Misuse of Information Technology Resource Privileges

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 (That is, if you abuse the networks to which the University belongs or the computers at other sites connected to those networks, the University will treat this matter as an abuse of your William Paterson University computing privileges.)

Circumventing or attempting to circumvent normal resource limits, log on procedures, and security regulations, using computing facilities, computer accounts, or computer data for purposes other than those for which they were intended or authorized.

Unauthorized 'broadcast' distribution of email messages to users on or off campus, 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 Computer resources including Internet presence to submit, publish, display, transmit, or intentionally receive information which:

• violates or infringes on a recognized privilege or the rights of any person, including the right to privacy;
• contains defamatory, false, inaccurate, abusive, profane, threatening, racially offensive, or otherwise biased;
• discriminatory, or illegal material;
• violates any local, state, or federal law;
• solicits the performance of any activity that is prohibited by law;
• conducts non-state (commercial or personal business) activities;
• solicits for religious, political, or other causes;
• violates the University's network security requirements and standards;
• violates any copyright laws when printing or disseminating materials.

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 excessive game playing; by 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.