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Clayton State University

Computer and Network Acceptable Usage Policy

  1. Purpose

    2. This document defines the campus policy for the acceptable use of Clayton State University’s (CSU) computing resources by faculty, students and staff. 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 supplement existing laws, agreements, and regulations.

  2. Privacy

    3. 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 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

    4. Users agree not to utilize computing resources owned, leased, or maintained by CSU for private financial gain, except for personal compensation from CSU or with authorization by CSU.

  4. Damage

    5. Users agree to exercise careful and responsible actions when handling computing devices and assume full responsibility for any loss, damage, or destruction of such devices that is caused by negligence, misuse, abuse, or carelessness. Users will not cause intentional damage to computer systems.

  5. Inappropriate Behavior

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

    1. Intentionally infecting the 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 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
  6. Licenses and Restrictions

    7. 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 the expressed consent of the licensee. 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

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

  8. Violation of Policy

    9. 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

    10. 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 shall apply to any person who utilizes CSU owned or leased computing resources, including, but not limited to faculty, staff, students, temporary employee, 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 that coincides with education and research for the intent of sustaining the University’s mission.

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

State of Georgia Appropriate Use of Information Technology Policy: http://adminservices.clayton.edu/cts/policies/appropriate_use_of_information_tech.htm.

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.html

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

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

Digital Millennium Copyright Act (Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader)