Network Access Policy

William Paterson University Policy on Network Access to the Campus Computing Environment

PURPOSE

William Paterson University wants to provide for as open a computing environment as possible within the constraints of budget and usage that promote the goals and objectives of the University. This policy applies to anyone who uses the Uninversity's computers and networks, and articulates the standards of behavior that are expected of everyone.

POLICY

The Information Technology Services unit is responsible to administer this policy, and to make referrals to appropriate administrative offices for disciplinary action. Any exception to the policy must be approved in writing by the Information Technology Services unit.

1. The University reserves the right to regulate any activity that occurs on the campus network or on any other computer based system owned by the University. This includes, but is not limited to, the following implications:
   
   
1. Anyone who uses the campus computing environment must have appropriate status (e.g. staff, faculty and current students) and must be properly authorized when required.
2. Anyone not adhering to University policy should expect any or all of the following disciplinary actions:
   
   
1. Restriction or suspension of access privileges.
2. Referral to the appropriate disciplinary body of the University.
3. Referral to the appropriate local, state or federal authority for legal prosecution.
   
   
3. Material (software, hardware or data) that is found to be in violation of this policy can be banned, confiscated, or otherwise eliminated from the University computing environment.
4. The University will be as proactive as possible to ensure compliance with this policy, including surveillance commensurate with appropriate maintenance of the right to privacy.
   
   
2. Users must not engage in activity outside the limits of access that have been authorized for them. This includes but is not limited to:
   
   
1. Performing an act that negatively impacts the operation of computers, peripherals or networks, or that impedes the ability of someone else to do his/her work. Examples include but are not limited to:
   
   
1. Tampering with any transmission medium or hardware device, or connecting any unauthorized device (such as a router, switch, hub, wireless access point, etc.) or computer to the University network.
2. Propagating a software virus or worm.
3. Damaging or destroying data owned by the University or someone else.
4. Modifying any disk or software directory provided by the University for any type of special use.
5. Performing an act that places an unnecessary load on a shared computer or the University network.
6. Illegal file sharing (more info) .
   
   
2. Attempting to circumvent protection schemes for access to data or systems, or otherwise uncover security loopholes.
3. Gaining or granting unauthorized access to computers, devices, software or data. This includes, but is not limited to:
   
   
1. Admitting someone into a locked facility, or unlocking any facility that is normally locked, without permission.
2. Revealing a password to any account, including one's own personal account, without permission.
3. Permitting the use of any account, including one's own personal account, in a way that allows unauthorized access to resources.
   
   
4. Using the University's facilities to broadcast unauthorized personal messages to large segments of the user community. Examples include but are not limited to:
   
   
1. Advertising campaigns for personal financial gain or political purposes.
2. Pranks and chain messages.
3. Announcements not approved for dissemination by this method.
   
   
3. Users must abide by all applicable laws or government regulations, and operate within the limits articulated by the University for ethical and moral behavior. Examples include but are not limited to:
   
   
1. Using any material in violation of any software licensing agreement or copyright law.
2. Using software or data that infringes on the rights of others. Examples include the production or propagation of material that is abusive, profane or sexually, racially or religiously offensive; or material that may injure or harass someone else, or lead to a lawsuit or criminal charges.
3. Using University equipment or network infrastructure to access off-campus resources (including materials on the internet) in a manner that is in violation of the ethical or moral standards of the University.
4. Monitoring someone else's data communications, or otherwise reading, copying, changing or deleting files or software without proper permission of the owner.
5. Using University facilities for personal gain, or for the benefit of an organization other than the college, without permission.
   
   
4. Users must abide by all other applicable University policies. Examples include but are not limited to:
   
   
1. The software piracy policy.
2. Usage restrictions, physical access regulations, and behavioral expectations established for each location containing equipment designated for public use. Examples: games policy, location specific software usage priorities, etc.
3. Usage restrictions for network connections in residence hall rooms.
   Example: Setting up any served based host system for commercial use. Setting up any FTP servers for copyrighted music material, games and application software.(ex. MP3's). Setting up any game servers without proper authorization and for outside domain access. Registering a "personal" domain using the University's addressing scheme. Tampering with the Residence Hall Network. Extending access to others by tampering with the Residence Hall Network (utilizing wireless access points, routers, switches, hubs, etc.). Using the Residence Hall Network to commit data access security violations.