McNeese State University

TABLE OF CONTENTS
I	PURPOSE
II	POLICY
III	USER RESPONSIBILITIES
IV	MISUSE OF COMPUTING RESOURCES
V	USER CONFIDENTIALITY AND SYSTEM INTEGRITY
VI	DISCIPLINARY ACTION FOR ABUSE OF COMPUTING
VII	WEB PAGE POLICY AND GUIDELINE
VIII	DISCLAIMERS
IX	ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I. Purpose

McNeese State University provides access to computing, networking, telecommunications, and other information technology (IT) resources in support of its vision, mission, and philosophy and its responsibility for education, research, and service in Southwest Louisiana. Accordingly, the University encourages and promotes the use of these resources by the University community, within institutional priorities and financial capabilities. Access to and use of these resources and services are privileges (not rights) which must be accepted in strict compliance with all applicable laws and with the highest standards of ethical behavior. This document defines the requirements for maintaining this compliance.

This policy applies to all faculty, staff and students accessing and using computing, networking, telecommunications, and other IT resources through any facility of McNeese State University. Such resources include, but are not limited to, computer and network systems, hardware, software, databases, support personnel and services, physical facilities, and data communications systems and services. In addition, the University recognizes that users are also bound by local, state, and federal laws relating to copyrights, licenses, security, and other statutes relating to IT resources.

II. Policy

All users of the University's IT resources must act in a responsible, ethical, professional, and legal manner.

Users and system administrators must all guard against abuses that disrupt or threaten the viability of all systems, including those at the University and those on networks to which the University's systems are connected.

Any use of the IT resources of McNeese State University that interferes with the educational, scholarly, research, service, operational or management activities of the University is strictly prohibited. University computing facilities and accounts are to be used for the University-related activities for which they are assigned. The University reserves the right to suspend, limit, restrict, or extend computing privileges and access to its IT resources.

All users must use resources responsibly, refrain from actions and conduct that waste the University's limited resources and/or prevent others from using these resources (such as chain letters, junk e-mail, etc.), including engaging in conduct that is reasonably calculated to obstruct or disrupt the use of any system or network by others. Every user is responsible for the integrity of University IT resources. All users must respect the rights of other computer users, respect the integrity of the physical facilities and controls, and respect all pertinent license and contractual agreements.

Individual units within the University may define additional conditions for acceptable use of facilities and resources under their control which are consistent with this policy statement, and which may provide additional detail, guidelines and restrictions. The disregard of any aspect of this policy, whether intentional or unintentional, may result in removal or denial of access privileges. In circumstances in which the integrity or security of facilities may be compromised, this removal or denial may be immediate. Alleged violations of any aspect of this policy will be processed in accordance with the appropriate process outlined in University rules, personnel policies and procedures, and applicable collective bargaining agreements. Violations may also be referred for civil and/or criminal prosecution under applicable state and federal laws.

It is the policy of the McNeese State University that all members of its community act in accordance with these responsibilities and with the highest standard of ethics.

III. User Responsibilities

If you use the University's computing resources or facilities, you have the following responsibilities:

To use the University's computing facilities and information resources responsibly and appropriately. This includes responsible use of hardware, software, networks, and computer accounts, respecting the rights of other computer users, and respecting all contractual and license agreements.
To use only those computers and computer accounts for which you have authorization.
To use computer accounts only for the purpose(s) for which they have been issued. Use University-owned microcomputers for University-related projects only.
To protect the integrity of passwords. Computer accounts, passwords, access codes, and other authorizations are assigned to individual users. It is a violation of this policy to use another's account, password, access code, or to misrepresent one's identity in accessing or using any IT resource at the University. If someone else learns your password, you must change it. Users may not share computer accounts. Users are responsible for ALL activity on their computer accounts. Should abuse occur by an unauthorized user, the owner of accounts may be held responsible.
To understand that the requirement and use of a password should not give the user an expectation of privacy as to any information on a University system or facility. Although a reasonable and conscientious effort is made to provide a secure environment, no guarantee of absolute privacy is made. Any data (including e-mail) on University facilities may be subject to examination at any time in the course of routine systems administration, or investigations of possible misuse.
To understand that e-mail messages are confidential because the University does not monitor use of e-mail. You should be aware, however that e-mail messages are written records that could be subject to review with just cause. E-mail messages may be preserved as computer files on centrally administered disks so it is possible for people other than yourself to see them. In this sense, they are not private. University policy allows system administrators to view any files, including e-mail messages, in the course of troubleshooting system problems. System administrators have as part of their jobs the authorization to do this.
To report unauthorized use of your accounts to your director, instructor, supervisor, system administrator, or other appropriate University authority.
To cooperate with system administrator requests for information about computing activities. A system administrator is authorized to access your computer files (including e-mail).
To take reasonable and appropriate steps to see that all hardware and software license agreements are faithfully executed on any system, network, or server that you operate. Students may not install software on University computing equipment in order to maintain the integrity of license agreements.
To understand that each user is ultimately responsible for backing up his/her own data. This includes files and programs on local personal computers, in home directories on multi-user host computer systems and electronic mail.

IV. Misuse of Computing Resources

The University characterizes misuse of computing and information resources and privileges as unethical and unacceptable and as just cause for taking disciplinary action. Misuse of computing and information resources and privileges includes, but is not restricted to, the following:

Attempting to modify or remove computer equipment, software, or peripherals without proper authorization.
Accessing computers, computer software, computer data or information, or networks without proper authorization, regardless of whether the computer, software, data, information, or network in question is owned by the University. (If you abuse networks to which the University belongs or is connected to, the University will treat this as an abuse of your McNeese computing privileges.)
Circumventing or attempting to circumvent normal resource limits, logon procedures, and security regulations.
Using computing facilities, computer accounts, or computer data for purposes other than those for which they were intended or authorized.
Using university owned IT resources for commercial or political purposes without authorization.
Sending fraudulent computer mail, breaking into another user's electronic mailbox, or reading someone else's electronic mail without his or her permission.
Sending any fraudulent electronic transmission, including but not limited to fraudulent requests for confidential information, fraudulent submission of electronic purchase requisitions or journal vouchers, and fraudulent electronic authorization of purchase requisitions or journal vouchers.
Violating any software license agreement or copyright, including copying or redistributing copyrighted computer software, data, or reports without proper, recorded authorization.
Violating the property rights of copyright holders who are in possession of computer-generated data, reports, or software.
Using the University's computing resources to harass or threaten other users.
Taking advantage of another user's naivete or negligence to gain access to any computer account, data, software, or file that is not your own and for which you have not received explicit authorization to access.
Physically interfering with other users' access to the University's computing facilities.
Encroaching on others' use of the University's computers (e.g., disrupting others' computer use by game playing; chatting; sending excessive messages, either locally or off-campus [including but not limited to electronic chain letters]; printing excessive copies of documents, files, data, or programs; modifying system facilities, operating systems, or disk partitions; attempting to crash or tie up a University computer; damaging or vandalizing University computing facilities, equipment, software, or computer files).
Disclosing or removing proprietary information, software printed output or magnetic media without the explicit permission of the owner.
Reading other users' data, information, files or programs on a display screen, as printed output, or via electronic means, without the owner's explicit permission.

V. User Confidentiality and System Integrity

If a system administrator is an eyewitness to a computing abuse; notices an unusual degradation of service or other aberrant behavior on the system, network, or server for which he or she is responsible; or receives a complaint of computing abuse or degradation of service, he or she should investigate and take steps to maintain the integrity of the system(s). If a system administrator has evidence that leads to a user's computing activity as the probable source of a problem or abuse under investigation, he or she must weigh the potential danger to the system and its users against the confidentiality of that user's information.

A system administrator may find it necessary to suspend or restrict a user's computing privileges during the investigation of a problem. A user may appeal such a suspension or restriction and petition for reinstatement of computing privileges through the University's judicial system or by petition to the Chief Technology Officer.

If system administrators have a preponderance of evidence that intentional or malicious misuse of computing resources has occurred, and if that evidence points to the computing activities or the computer files of an individual, they have the obligation to pursue any or all of the following steps to protect the user community:

Take action to protect the system(s), user jobs, and user files from damage.
Notify the alleged abuser's project director, instructor, academic advisor, or dean.
Refer the matter for process through the appropriate University judicial system.
Suspend or restrict the alleged abuser's computing privileges during the investigation and judicial processing.
Inspect the alleged abuser's files, diskettes, and/or tapes.

VI. Disciplinary Action for Abuse of Computing

Abuse of computing privileges is subject to disciplinary action. Disciplinary action may include the loss of computing privileges and other disciplinary sanctions. An abuser of the University's computing resources may also be liable for civil or criminal prosecution.

It should be understood that nothing in these guidelines precludes enforcement under the laws and regulation of the State of Louisiana, any municipality or parish therein, and/or the United States of America.

VII. Web Page Policy and Guidelines

The Internet and the explosion of electronic communication through the World Wide Web now enable McNeese State University to extend its message to a larger audience than any other form of communication presently available.

McNeese State University's Home Page on the World Wide Web is considered a "publication," and as such, it should present a unified presence in both design and content, and all information on the Home Page must be accurate, maintained, and updated.

To ensure consistency and accuracy, the MSU Home Page will be administered through the MSU Office of Media Services, as are other University publications that are designed for and distributed to external audiences, and Media Services will have primary responsibility for the Home Page.

Academic, non-academic, administrative, and athletic units, as well as other official MSU organizations, are eligible for inclusion in the MSU Home Page. Only approved University information will be posted on the Home Page. The MSU Home Page and links are not intended for commercial use.

The main menu categories and subcategories will be developed and approved by Media Services. Home pages for all academic and non-academic units will be located on the official server and must adhere to the official MSU Web Page Policy. There will be no links to other McNeese servers from the official Home Page.

Individual faculty, staff, and student home pages will be located on a server in the College of Science Academic Computing Center. These sites will be referenced through a separate Uniform Resource Locator (URL) http://www.faculty.mcneese.edu and http://www.students.mcneese.edu and the official MSU Web Page Policy will not apply to these sites. A disclaimer will be placed on the site stating that these are not official MSU web pages.

Additionally, each individual faculty, staff, or student web site must contain the following statement: "The content of this page is the sole responsibility of {the author's name}. McNeese State University assumes no responsibility for any content of this page and the views expressed therein are those of {the author's name} and do not necessarily represent the views of McNeese State University."

A stylesheet and graphics for the Home Page, main menu, and secondary pages will be created by Media Services. The Office of Media Services will provide assistance and support with text, graphics, and photographs. Statistical information must be verified by the appropriate dean or vice president before it will be included on a page.

Page Design and Content

Individual units are responsible for developing their own pages. Faculty and staff who create their own department's official page must have the approval of their dean, department head, or director. Once the page is completed and approved by the Office of Media Services, it will be added to the server in the appropriate category. Changes to these pages, other than informational updates, must be submitted to the Office of Media Services for review.

Departments or organizations will be notified of any problems in content or design that are discovered through random checks of pages by the Office of Media Services. If the problem is not corrected, the page will be removed from the server.

The same copyright regulations that apply to written materials will also apply to the Home Page and secondary pages. Copyrighted text, photographs, and graphics must not be placed on a page without permission of the author, photographer, or artist. A copy of this permission must be filed in the Office of Media Services.

Departmental Home Pages

Each department (academic and non-academic) is encouraged to develop a home page and to provide updated information for the page. The page should include information that would be of interest to the public and to potential students. Department heads should designate one person to maintain the page and that person's name and MSU e-mail address must be included on the page as well as the date of the last update. The department liaisons are responsible for:

gathering information for the page
obtaining permission for copyrighted materials
sending a copy of the page information to Media Services
designing the page consistent with the stylesheet provided by Media Services
ensuring that the information is kept up-to-date
answering all questions concerning the department's page

All of the information included on the department's home page should be coordinated through the Office of Media Services. For assistance in setting up the page (format, text, graphics, or photography) contact the Office of Media Services.

All pages maintained by individual departments must include a disclaimer statement and the following elements:

This page is designed and maintained by DEPARTMENT.
Direct comments or questions to: LIAISON ID AND MSU E-MAIL ADDRESS.
Statement of copyright and/or permissions granted if applicable.
Revision: DATE
http://Uniform Resource Locator (URL)

Organization Home Pages
Student organizations approved through the office of the vice president for administration and student affairs (or any other MSU organizations that obtain the appropriate approvals from the MSU administration) will be listed on the MSU Home Page and can request a link from the official MSU Home Page to the organization's page. Each organization is encouraged to develop a home page. The expected content for organizational pages includes basic information about the organization such as mission, bylaws, officers, meeting times and events, and qualifications for membership. Other information such as, but not limited to, advertising, political campaigning, on-line fund raising, or any unusual networking or server requirements will require an off-campus service provider.

All material on an organization's home page must comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and with the policies of the University.

The faculty/staff advisor or one member of the organization appointed by the advisor, must be designated to maintain and update the page, and that person's name and MSU e-mail address must be included on the page as well as the date of the last update. The faculty/staff advisor is ultimately responsible for all information on the organization's home page. The organization liaisons are responsible for:

gathering information for the page
obtaining permission for copyrighted materials
sending a copy of the page information to Media Services
designing the page consistent with the stylesheet provided by MediaServices
ensuring that the information is kept up-to-date
answering all questions concerning the organization's page

All of the information included on the organization's home page should be coordinated through the Office of Media Services. For assistance in setting up the page (format, text, graphics, or photography) contact the Office of Media Services.

Pages maintained by organizations must include a disclaimer statement and the following elements:

This page is designed and maintained by ORGANIZATION.
Direct comments or questions to: LIAISON ID AND MSU E-MAIL ADDRESS.
Statement of copyright and/or permissions granted if applicable.
Revision: DATE
http://Uniform Resource Locator (URL)
Calendar of Events

The Office of Media Services will produce and maintain a monthly calendar of campus events for the Home Page. Departments and organizations should submit information for the calendar to Media Services.

Policy Updates

This policy is subject to change and the University reserves the right to make any technical changes on the server as necessary. Users will be notified of changes or revisions in advance if possible. This policy is available at http://www.mcneese.edu/policy/computing.htm. Users should periodically review this statement and watch http://www.mcneese.edu/information/updates.htm to learn of policy changes.

If you have any questions concerning these guidelines or the McNeese State University Home Page, contact Candace V. Townsend, Director of Media Services, at (337) 475-5636 or e-mail ctownsen@mail.mcneese.edu

VIII. Disclaimers

By using University computing and network resources, each user implicitly accepts all stipulations in this policy and accepts full responsibility for his/her use and/or misuse of these resources. The University considers each user to be ultimately responsible for his/her actions, and does not accept liability for the individual. Each user should include appropriate notices as necessary in all personal correspondence and publications, adequate to separate a personal opinion, bias, etc. from an official representation of the University.

Although a reasonable and conscientious effort is made to backup critical data on University resources for disaster recover purposes, each user is ultimately responsible for backing up his/her own personal data. This includes files and programs on local personal computers, in home directories on multi-user host computer systems, and electronic mail, regardless of the nature or content of this data.

IX. Acknowledgements

We wish to gratefully acknowledge the University of Delaware and their publications Responsible Computing: A Manual for Staff and Responsible Computing: A Student Manual for providing a template for the formulation of this booklet. We wish to commend them for their graciousness and willingness to share these resources with other computing organizations in higher education.

We would also like to acknowledge Louisiana State University, the University of North Florida and the University of Virginia whose policies on responsible computing provided additional insights and "food for thought" for this document.

This document was prepared by the staff of the Academic Computing Center. The Web Policy was prepared by the Office of Media Services and was approved 6-16-1997.