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ACADEMIC POLICIES & PROCEDURES

General Policies

Computer Use Policy

Freedom of expression and an open environment to pursue scholarly inquiry and for sharing of information are encouraged, supported, and protected at Rogers State University. These values lie at the core of our academic community. Censorship is not compatible with the tradition and goals of the University. While some computing resources may be dedicated to specific research, teaching, or administrative tasks that would limit their use, freedom of expression must, in general, be protected. The University does not limit access to information due to its content when it meets the standard of legality. The University's policy of freedom of expression applies to computing resources.

Concomitant with free expression are personal obligations of each member of our community to use computing resources responsibly, ethically, and in a manner which accords both with the law and the rights of others. The campus depends first upon a spirit of mutual respect and cooperation to create and maintain an open community of responsible users.

  1. These guidelines set forth standards for responsible and acceptable use of University computing resources. They supplement existing University policies, OneNet Acceptable Use agreements (located at www.onenet.net) and state and federal laws and regulations. Computing resources include, but are not limited to, host computer systems, University-sponsored computers and workstations, communications networks, software, and files.

    Computing resources are provided to support the academic research, instructional, and administrative objectives of the University. These resources are extended for the sole use of University faculty, staff, students, and other authorized users ("users") to accomplish tasks related to the user's status at the University, and consistent with the University's mission. Users are responsible for safeguarding their identification (ID) codes and passwords, and for using them for their intended purposes only. Each user is responsible for all transactions made under the authorization of his or her ID. Users are solely responsible for their personal use of computing resources and are prohibited from representing or implying that the content constitutes the views or policies of the University.

    Violation of these guidelines constitutes unacceptable use of computing resources, and may violate other University policies and/or state and federal law. Suspected or known violations must be reported to the appropriate University computing unit. Violations will be processed by the appropriate University authorities and/or law enforcement agencies. Violations may result in revocation of computing resource privileges, academic integrity proceedings, faculty, staff or student disciplinary action, or legal action.
  2. The following provisions describe conduct prohibited under these guidelines:
    1. Altering system software or hardware configurations without authorization, or disrupting or interfering with the delivery or administration of computer resources.
    2. Attempting to access or accessing another's computer, computer account, private files, or e-mail; or misrepresenting oneself as another individual or agent of the university in electronic communication.Engaging in practices that threaten the network (e.g. loading files that may introduce a virus, using procedures and/or tools to gather information about RSU’s computing resources, etc.).
    3. Installing, copying, distributing or using software in violation of: copyright and/or software agreements; applicable state and federal laws;
    4. Using computing resources to engage in conduct which interferes with others' use of shared computer resources and/or the activities of other users, including studying, teaching, research, and University administration.
    5. Using computing resources for commercial or profit-making purposes without written authorization from the University.
    6. Failing to adhere to individual departmental or unit lab and system policies, procedures, and protocols.
    7. Allowing access to computer resources by unauthorized users.
    8. Using computer resources for illegal activities. Criminal and illegal use may include obscenity, child pornography, threats, harassment, copyright infringement, defamation, theft, and unauthorized access.
    9. Failure to adhere to Onenet Acceptable Use Policy.
  3. The maintenance, operation, and security of computing resources require responsible University personnel to monitor and access the system. To the extent possible in the electronic environment and in a public setting, a user's privacy will be preserved. Privacy is subject to applicable state and federal laws, and the needs of the University to meet its administrative, business, and legal obligations.