Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to outline the acceptable uses of computing and information technology resources for the Nichols College student community. This policy outlines the standards for acceptable use of college computing and information technology resources that include, but are not limited to, equipment, software, networks, data, and telecommunications equipment, whether owned, leased, or otherwise provided by Nichols. This policy is intended to reflect the College's commitment to the principles, goals, and ideals described in the Nichols Mission Statement.
Coordination with Other Policies
Users of information technology resources at Nichols College are advised that other college policies, including those in the student handbooks, and notably those policies governing copyright and intellectual property compliance, may be related to use of information technology resources, and that those policies must be observed in conjunction with this policy.
Access to and Expectations of Persons Using Information Technology Resources
It is the policy of Nichols to maintain access for its community to local, national and international sources of electronic information in order to provide an atmosphere that encourages the free exchange of ideas and sharing of information. Nichols maintains a variety of information technologies for use as resources for people, catalysts for learning, increased access to technology, and an enriched quality of learning. Access to this environment and the college's information technology resources is a privilege and must be treated with high ethical and legal standards.Preserving the access to information resources is a community effort that requires each member to act responsibly and guard against abuses. Therefore, both the Nichols community as a whole and each individual user have an obligation to abide by the following standards of acceptable and ethical use:
Access to Nichols information technology and computing resources is a privilege granted to students at Nichols. The college extends access privileges to individual users of the college’s information technology and computing resources. The extension of these privileges is predicated on the user’s acceptance of and adherence to the corresponding user responsibilities detailed in this policy. The college reserves the rights to limit, restrict, or extend access to information technology resources.
Application
This policy applies to all student users of Nichols computing and information technology resources. The Chief Information Officer (CIO) will determine operational policies, networking standards and procedures to implement the principles outlined in this policy. The Information Technology department (IT) has the right to protect shared information technology resources.
Ownership
Nichols College assumes and reserves ownership of all data, files, messages, and programs stored in its computer systems. Users cannot claim ownership of any data stored in Nichols College computer systems. Users can, however, expect exclusive use of all e-mail messages stored in their user accounts. Cooperation with any system administrator requests regarding user computer activities is expected. Only under certain unusual circumstances involving issues of system integrity, sexual harassment, or suspicion of illegal use of computer resources, and at the direction of the president of the college, CIO, or Dean of Student Services, will the system administrator access email stored in user accounts.
Copying Copyrighted Materials (software, music, videos)
Respect for the intellectual work and property of others has traditionally been essential to the mission of academic institutions. As members of the academic community, Nichols College values the free exchange of ideas. Just as Nichols College does not tolerate plagiarism, it does not condone the unauthorized copying of any copyrighted materials. The copying of these types of materials without the permission of its owner is illegal and a criminal offense.
Right to Monitor
The campus computer systems linked together on a common fiber-optic network are owned by Nichols College, or, in some cases, are privately owned as personal computers brought to campus by students. Regardless of ownership, every computer attached to the campus network for any reason (e.g., Internet connectivity, e-mail accessibility, etc.) is subject to monitoring by the IT staff. Due to the exponential growth of the amount of data transmitted through the Nichols College network, this monitoring is required in order to detect and correct network problems as they occur, thereby ensuring the continued stability of the campus-wide computing environment. Even with the right to monitor, users should continue to expect that their data, files, and e-mail will remain private. System monitoring is a mechanism for identifying abnormal computer system or user activities, not a method for accessing private information.
Uses
In general, the Nichols student community shall use college information technology resources (which include privately-owned computers connected to the college network) in connection with the college's core teaching, research, and service missions. Uses that do not significantly consume resources or interfere with other users also are acceptable, but may be restricted by IT. Under no circumstances shall members of the college community or others use college information technology resources in ways that are illegal, that threaten the College's tax-exempt or other status, or that interfere with reasonable use by other members of the college community. Any use of college information technology resources, including network infrastructure, for commercial purposes is prohibited.
Sanctions for Violations
Failure to comply with the appropriate use of computing and information technology resources threatens the atmosphere for the sharing of information, the free exchange of ideas and the secure environment for creating and maintaining information property and subjects one to disciplinary action. Any member of the Nichols community found using computing and information technology resources in violation of this policy is subject to existing disciplinary procedures including, without limitation, suspension of system privileges, expulsion from school, termination of employment and/or legal action as may be appropriate. Nichols College also reserves the right to confiscate any privately-owned equipment that is used in the violation of this Acceptable Use Policy.
Review of the Policy
This policy may be assessed from time to time to reflect substantive change as a result of changes to the Nichols information technology resources and/or changes in legal statutes that impact information technology resources, copyright, or other intellectual property issues. The CIO is responsible for determining when the policy needs to be reviewed and the process for review and revision.
(This policy was adapted from a policy created by Case Western Reserve University)