NETWORK ACCESS AND CODE OF PRACTICE

1 The function of University of Wisconsin-Parkside's communications networks is to support the academic, teaching, administrative, and research enterprises of the University.

1.1 The University allows use of its internal networks by authorized users.

1.2 Access to the Internet by authorized users is permitted for legitimate academic and research activities.

1.3 Access to protected facilities and accounts both on and off campus, is not permitted without explicit authorization from the owners of the facilities or accounts.

2 While supporting the general principle of open and universal student access, when insufficient resources are available, eligibility for service will be determined by the following priorities:

2.1 The highest priority is awarded to students where network access is a mandatory requirement of a research program or prescribed course of study as defined in the course syllabus or course catalogue.

2.2 At the next level, access will be granted where there is a demonstrated, but non-mandatory, requirement for network access as prescribed by the research program, course syllabus, or course catalogue.

2.3 The lowest, or non-essential, priority will be based on the general principle of universal access and support for academic pursuit while not directly stipulated within a prescribed course of study.

3 The rules governing academic freedom at the University apply to the use of the communications networks.

4 This network code of practice includes the use of the communications networks for administrative support, activities associated with academic and research activities, social, and other non-academic interaction between members of the University community.

5 The use of University of Wisconsin-Parkside communications networks for financial gain not related to the normal activities of the University is prohibited by law.

6 Access to News Services is permitted when in pursuit of the academic and research objectives of the University.

6.1 Reading network news services from unsecured hosts or personal computers is allowed. The ability to post is restricted to secure hosts and according to section two.

7 The University does not permit more than one user per account, account sharing, or password sharing. Such actions are unacceptable and subject to disciplinary action. Further:

7.1 Where it is necessary to allow an authorized second person to access files or data, as in the case of illness or extended absences, this information will be transferred by the system administrator rather than via the transfer of user-ID and password.

8 The ability to post and receive electronic mail may be made available to all authorized users possessing valid user accounts administered through a secure host.

9 The use of University of Wisconsin-Parkside communications systems for the distribution of unsolicited information or advertising not relating to the normal activities and business of the university is not permitted.

10 Unauthorized interception, reading, copying or modifying of private electronic data is in breach of this code of practice and subject to disciplinary or legal proceedings. The University will not guarantee this privacy because of routine maintenance, technical fault or criminal activity. Further:

10.1 No University employee will be permitted to intercept, read, copy or modify private electronic data (either in transit across a network or stored within a computer system) without the consent of an authority appointed by the Chancellor, or the consent of the addressee.

10.2 University employees who possess root or supervisor password access will not be permitted to intercept, read, copy or modify private electronic data (either in transit across a network or stored within a computer system) without the consent of an authority appointed by the Chancellor.

11 While the University will try to maintain the privacy of personal communications it will monitor traffic load, and where necessary take action to protect the integrity and operation of its networks. Further the University will:

11.1 Collect utilization statistics based upon network address, network protocol and application use.

11.2 Progressively restrict non-essential uses and users (as defined under section 2) where network utilization results in performance degradation. Such restriction will be publicized to users through appropriate means.

12 University network facilities cannot be used by any individual or group of persons for any activities of an illegal or fraudulent nature. For a definition of illegal activities, see the Student Guidebook, Faculty Guidebook, and Staff Guidebook.

Examples of behavior that will not be tolerated are: Attempting to acquire, access or modify passwords, files, or accounts or other information without authorization; attempting to crash, violate the integrity of, or adversely affect the activities of the computer systems or networks; physical abuse, mishandling and modification of terminals, printers and other hardware.

13 Account expiration, suspension and removal.
Users who breach this code of practice may, after due process, be refused access to the University's computer and communications networks. University of Wisconsin-Parkside assumes no liability for any losses that may be incurred as a result of access suspension.

13.1 Unless prior arrangements are made, staff user accounts and all data found within will be removed from all University facilities following the termination of employment for whatever reason.

13.2 Student user accounts and all data found in user accounts may be removed after each session for undergraduate and graduate students. Students deferring, or terminating will have their accounts removed from the effective date of their deferral or termination.

13.3 Post graduate user accounts will be removed as of the effective completion of their course of study, deferral or termination.

13.4 The user accounts and data of legitimate affiliates will be removed upon termination of the formal affiliation. They also may be removed at the discretion of the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Information Services.

13.5 In cases involving alleged illegal or fraudulent activity, the University may, at the discretion of an authority appointed by the Chancellor, suspend access privileges pending the outcome of legal proceedings.

13.6 Breaches of this Access and Code of Practice Policy, which do not involve illegal or fraudulent activity will be referred to the relevant student or staff disciplinary committee for consideration. The University may, at the discretion of an authority appointed by the Chancellor, suspend access privileges pending the outcome of the committee's proceedings.

April 1995