Introduction

The University of Dayton (UD) values technology as a means of communicating information and ideas to the UD community and the world. In keeping with UD’s commitment to utilizing technology in teaching and learning, this policy provides direction in the appropriate use of electronic resources on campus, by promoting the ethical, legal, and secure use of computing and electronic communications. All users of UD electronic resources are expected to utilize such resources in a responsible, ethical and legal manner consistent with UD mission and policies.

Scope

For the purposes of this policy, electronic resources include, but are not limited to, all computer-related equipment, computer systems, software/ network applications, interconnecting networks, facsimile machines, voicemail and other telecommunications facilities, as well as all information contained therein (collectively, "electronic resources") owned or managed by UD.

Persons Covered by this Policy

This policy applies to all users of electronic resources owned or managed by UD.

General Principles

UD cherishes freedom of expression, the diversity of values and perspectives inherent in an academic institution, the right to acknowledgment, and the value of privacy for all members of the UD community.  While the use of UD electronic resources may be a requirement for coursework and work, access and use may be restricted or revoked in cases of misuse or repeated abuse.  UD reserves the right to limit access to its electronic resources when applicable UD policies, state and/or federal laws or contractual obligations are violated. Although UD does not typically block access to online content, it reserves the right to do so in cases where online content or activity diminishes the capacity of our network, or where there is a threat to UD or its core academic mission.

UD provides reasonable security against intrusion and damage to files stored on the central computing facilities, but does not guarantee that its computer systems are secure. Other users will not hold UD accountable for unauthorized access, nor can UD guarantee protection against media failure, fire, floods, or other natural or man-made disasters.

UD does not, as a rule, monitor the content of materials transported over UD's network or information posted on UD-owned computers and networks, but reserves the right to do so. At the same time, UD may find it necessary to access and disclose information from computer and network user accounts to the extent required by law to uphold contractual obligations or other applicable UD policies or to diagnose and correct technical problems.  UD may find it necessary to scan any computer connected to UD networks for purposes of address management, network performance, or investigations of policy violations.

Guidelines on Fair, Responsible and Acceptable Use

a)      Use of UD’s electronic resources to damage, impair, disrupt or in any way cause purposeful or reckless damage to UD networks or computers or external networks or computers is prohibited. 

b)      Use of UD’s electronic resources to gain unauthorized access, to reproduce or use the resources of others is prohibited.

c)      Use of UD’s electronic resources to interfere with or cause impairment to the activities of other individuals is prohibited.

d)      Use of UD’s electronic resources to harass or make threats to specific individuals, or a class of individuals, is prohibited.

e)      Use of UD’s electronic resources in pursuit of unauthorized commercial activities is prohibited.

f)        Use of UD’s electronic resources to violate city, state, federal or international laws, rules, regulations, rulings or orders, or to otherwise violate any UD rules or policies is prohibited.

Reporting and Response to Violations

Members of the UD community who believe they have witnessed or been a victim of a violation of UD's Policy on Ethical, Legal, and Secure Use of Electronic Resources should notify or file a complaint with the appropriate UD office as follows: students should report suspected violations to the Dean of Students; faculty members should report suspected violations to their Dean or the Dean’s designated contact.  Staff should report violations to their supervisor.

If the unit authority determines that a violation likely has occurred, this violation should be reported to the Office of the Provost (if the violation involves students or faculty) or the Office of Human Resources (if the violation involves staff). Designated persons in the Provost and Human Resources offices are responsible for recording, tracking and reporting violations to the appropriate UD officials.

Related Policies and Guidelines

Because electronic communications encompass many different forms of communication across many different media, there are several additional UD policies of which members of the campus community should be aware exist.  Refer to the appropriate sections of the Student Handbook, Staff Handbook, Faculty Handbook, and the UD Bulletin.

http://www.udayton.edu/~udit/ethics/policy.htm

This site is maintained by the Office of Human Resources.  Direct questions to Stefanie.Rich@notes.udayton.edu.

University of Dayton
St. Mary's Hall Room 118
300 College Park
Dayton, OH 45469-1614