Computer and Network Acceptable Usage Policy

1. Purpose

This document defines the campus policy for the acceptable use of Clayton State University’s (CSU) computing resources used by faculty, students, staff and guests. Modifications, corrections, exceptions, or changes to this policy may only be made by the Vice President for Information Technology and Services, with approval from the President of the University. The following guidelines are intended to clarify existing laws, agreements, and regulations.

2. Privacy

Users will preserve the privacy of information belonging to other individuals that is stored using CSU computing resources. Users agree not to acquire, modify, or distribute any information belonging to another individual without explicit permission. Users recognize that CSU is subject to FERPA (Buckley Amendment) regulations regarding the privacy of student records and that CSU is funded and regulated by the State of Georgia and is therefore subject to the Georgia Open Records Act.

3. Private gain

Users agree not to utilize computing resources owned, leased, or maintained by CSU for personal private financial gain.

4. Damage
1. Users will not cause intentional damage to computer systems and will assume full responsibility for any loss, damage, or destruction of such devices that is caused by negligence, misuse, abuse, or carelessness.
2. The campus network is a shared campus resource, and all Clayton State students, faculty, staff, and guests agree to keep any laptop, workstation, server, or PDA that connects to LakerNet :
   1. patched with the latest update for their operating system (the Hub can install Microsoft Windows at no charge),   
   2. run a current antivirus package (the Hub can install FSecure at no charge),
   3. run a personal or host-based firewall (the Hub can configure the firewall built into Windows.
5. Inappropriate Behavior

Users agree not to take any actions that constitute inappropriate behavior including, but not limited to the following:

1. Intentionally infecting network servers or other computers with a virus
2. Connecting networking equipment including, but not limited to servers, routers, hubs and switches, and wireless access points to the campus network without written authorization from the Office of Information Technology and Services
3. Sending harassing messages to other computer users either at CSU or through external networks
4. Using inappropriate, offensive, or abusive language to other users within the CSU network, or through external networks
5. Tampering with or modifying accessed equipment
6. Causing intentional damage to computer systems
7. Obtaining additional resources not authorized to the individual user
8. Depriving other users of authorized resources
9. Acquiring access to unauthorized systems
10. Utilizing another user’s account and password
11. Broadcasting non-business related email to CSU faculty, staff and students (including but not limited to “For Rent/Sale” and personal notes to the campus)
12. Broadcasting unsolicited email/spam
6. Licenses and Restrictions

Users must abide by patent and/or copyright restrictions that relate to the use of computer facilities, products, files, programs, or documentation. Users may not copy or modify licensed software, files, and/or accompanying materials without expressed consent. Users may not use any computing resources belonging to Clayton State University for the purpose of violating terms of any software license agreement or any applicable local, state, or federal laws.

7. Appropriate Use of Information Technology

It is against state policy to create, access or transmit material considered sexually explicit, pornographic, discriminatory, offensive, threatening, harassing or intimidating.

8. Violation of Policy

Users understand that any violation of this policy may call for corrective action as deemed necessary by the employee’s supervisor, department head, or Vice President. Policy violation by students will be addressed by Student Judicial Affairs. Violators may be subject to local, state and/or federal prosecution.

9. Definitions

Computing Resources
For the purpose of this document, the phrase “computing resources” includes, but is not limited to, computers, files, networks, electronic mail, and Internet access, that is owned, leased, and/or maintained by CSU.

User
User is any person who utilizes CSU owned or leased computing resources, including, but not limited to faculty, staff, students, temporary employees, and contract labor. The user is responsible for the conduct of any person that the user allows to use CSU computing resources.

Acceptable use
Acceptable use refers to the use of computing resources, as outlined in this document, in a manner consistent with Clayton State's mission for education, research and service.

The following URLs contain additional policy, copyright and security information:

Computer, Network, and Information Security Policy and Plan: http://adminservices.clayton.edu/cts/policies/securitypolicy.htm

Computer, Network, and Information Security Policy FAQ: http://adminservices.clayton.edu/cts/policies/faq.htm

Clayton State Peer-to-Peer and Copyright Policy: http://adminservices.clayton.edu/cts/policies/copyright.htm

CSU Surplus Computer Policy: http://adminservices.clayton.edu/operationservices/Surplus.htm

Regents Guide to Understanding Copyright and Fair Use http://www.usg.edu/copyright/

Digital Millennium Copyright Act (Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader)