Acceptable Use of Computers, Networks, and Electronic Information Systems Technology

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Academic/
Administrative

Policy 2.8.1

Effective December 1996

The following are responsible for the accuracy of the information contained in this document

Responsible University Officer
Executive Vice President and Provost

Responsible Office
Office of Information Technology


Policy Statement

Computers, networks and electronic information systems are essential resources for accomplishing the mission of the University of Minnesota. It is the responsibility of all University of Minnesota computer, network and electronic information system users to use these resources in an effective, efficient, and responsible manner. All users of University supplied technology facilities equipment, supplies and resources agree to abide by all policies and procedures adopted by the University of Minnesota as well as current international, federal, state and local laws. These include but are not limited to institutional policies against harassment, plagiarism, unauthorized commercial use misconduct and laws prohibiting theft, infringement of intellectual property, and unlawful intrusions.

Authorized computer users at the University of Minnesota have the constitutional right to freedom of speech. They are responsible for the content of their own communications. The University of Minnesota’s various electronic institutional information systems are considered University communications. They are governed by more restrictive University policies on content and access control. Unrestricted access to material or services on these systems is not a guaranteed right for any University of Minnesota user.

The University's employees or agents will not examine or disclose the contents of data, electronic files/communications or other system accounting information except:

  1. when authorized by the data owner of the information, or
  2. as permitted by applicable policy or law, or
  3. as required for system maintenance including security measures and ensuring compliance with related policies

Authorized users' access priveleges to University of Minnesota computers, networks and electronic information systems will not be terminated without cause. Violation of this policy or other University policies may constitute cause for termination of access privelges.

Units within the University may define conditions of use for facilities under their control. These conditions must be consistent with this overall policy but may provide additional detail, guidelines and/or restrictions.

Network traffic at the University is subject to this policy and acceptable use policies of the University's national and international network connectivity providers.


Reason for Policy

The purpose of this policy is:


Contents

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Manual Contents


Who Should Know This Policy

YESPresident
YES-Provost / Chancellor / Provost
YES-Vice President / Vice Chancellor
YES-Dean
YES-Director / Department Head / Chair
YES-Principal Investigator
YES-Faculty
YES-Resource Responsibility Center Mgr.
YES-Area Manager
YES-All Employees
YES-Students



Related Information

We are providing this information to help users find additional information that is related to this policy.

University of Minnesota Policy Use of University Equipment and Services
University of Minnesota Policy on Sexual Harassment
University of Minnesota Morris- Computer Ethics Policy
University of Minnesota Duluth- Acceptable Use Policy
University of Minnesota Regent’s Policy on Academic Freedom
University of Minnesota World Wide Web Policy
Student Code of Conduct
Faculty Code of Conduct
ADCS E-Mail Policy and Procedures
Minnesota Data Practices Act
Computer Fraud and Abuse Act, 1986
Electronic Communications and Privacy Act
Family Release and Privacy Information Act
University Records and Retention Schedules


Contacts

Subject Contact Phone
Computer Misuse
UMD Contact
Department Network Administrator
Tim Perala, System Administrator
x
726-6122
Computer Misuse Emergency
UMD Contact
Network Helpline
UMD Help Desk
625-0006
726-8847
Threatening BehaviorEmergency
Non-emergency - U Police
Non-emergency UMD U Police
Advice - Threat Assesment Group
911
624-3550
726-7000
625-2000, press #2
Legal AdviceGeneral Counsel624-4100
Policy Interpretations - UMD onlyLinda Deneen, Director of Information Services726-7588


History

Amended: December 1997 - Responsible Officer changed from Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs to Executive Vice President and Provost.

Effective: December 1996.


Definitions

University Technologies Facilities, Equipment, Supplies Services and Resources
Includes such things as: computers; diskettes; modems, network connections; copiers; paper; facsimiles; machines; tools; telephones (including cellular); campus mail and data networks accessing electronic mail and institutional, colleges, or departmental computer systems. This definition is not meant to be all inclusive but rather reflect examples of University provided equipment, supplies and services.

Authorized User
Individual or entity permitted to make use of University computer or network resources as specified by a data owner, department, entity or college.

Security Measures
Processes, software and or hardware used by system and network administrators to assure confidentiality, integrity and availability of both computers, networks and data belongings to the University of Minnesota and users of University computer and network resources. Security measures include the ability to review files for potential or actual policy violations and responsibility for investigation of security related issues.


Responsibilities

Introduction
All data files and applications belong to an owner. Students, faculty and staff along with other authorized users may be data owners. Files in central systems belong to the account owner. Production electronic data files and computer applications are assigned to representatives of the University who serve as data owners or stewards of the asset.

Data Owners

Chief Information Officer

Authorized Users

Department Entity or College

University Police Department

System/Network Administrator


Procedures

In support of the this policy, the following procedures are included:

2.8.1.1 Reporting Violations

2.8.1.2 Taking Disciplinary Action


Appendices

In support of this policy, the following appendix is included:

Guidelines

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Manual Contents


Comments: process@tc.umn.edu
© 1997 by the Regents of the University of Minnesota.
Policy and Process Development Office. All Rights Reserved.
The University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity educator and employer.
http://www.fpd.finop.umn.edu/2/Sec8/Pol281/Acceptable_Use.html
Updated: December 9, 1997