Information Technology Resource Code of Conduct for Students
City University of Seattle is committed to fulfilling its mission through the use of information technology resources including but not limited to information networks, web site resources, databases, online instruction, site based computer lab facilities, personal computers, personal digital assistants (PDA’s), cell phones, software and teaching and demonstration equipment. The University’s information technology resources are to be used for educational, research or administrative purposes. Use of the University’s information technology resources is considered at times to be a requirement of the academic and work environment and as a privilege with regard to any individual use outside of these requirements. Occasional personal use of University information technology resources for outside purposes is permitted as long as significant time and University-provided resources are not abused and usage is otherwise in compliance with the policy and appropriate state and federal regulations and laws.
The lists below constitute a “Code of Conduct” for individuals using the University’s information technology resources. Disciplinary action resulting from violation of the code shall be governed by the appropriate state and federal regulations and laws and by applicable provisions documented in the City University of Seattle Catalog.
Guiding Principle
City University of Seattle expects the University Community (students and alumni) to be ethically responsible, as defined in this policy, while taking courses online, while communicating with the University Community, while submitting assignments for courses, and while using any University technology resources.
Definitions
Account: Any account number, access code, and identification or authorization code used in conjunction with the use of City University of Seattle technology resources.
Information Technology Resources: Includes but is not limited to computers, peripherals, PDA’s, cell phones, network infrastructure, software, data, web services, email accounts, cameras, door lock card keys, and course content that is owned, managed or provided by City University of Seattle.
User: Any person who has been provided with an account or who uses City University of Seattle information technology resources.
Specific Rights and Responsibilities of Users
- Users are accountable for all activities carried out under their account user names and/or access codes.
- Users are not to divulge their account user names, numbers, passwords, door lock keypad codes, and/or access codes unless approved by City University of Seattle management. Users shall not attempt by any means to obtain other users’ access codes.
- A user will not aid or allow any other individual to impersonate the user. Any attempt to use another user’s name or access code is prohibited.
- Users will not engage in deliberate actions that may damage or disrupt University information technology resources. Accordingly, the willful introduction of computer “viruses,” “worms,” or other disruptive or destructive programs into the University’s computing environment is expressly prohibited.
- Users will not interfere or attempt to interfere in any way with information belonging to other users. Unauthorized access, damage, or tampering with/to another user’s information is in direct violation of the code.
- Users shall use appropriate standards of civility when accessing the University’s information technology resources. Users have the right to expect communication that is respectful and ethical. The transmittal of personally or intentionally abusive content is expressly prohibited in written documents or in communication transmitted over the University networks and the Internet.
- Users are prohibited from sending unsolicited, unofficial communication not limited to spam mail, junk mail, chain letters, and other such documents to other City University of Seattle users or to outside recipients.
- Users will honor the privacy of other users of University provided technology resources. Accordingly, users will not distribute the email addresses of other University users unless approved by City University of Seattle management.
- The downloading, copying or installing of software applications requiring licensing on University computers may only be done by authorized City University of Seattle personnel. The Information Technology department will maintain an inventory and backup media of all City University of Seattle purchased licensed software.
- Users are prohibited from altering the setup or configuration of any City University of Seattle technology resource unless authorized by University management.
- City University of Seattle technology resources are the property of City University of Seattle and are to be used for University related business. These resources are not to be used for personal commercial purposes or for personal financial or other gain including unauthorized use of consumables.
- Users are prohibited from downloading or copying materials where it infringes on the copyright protection of those materials. This includes music, videos and other information that is protected by copyright laws.
Privacy Statement
The University follows appropriate regulatory information privacy guidelines. Users should be aware that their uses of University information technology resources are not completely private. The University has the right to inspect, without notice, the contents of computer files, electronic mail, network packet streams, computer conferencing systems, systems output such as printouts, and to monitor network communication.
Enforcement and Sanctions
Individuals who violate the Information Technology Resource Code of Conduct are subject to disciplinary action as outlined in the Student Code of Conduct policy as listed in the City University of Seattle Catalog.