ResNet Acceptable Use Policy

The purpose of this Policy is to ensure an available, reliable, secure, and responsive computing environment for all Residential Network (ResNet) users.

Users' responsibilities:

• ResNet Users are responsible for all use of their network connection, whether such use is by the subscribing user or others allowed to use the connection by the user.
• Users must have a computer system that meets the minimum requirements of the ResNet Program as outlined on the ResNet Web Page.
• Users must abide by state and federal laws and by the College of St. Scholastica Computer and Network Policy and Password Policies and any other applicable policies that are developed and distributed. Such policies are available at the Information Technologies Web Page.

  Key points from these policies include:

  • If any use adversely impacts the network, the user will be asked to schedule his or her work outside of regularly scheduled hours (8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday - Friday) or to confer with the Information Technologies Department to reconfigure his or her work so that network impact is avoided.
  • Acceptable use always is ethical, reflects academic honesty, and shows restraint in the consumption of shared resources. It demonstrates respect for intellectual property, ownership of data, system security mechanisms, and an individual's right to privacy and to freedom from intimidation, harassment, and unwarranted annoyance.
  • Do not aid or allow any unauthorized person to use College computer or network equipment and do not provide access or use of your account to any other individual or group.
  • Do not break into accounts or bypass security measures in any way.
• Only the computer belonging to current CSS students residing in the resident halls may be attached, directly or indirectly, to the network connection provided. Attaching another computer, configuring your computer to act as a server, or using any other type of connection is not permitted. You may not extend or re-transmit network services in any way and you may not provide Internet access to other users by using your networked computer as a bridge or gateway.
• ResNet staff may require access to a user's computer to maintain the network hardware and software. Upon 24-hours notice, users agree to provide reasonable access to their machines and to the necessary modifications required to provide network communications (e.g., installation of TCP/IP applications).
• Users agree to abide by the license agreements governing the use and distribution of the software installed on their machines.

Information Technologies Support Responsibilities

ResNet staff may need to disable hardware or software that is incompatible with the network resources. We cannot guarantee functionality if hardware and software is added at a later date. ResNet staff may have to return the computer to its original configuration in order to test and troubleshoot network connectivity problems.

Key points to ResNet and User responsibilities are as follows:

• CSS students residing in the residence halls, may install other software packages and Internet applications on their own computer's hard disk as long as they do not violate any of the previously referenced policies. Users must install and support these other applications themselves.
• CSS students residing in the residence halls, may install peripheral devices on their personal computer (e.g., sound cards, video cards, joy sticks) as long as they do not violate any of the previously referenced policies. Users must install and support these other devices themselves.

For assistance with troubleshooting ResNet installation or problems, contact the Computer Support Help Desk, ext. 5911.

Personal Use

The College's network is designed to be used for College purposes. The College cannot guarantee the security and integrity of any information placed on the network, including personal data, programs placed on the network, or individual workstations. We recommend that all significant data be backed up on a regular basis.

The network is owned by the College and the College maintains the right to provide further regulation, as it deems appropriate, to limit use or access, and to monitor the systems used for security purposes. Users, by their use of the network, accept the College's rights in this regard. The College does not intend, as a matter of Policy, to monitor the use of technology (including e-mail) and will respect individual privacy to the extent feasible. However, the College expects users to be responsible in their use of the network. Faculty, staff, employees, students, and agents of the College agree to refrain from any private communication which suggests that there is College approval of such communication. Further, the Information Technologies group may, if deems it necessary or appropriate, conduct monitoring of resources in order to ensure reasonable maintenance of system hardware, software, data, network traffic, or security. If such monitoring involves the reading of file information, e-mail, or documents, or accessing the user's computer, the owner of the resources will be provided prior notice, whenever possible.

Consequences

In the event that this Policy is questioned, the Chief Information Officer of Information Technologies, and the Information Technologies Resources Committee are authorized to provide interpretation of this Policy.

If a user performs a function that adversely impacts others on the network, he or she will be required to terminate that work immediately. Any further violation of this Policy may lead to the loss of network privileges as approved by the appropriate Dean or Vice President. Offenders may be subject to College disciplinary procedures as well as criminal or civil prosecution. Any appeals should follow appropriate College grievance procedures.

Modifications to this Policy

The Policy and Procedures Committee at the College reserves the right to modify this Policy at any time. Users of the system will receive prompt notification of all modifications.