Computer Use Policy

Introduction

 

 Access to computer systems and networks owned or operated by Milligan College imposes certain responsibilities and obligations and is granted subject to college policies,  local, state, and federal laws. Acceptable use always is ethical, reflects academic honesty, and shows restraint in the consumption of shared resources. It demonstrates respect for intellectual property, ownership of data, system security mechanisms, and individuals’ rights to privacy and to freedom from intimidation, harassment, and unwanted solicitations.
Milligan College is a guest on the internet, and use of the internet through Milligan College facilities reflects upon the college. Accordingly, each user is expected to behave in a manner that reflects our commitment to be a premier Christian liberal arts college where Jesus Christ is exalted and excellence is the standard.
The computing facilities at Milligan College are provided for the students, faculty, and staff of the College and all such individuals are expected to abide by this policy whether they are considered full-time or part-time. In special circumstances, guests of Milligan College may be afforded the use of the technology resources and are expected to abide by this policy.  Use of the network and computing facilities at Milligan College implies consent to abide by this policy and other relevant polices and regulations relating to the use of these facilities. Use of Milligan College’s computing facilities are a privilege, not a right.

 

Guidelines

 

 In making acceptable use of resources, you should follow the guidelines:

Access only files and data and resources that you own, that are publicly available, or to which you have been given authorized access. You should not use another person’s system, user ID, password, files, or data without permission.

Take all reasonable precautions to safeguard your password. You are responsible for all activities on your user ID or that originate from your system.

Use only legal versions of copyrighted material in compliance with vendor license requirements.

Be considerate in your use of shared resources. You should refrain from monopolizing systems, overloading networks with excessive data, degrading services, or wasting computer time, connect time, disk space, printer paper, manuals, or other resources.

 

Expressly forbidden are:

 

Attempting to use computer programs or other means to decode passwords or access control information.

Attempting to circumvent or subvert system or network security measures, including creating and/or running programs that are designed to identify security loopholes and/or decrypt intentionally secure data.

Connection of unauthorized equipment to the campus network, including hubs, routers, and switches.

Engaging in any activity that might be purposefully harmful to systems or to any information stored thereon such as creating or propagating viruses, worms, or “Trojan horse” programs; disrupting services; damaging files; or making unauthorized modifications to college data.

Making or using illegal copies of copyrighted materials or software, store such copies on College systems, or transmit them over the College network.

Using mail or messaging services to harass, offend, or intimidate another person, for example, by broadcasting unsolicited messages, by repeatedly sending unwanted mail, or by using someone else’s name or user ID.

Wasting computing resources or network resources, for example, by intentionally placing a program in an endless loop, printing excessive amounts of paper, or by sending chain letters or unsolicited mass mailings. Multiple copies of printouts should be made on copy machines rather than on computer printers.

Removing supplies provided in the computer laboratories for use on personal computers in dormitories. Students are responsible for providing for their own supplies for in-room use.

Using the College’s systems or network for commercial purposes; for example, by selling access to your user ID or to College systems or networks, or by performing work for profit with College resources in a manner not authorized by the College.

Storing games and other large non-academic related files (e.g., mp3, video) on shared computing facilities (e.g., lab computers and personal network directories).

Engaging in any other activity that does not comply with the General Principles presented above.

 

Privacy

 

 As a matter of general policy, the College respects a user’s right to privacy. All user files and directories stored on shared computing systems are considered to be private and confidential. Only files which a user has explicitly made public (e.g., by placing in a “public” directory or made available as a shared public resource) should be considered open for general access.
Users should not assume that e-mail messages are private since most are transmitted unencrypted.
It is the policy of the College not to monitor individual usage of any general facility. However, the College reserves the right to monitor and record the usage of all facilities if it has reason to believe that activities are taking place that are contrary to this policy or state or federal law or regulations and as necessary to evaluate and maintain system efficiency. The College has the right to use information gained in this way in disciplinary or criminal proceedings.

Hosting Web Pages and/or Discussion Lists

Members of the College community may post personal web pages on the College’s web site provided they follow general College guidelines concerning such postings and reflect positively upon the College.

 Milligan College will consider requests for hosting web pages or discussion lists (listservs) for off-campus non-commercial professional organizations for a fee.  Such organizations must have current active participation's by a Milligan employee (faculty or staff) or student organization. National student organizations seeking such services must have a current active affiliate chapter on campus.

 The Milligan College employee (faculty or staff) or student organization faculty advisor will assume the responsibility and accountability of maintenance of these services and is a privilege contingent upon Milligan College employee involvement.

 All web site pages must be developed and submitted in advance for approval to the Milligan Technology Applications Committee. All web pages will conform to the Milligan College standards. Milligan reserves the right to terminate web page or discussion list services at any time.

 

Network User Storage

 

 Milligan College provides a personal folder on the network server for storage of user files. A limit on the amount of storage used by an individual will be enforced. Milligan College reserves the right to discontinue providing this privilege for any reason including disciplinary action or limited resources.
The College maintains a backup schedule of most user areas, however Milligan College disclaims any and all liability resulting from any and all situations in which we are unable to recover data is user storage areas for reason such as, but not limited to, system crashes and technical failures of any type. Users are cautioned to keep a copy of any data posted in user storage areas. Milligan College assumes no liability for data and loss of data in any and all areas.

 

Enforcement

 

 It is the policy of Milligan College that all members of it's community act in accordance with these responsibilities relevant laws and contractual obligations, and the highest standards of ethics. The College considers any violation of acceptable use principles of guidelines to be a serious offense and reserves the right to copy and examine any files or information resident on College systems allegedly related to unacceptable use, and to protect its network from systems and events that threaten or degrade operations. All users of the College’s computing facilities are responsible for understanding the principles set forth above.
Failure to comply with the guidelines above may result in suspension of privilege, or civil or criminal action under state or federal law. Students discovered to be in violation of these principles will be referred to the College’s judicial system; faculty and staff discovered to be in violation of these principles will be referred to the appropriate Vice President for hearing and possible disciplinary action, which may involve having system privileges revoked.
The intent of these guidelines is to ensure a productive and economical computing environment for all users, while abiding by laws governing copyrights and computer access. The examples do not constitute a complete list but are intended to convey the intent of the code. Questions and suggestions regarding these policies should be directed to the Director of Information Technology.

 

Termination of Services

 

 Upon ceasing enrollment or employment at Milligan College, a student or employee will no longer have access to Milligan College e-mail and network accounts.
For technical help, call (423) 461-8704 or e-mail Helpdesk@Milligan.edu