Policy Name: Responsible Use of Computing Resources
Policy ID Number: 03-05-001
Version Effective Date: December 8, 2009
Last Reviewed on: January 1, 2019
Policy Applies To: University wide
Responsible Office: Information Technology

INTRODUCTION AND STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
Using computing resources appropriately is everyone’s responsibility. Doing so, all technology resources are available and working at peak performance.

The University seeks to enforce its policies regarding harassment and the safety of individuals; to protect the University against seriously damaging or legal consequences; to prevent the posting of proprietary software or the posting of electronic copies of literary works in disregard of copyright restrictions or contractual obligations; to safeguard the integrity of computers, networks, and the data, either at NJCU or elsewhere; and to ensure the use of electronic communications complies with the provisions of other University policy, including but not limited to, the Student Code of Conduct and the Academic Integrity Policies.

POLICY
The policies noted herein apply to all members of the New Jersey City University community, including but not limited to, administrators, faculty, staff, students, and adjuncts.

Definitions

• COPYRIGHT: Protection by US Office of Copyrights, Patents, and Trade Secrets which prohibits copying of books, computer software, trade secrets, proprietary information, videotapes or videodiscs for distribution to others.
• NON-COPY PROTECTED: Means that the computer software does not have a "software-lock" which prohibits making ANY copies of the original disks or allows NO MORE THAN ONE "BACK UP" of the original disks. A program which is identified as NON-COPY PROTECTED is still copyrighted and therefore multiple copies cannot be made.

Substantive Policy
NJCU expects all members of its community to use electronic communications and computer resources made available through and at the University in a responsible manner. The University may restrict the use of its computers and network systems for electronic communications, in response to complaints presenting evidence of violations of other University policies, codes, guidelines, state or federal laws. Specifically, the University reserves the right to limit or remove access to its networks through University-owned or other computers, and to limit or remove access to material posted on University-owned servers.

The University reserves the right to limit, restrict, or remove computing privileges from anyone who violates the University's computer use policies, local, state or federal laws, as well as the applicable articles of the University's Student Code of Conduct for students as detailed in the student handbook

How to Report a Violation
Violations of appropriate use should be reported to one or more of the following administrator:

General Principles and Guidelines
The following is permitted/expected when using University computing resources: 

• Use resources only for authorized purposes.
• Access only files and data that are your own, that are publicly available, or to which you have been given authorized access.
• Use only legal versions of copyrighted software in compliance with vendor license requirements.
• Comply with State and Federal laws and policies, and University policies and guidelines regarding standards of conduct on the use of the Internet.
• For the campus systems that require it, protect your User ID from unauthorized use. You are responsible for all activities on your User ID or system.
• Observe all applicable policies of external data networks when using such networks via the University computer facilities.
• Be considerate in your use of shared resources. Refrain from monopolizing systems, overloading networks with excessive data, or wasting computer time, connect time, disk space, printer paper, manuals, or other resources.
• Report any evidence of violation of these rules to the appropriate authorities.

The following is not permitted when using University computing resources:

• Monopolize computing resources.
• Use another person's User ID, password, files system or data.
• Use computer programs to decode passwords or access control information.
• Attempt to circumvent or subvert system security measures.
• Attempt to modify or destroy University computing or communications equipment.
• Remove any University computing or communications equipment without proper authorization.
• Engage in any activity that might be harmful to systems or to any information stored thereon, such as creating or propagating viruses, disrupting services, or damaging files.
• Use University systems for partisan political purposes, such as using electronic mail to circulate advertising for political candidates.
• Download, copy or use material from the Internet in violation of copyright laws.
• Use mail or messaging services to harass, intimidate, or otherwise annoy another person, for example, by broadcasting unsolicited messages or sending unwanted mail.
• Use social networking or sharing web resources to harass, intimidate, or otherwise annoy another person, for example, by posting slanderous comments about a member of the university on Facebook, Twitter, etc.
• Use the University's systems for personal gain, for example, by selling access to your User ID or by performing work for profit in a manner not authorized by the University.
• Use the University' systems for commercial purposes unrelated to academic and/or University related work.
• Make or use illegal copies of copyrighted software, video, or music, store such copies on University systems, or transmit them over University networks.
• Use the University’s systems for any illegal activity.
• Engage in any other activity that does not comply with General Principles presented above.

Potential Consequences for Violations
The University considers any violation of this appropriate use policy, principles or guidelines to be a serious offense and reserves the right to copy and examine any files or information resident on University systems allegedly related to inappropriate use. Violators are subject to disciplinary action including loss of all University computing privileges and possible criminal charges including civil damages. Offenders also may be prosecuted under various state & federal laws including (but not limited to) the Privacy Protection Act of 1974, The Computer Fraud and Abuse Act of 1986, The Computer Virus Eradication of 1989, Interstate Transportation of Stolen Property, and the Federal Electronic Communications Privacy Act. Access to the texts of these laws is available through the Reference Department of the Library. Violators may also cause the University to be liable to civil or criminal penalties.

DATE TO INITIATE REVIEW AND UPDATE
As deemed necessary or appropriate by the Policy Coordinator but at a minimum, at least every 5 years from the date of last review.