POLICY FOR RESPONSIBLE COMPUTING for ALL UNIVERSITY COMPUTER NETWORK USERS:

I. PURPOSE

In support of its mission of teaching, research, and public service, Delaware State University provides access to computing and information resources for stu dents, faculty, and staff, within institutional priorities and financial capabilities. The Policy for Responsible Computing at Delaware State University esta blishes guidelines for faculty, student, and staff use of the University's computing resources. It spells out the general principles regarding appropriate us e of equipment, software, and networks.

In adopting this policy, the Institution recognizes that all members of the University are also bound by local, state, and federal laws relating to copyright s, security, and other statutes regarding electronic media. The policy also recognizes the responsibility of faculty and system administrators to take a lead ership role in implementing the policy and assuring that the University community honors the policy.

II. POLICY STATEMENT

A. All members of the University community who use the University's computing and information resources must act responsibly. Every user is responsible for t he integrity of these resources. All users of University-owned or University-leased computing systems must respect the rights of other computing users, respe ct the integrity of the physical facilities and controls, and respect all pertinent license and contractual agreements. It is the policy of Delaware State Un iversity that all members of its community act in accordance with these responsibilities, relevant laws and contractual obligations, and the highest standard of ethics.

B. Access to the University's computing facilities is a privilege granted to University students, faculty, and staff. Access to University information resour ces may be granted by the owners of that information based on the owner's judgement of the following factors: relevant laws and contractual obligations, the requestor's need to know, the information's sensitivity, and the risk of damage to or loss by the University.

C. The University reserves the right to limit, restrict, or extend computing privileges and access to its information resources. Data owners--whether departm ents, units, faculty, students, or staff--may allow individuals other than University faculty, staff, and students access to information for which they are r esponsible, so long as such access does not violate any license or contractual agreement; University policy; or any federal, state, county, or local law or o rdinance.

D. University computing facilities and accounts are to be used for the University-related activities for which they are assigned. University computing resour ces are not to be used for commercial purposes or non-University-related activities without written authorization from the University. In these cases, the Un iversity will require payment of appropriate fees. This policy applies equally to all University-owned or University-leased computers.

E. Users and system administrators must guard against abuses that disrupt or threaten the viability of all systems, including those at the University and tho se on networks to which the University's systems are connected. Access to information resources without proper authorization from the data owner, unauthorize d use of University computing facilities, and intentional corruption or misuse of information resources are direct violations of the University's standards f or conduct as outlined in Delaware State University's Policy Manual, the Personnel Policies and Procedures for Professional and Salaried Staff, the Faculty H andbook, University collective bargaining agreements, and the Official Student Handbook and WILL also be considered civil or criminal offenses.

III. IMPLEMENTATION

A. Appropriate University administrators will adopt guidelines for the implementation of this policy within each unit and regularly revise these guidelines a s circumstances, including--but not limited to--changes in technology, warrant. The Administrator for University Computing shall, from time to time, issue re commended guidelines to assist departments and units with this effort.

B. Alleged violations of this policy shall follow the judicial processes outlined in the Delaware State University Professional Employees Handbook, Delaware State University Conduct Code, Delaware State University collective bargaining agreements, and the Official Student Handbook. Delaware State University treat s access and use violations of computing facilities, equipment, software, information resources, networks, or privileges seriously and may also prosecute abu se under Title 11, 931-939 of the Delaware Code, the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act of 1986, or other appropriate laws.

I HAVE READ THE UNIVERSITY RESPONSIBLE COMPUTING POLICY AND WILL COMPLY WITH ALL CONDITIONS DURING ANY COMPUTING ACCESS TO AND FROM THE UNIVERSITY'S NETWORK AND COMPUTING FACILITIES. Delaware State University INFORMATION SECURITY POLICY for ALL UNIVERSITY FACULTY & STAFF COMPUTER NETWORK USERS: