ORIGINATOR: President

SUBJECT: Policy on Computer Use

1. General Statement

The University owns and operates University computing resources, such as hardware, software, computer networks and systems, websites, WebTycho and e-mail, (collectively referred to as "Computing Resources"). These Computing Resources are intended for University-related purposes. The University permits members of the University community (stateside and overseas) to utilize University Computing Resources provided the user act responsibly, respectfully and in a manner that does not infringe upon the rights of others or violate law or this Policy.

2. Applicability

This Policy applies to all users of University Computing Resources, whether or not the user is affiliated with the University. Additional policies may apply to specific computers, computer systems or networks provided or operated by specific units of the University or to users within specific units, including without limitation, policies that relate to the Nova/Polaris Unix System and WebTycho and other academic computer resources, as applicable.

3. Use

All users of University Computing Resources must:

1. Comply with all federal, Maryland, and other applicable law; all applicable University rules and policies; and all applicable contracts and licenses. For example, users are not permitted to download movies or music from the Internet without proper authorization or transmit unlawful or harassing content utilizing University Computing Resources. Users who engage in electronic communications with persons in other states or countries or on other systems or networks may also be subject to the laws of those other states and countries and the rules and policies of those other systems and networks. Users are responsible for ascertaining, understanding, and complying with the laws, rules, policies, contracts, and licenses applicable to their particular uses.
   
   
2. Safeguard computer accounts provided by the University. Personal computer accounts may not be shared with anyone, unless prior approval is authorized by the user’s departmental supervisor.
   
   
3. Respect the privacy of other users and their accounts, regardless of whether those accounts are securely protected. Ability to access other persons’ accounts does not imply authorization to do so.
4. Adhere to the finite capacity of those resources and limit use so as not to consume an unreasonable amount of those resources or to interfere unreasonably with the activity of other users. The University may require users to limit or refrain from specific uses.
   
   
5. Refrain from using Computing Resources for personal commercial purposes or financial or other gain. Limited personal use of University Computing Resources for other purposes is permitted when it does not interfere with the performance of the user’s job or other University responsibilities and is in compliance with the law and this Policy. Users may not create a personal world wide web page or collection of electronic material on University Computing Resources unless the user includes the following disclaimer: "The material located at this site is not endorsed, sponsored or provided by or on behalf of the University of Maryland University College". Further limits may be imposed upon personal use in accordance with normal supervisory procedures.
   
   
6. Refrain from stating or implying that they speak on behalf of the University and from using University trademarks and logos without authorization to do so. Authorization to use University trademarks and logos may be granted only by the Vice President for the University’s Office of Communications.

4. Enforcement

Users who violate this Policy may be denied access to University Computing Resources and may be subject to other penalties and disciplinary action, both within and outside of the University. Alleged violations by students will normally be handled in accordance with the University Code of Student Conduct. University faculty or staff members who violate this Policy may be subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment. The Office of Human Resources and the Office of Legal Affairs will be notified of any alleged violations. The University may confiscate or temporarily suspend or terminate use of Computing Resources when necessary.

5. Security and Privacy

Users should have no expectation of privacy when utilizing University Computing Resources. The University as part of its regular operations may monitor the patterns and frequency of use of University Computing Resources by individuals. This monitoring may include, as example, the length and frequency of login sessions and communications. The University does not routinely monitor or inspect the content of communications. However, when the University reasonably either suspects violation of law or of University policies or practices, or suspects use of University Computing Resources that may harm the University or impede its operations, the University may monitor and inspect the content of an individual’s use of University Computing Resources as well as monitor the patterns of use. Any such individual monitoring must be specifically authorized in advance by either the Provost or the Executive Vice-President.

The University, in its discretion, may disclose the results of any such general or individual monitoring, including the contents and records of individual communications, as appropriate. All information created, received or contained in University Computing Resources is available to the public unless an exception to the Maryland Public Information Act applies.