IT Resources Acceptable Use
1. PURPOSE
As an institution sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints ("Church"), Brigham Young University–Hawaii ("BYU–Hawaii" or "university") is expected to maintain professional and ethical use of its information technology (IT) resources. This policy is designed to guide students, faculty and staff in the acceptable use of IT resources at BYU–Hawaii.
2. POLICY
SCOPE
This policy applies to all users of BYU–Hawaii IT resources regardless of affiliation, and irrespective of whether those resources are accessed from on-campus or off-campus locations. Use of IT resources at BYU–Hawaii must comply with all applicable laws and university policies, including the Church Educational System Honor Code (see Honor Code). Each user is responsible for gaining the knowledge necessary to ensure their compliance with the aforementioned policies and laws.
USER RESPONSIBILITIES
- Abide by all applicable state and federal laws and university policies.
- Copyrighted and licensed material must not be used without the proper preauthorization.
- Access only those computers, accounts or resources you are authorized to use, and only at authorized locations.
- Your ability to access a computer or account does not necessarily grant authorization.
- Take personal security precautions.
- Choose complex passwords and change them often.
- Do not share your passwords with anyone.
- Be cautious when giving out personally identifying information.
- Use virus and spyware protection software.
- Log off from computer and/or data access application when not in use.
- Never leave a logged in, unlocked computer unattended.
- Delete, without opening, e-mail messages originated from senders you are not familiar with.
- Never reply and/or respond to phishing scams.
- Report any suspicious activity.
- Respect the rights of other users, especially their right to privacy.
- Abide by all state and federal laws and university policies regarding intellectual property.
- Do not use university IT resources to commit libel or slander, harass, or stalk others.
- Do not attempt to access any other user’s computer, account or private information, regardless of your ability to do so.
- Do not intercept or attempt to intercept data transmissions of any kind.
- Keep personal use to an acceptable level.
- Personal use is allowed to an extent that doesn’t interfere with university business or other users’ rights to access and use university IT resources.
- Unnecessary network traffic should be limited.
- Not engage in any commercial uses of university IT resources. This includes advertising, soliciting, selling and related financial transactions for personal gain.
- Respect the limitations and integrity of university IT resources.
- Do not attempt to extend or modify any IT resources beyond their current capabilities.
- Do not download or install any files or software contrary to policy or pre-approved authorization.
- Not communicate with others using a false name or unauthorized assumed Identity.
- Use electronic communication in a legal, ethical, and respectful manner.
- Do not post, transmit, or originate any unlawful, threatening, abusive, fraudulent, hateful, defamatory, obscene, or pornographic communication where the message would constitute or encourage a criminal offense, give rise to civil liability, or violate any local, state, national, or international law.
- Do not use mass mailing in a way that could reasonably result in network spamming or “chain letters”.
ENFORCEMENT
BYU–Hawaii reserves the right to act upon any violations of this policy, and to reasonably pursue disciplinary action up to and including termination or suspension. The university is also entitled to report to the appropriate agency any actions that may constitute or encourage illegal activity.
3. IMPLEMENTATION
Users – Authorized users of university IT resources include faculty, staff, students and other pre-authorized persons whose use furthers the mission of BYU–Hawaii.