Policies

Acceptable Use Policy for Computer Facilities

Policy Purpose

This policy is designed to guide students, faculty, staff and others in the acceptable use of computer and information systems and networks provided by Farmingdale State College. More importantly, it is meant as an application of the principles concerning the use of the network in a legal, ethical, collegial and nondestructive manner.

Persons Affected

Faculty, Staff, Students, Third-Parties

Policy Statement

The Farmingdale State College community is encouraged to make innovative and creative use of information technologies in support of education and research. Access to information representing a multitude of views on current and historical issues should be allowed for the interest, information and enlightenment of the Farmingdale State College community. Consistent with other University policies, this policy is intended to respect the rights and obligations of academic freedom. The College recognizes that the purpose of copyright is to protect the rights of the creators of intellectual property and to prevent the unauthorized use or sale of works available in the private sector. Also consistent with other College policies, an individual's right of access to computer materials should not be denied or abridged because of race, creed, color, age, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, or disability.

The College cannot protect individuals against the existence or receipt of material that may be offensive to them. As such, those who make use of electronic communications are warned that they may come across or be recipients of material they find offensive. Those who use e-mail and/or make information about themselves available on the Internet should be forewarned that the University cannot protect them from invasions of privacy and other possible dangers that could result from the individual's distribution of personal information.

Responsibilities

Farmingdale State College reserves the right to monitor its computing resources to protect the integrity of its computing systems, workstations, and lab facilities.

All users of the College network are expected to adhere to the rules and regulations set forth in this document.

Users are responsible for all use of their computer account(s). They should make appropriate use of the system and network-provided protection features and take precautions against others obtaining access to their computer resources.

Individual password security is the responsibility of each user.Abuse of computer resources is prohibited.

Abuse includes, but is not limited to:

• Using the network for personal profit
• Attempting to intentionally interfere with the performance of the network
• Interfering with the legitimate work of other users
• Accessing another individual's account, private files, or e-mail without permission of the owner
• Misrepresenting one's identity in electronic communication
• Unauthorized copying or transmission of software
• Abusing any interconnected network such as the Internet
• Using the network to attempt to violate any connected computer system's security
• Using the network to spread computer viruses, trojan horses, worms or any program designed to violate security, interfere with the proper operation of any computer system or destroy another user's data
• Disobeying lab and system policies, procedures, and protocol
• Using computing resources to threaten or harass others
• Using computing resources to propagate electronic chain letters
• Using computing resources for extensive or competitive recreational game playing. (Recreational game players occupying a seat in a public computing facility must give up the use of the terminal when others who need to use the facility for academic or research purposes are waiting.)
• Using the network in a manner that violates any federal, state, or local law

The College encourages all members of its community to use electronic communications in a manner that is respectful to others. While respecting users' confidentiality and privacy, the University reserves the right to examine all computer files. The College takes this step to enforce its policies regarding harassment and the safety of individuals; to prevent the posting of proprietary software or electronic copies of electronic texts or images in disregard of copyright restrictions or contractual obligations; to safeguard the integrity of computers, networks, and data either at the College or elsewhere; and to protect the College against seriously damaging consequences. The College may restrict the use of its computers and network systems for electronic communications when faced with evidence of violation of College policies, or federal or local laws. The College reserves the right to limit access to its networks through College-owned or other computers, and to remove or limit access to material posted on College-owned computers.

All users are expected to conduct themselves consistent with these responsibilities and all other applicable College policies. Abuse of computing privileges will subject the user to disciplinary action, as established by the applicable operating policies and procedures of the College. Abuse of networks or computers at other sites through the use of Farmingdale State College resources will be treated as an abuse of computing privileges at the College.

When appropriate, temporary restrictive actions will be taken by system or network administrators pending further disciplinary action. The loss of computing privileges may result.

When a user ceases being a member of the campus community (e.g.,withdraws, graduates, or terminates employment, or otherwise leaves the university), or is assigned a new position and/or responsibilities within the State University system, their access authorization will be reviewed. A member of the campus community may not use facilities, accounts, access codes, privileges or information for which they are not authorized in their new circumstances.

Farmingdale State College recognizes that all members of the college community are bound by federal and local laws relating to civil rights, harassment, copyright, security and other statutes relating to electronic media. It should be understood that this policy does not preclude enforcement under the laws and regulations of the United States of America, the State of New York, the State University of New York or SUNY networking contracts.

VIOLATIONS

Policy violations by students will be handled in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct and referred to the Vice President of Student Life or Designee for disciplinary action as appropriate.

Policy violations by College employees will be referred to the head of that employee's department and handled in accordance with disciplinary actions set forth in the Professional Handbook or other appropriate document.

In addition, illegal acts involving Farmingdale State College's computing resources may also subject users to prosecution by state and/or federal authorities.

Responsible Office

Information Technology