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.