Policy Statement:

1.  Intended Purposes Only: The University of Connecticut provides information technology resources to enable faculty, students and staff to accomplish their work that is the mission of the University. University equipment is to be used for University business only. It is not to be used to conduct private business or commercial activities or any other illegal or University prohibited activity such as unlicensed and illegal copying or distribution of software that violate federal, state, or University statutes or regulations or are in conflict with the University's status as a public, non-profit institution. It is prohibited to download, store or share copyrighted materials without permission of the copyright owner or where not permitted by fair use standards or under the TEACH Act. Among other instances, the use of any University resource (including the connection to the network itself) by an employee to repeatedly create, download, view, store, copy or transmit pornographic (i.e., sexually explicit or sexually oriented) materials, except as they relate to the legitimate teaching/research activities in support of the mission of the University, are strictly prohibited. This policy is intended to be an addition to existing University rules and regulations and does not alter or modify any existing University rule or regulation.

2.  Authorized Access Only: Members of the University community may not intentionally seek or provide information or access to technological-related resources to which one is not authorized, nor assist others in doing so, nor attempt to subvert or circumvent University systems' security measures, nor use University technological resources to subvert or circumvent other system's security measures for any purpose.

3.  Respect Privacy and Security of Others: University Information Technology Services (UITS) makes every effort to ensure the integrity of individual and institutional information stored on its systems, although absolute security and privacy cannot be guaranteed. Individual employees are expected to respect the privacy of the individuals whose information they have access to, and to use all available security methods to preserve the integrity and privacy of information within their control.

While the University intends to provide a reasonable level of privacy, users should be aware that the University retains the right to access University owned resources when necessary and appropriate. Information stored on University systems may also be subject to disclosure upon request pursuant to various state and federal laws including the Freedom of Information Act. The University does not, however, actively monitor the information exchanged or stored on its systems.

4.  Harassment: The University of Connecticut respects the First Amendment rights of freedom of speech and does not restrict the content of electronic mail or web pages. However, no member of the University community may, under any circumstances violate the University of Connecticut President's Policy on Harassment, General Rules of Conduct or any other policies, rules or procedures through use of University-owned computers, networks or other technological resources.

5.  Obstructing, Disrupting or Otherwise Interfering with Activities of Others (e.g. spamming, willful spreading of viruses, denial of service attacks, etc.): The University of Connecticut prohibits members of the University community from engaging in any activity that alters or damages data, software or other technological-related resources belonging to the University or to someone else, compromising another individual's ability to use technological-related resources, or intentionally disrupting or damaging university technological-related resources.

Reporting Potential Abuse: In the course of providing technical support, technicians may encounter University-owned equipment that is in violation of this policy. These individuals are expected to report such instances to their supervisor for appropriate resolution. In addition, members of the University community who have observed, have knowledge of, or been the victim of, any unauthorized access attempts or other improper usage of University of Connecticut technological resources should report such violations to the UITS Director of IT Security, Policy and Quality Assurance at (860) 486-8255.

The Chief Information Officer has overall responsibility for this policy.

This policy will be reviewed on a biennial basis.

Violations of this policy will result in appropriate disciplinary measures in accordance with University Laws and Bylaws, General Rules of Conduct for All University Employees, applicable collective bargaining agreements, and the University of Connecticut Student Conduct Code.

Last updated: May, 2007