Security, Policies & Guidelines
General Computing Information and Communications Technologies
Policy Statement
Purpose of this Policy: This is a broad policy which defines account
types, ownership and access issues. It also defines appropriate and
inappropriate use of computing facilities (including pornography and
obscenity), privacy of data and copyright/intellectual property right
policies.
All users are encouraged to carefully and fully read the following
policy statement. Acceptance and use of any account on an NMSU system
indicates implied consent to the following:
I have read the Information & Communication Technologies General
Use Policy, and I understand and agree to abide by the terms of the
policy. I also understand that the continued use of my account must
be in accordance with the policy. I recognize that violations of this
policy may cause restriction or elimination of my access to NMSU computer
resources, other disciplinary action, or civil or criminal penalties.
This Information & Communication Technologies Policy
is derived from the NMSU Personnel and Benefits Policy Manual and the
Student Code of Conduct. If there is any conflict in interpretation
between those two documents and the Information & Communication
Technologies General Use Policy, the policies in the NMSU Personnel
and Benefits Policy Manual and the Student Code of Conduct will prevail.
Purpose of this Policy: This is a broad policy which defines account
types, ownership and access issues. It also defines appropriate and
inappropriate use of computing facilities (including pornography and
obscenity), privacy of data and copyright/intellectual property right
policies.
Ownership and Use
Computing equipment and resources in Information & Communication
Technologies are owned or administered by the Board of Regents of New
Mexico State University. Access to this equipment and resources is a
privilege granted to students and employees to facilitate instruction,
research and administration.
Access
To the greatest extent possible, access to all Information & Communication
Technologies resources shall be available to all authorized users. Usage
priorities may exist for some resources, depending on instructional,
research and administrative needs. This includes access to the NMSU
communications network and the resources that reside on and within the
network.
Accounts
Information & Communication Technologies provides two types of accounts:
1. Student, faculty and retiree accounts
2. Billable accounts: Grant, contract, and other customer accounts are
included in this category.
The holder of an account will be held responsible for activity on that
account. Each client is expected to take care that unauthorized users
do not access the account and file space. Account holders should change
passwords frequently and should not reveal their passwords to anyone.
Account holders should report any suspected or actual unauthorized access
to their accounts to Information & Communication Technologies Security
Group
Conditions of Use
The users of the computing resources are expected to take a responsible
and professional approach to the use of those resources. Since the resources
are shared, every one must accept responsibility of minimizing the impact
of one's actions on others. The use of any University resources for
support of private enterprise such as outside consulting should only
be in accordance with stated policies, and under explicit written agreements.
Clients cannot develop programs that impede the use of the network
by others, modify the system or account, or cause damage to system resources.
The willful transmission of known destructive applications and viruses
is prohibited.
Use of the system to send or view fraudulent, harassing, obscene, indecent,
pornographic, intimidating or unlawful communications is prohibited.
Computational work which makes heavy demands on shared resources should
be run at off-hours or at low priority.
Disruptive behavior in Information & Communication Technologies
facilities will result in immediate removal from the facilities.
Use of computer resources is provided primarily for academic activities.
Other activities are considered secondary. During busy times, clients
not using the facilities for primary activities will be asked to give
up their access for others needing the services.
No client may place commercial software or any software or data which
is illegal for any reason on Information & Communication Technologies'
systems.
Violations including plagiarism, invasion of privacy, unauthorized access,
and trade secrets and copyright violations, may be grounds for sanctions
against those who violate these conditions.
System and network users should never attempt to gain unauthorized
access to other accounts or file space. Any attempt to log onto an account
for which you have not been authorized, regardless of its success, will
be considered a security violation. Violations will be investigated
and will be subject to disciplinary action.
Privacy
Notwithstanding clients' rights to privacy, and any rights under the
Electronic Communication Privacy Act of 1986, FERPA HIPAA and GLB, clients
grant specific permission to Information & Communication Technologies
to inspect clients' accounts and file space for investigation of violation
of University policy or as needed for maintenance purposes. When investigating
a possible abuse of the system, Information and Communication Technologies
has the authority to examine files, passwords, accounting information,
printouts, tapes, or other material which may aid in the investigation.
Investigations must follow University procedures. Use of an Information
& Communication Technologies account or service implies consent
to this policy.
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