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Acceptable Use Policy

Introduction

Access to computer systems and networks owned or operated by Milligan University is voluntary and imposes certain responsibilities and obligations and is granted subject to university policies, local, state, and federal laws. Acceptable use always is ethical, reflects academic honesty, and shows restraint in the consumption of shared resources. It demonstrates respect for intellectual property, ownership of data, system security mechanisms, and individuals’ rights to privacy and to freedom from intimidation, harassment, and unwanted solicitations. Milligan University is a guest on the internet, and use of the internet through Milligan University facilities reflects upon the university. Accordingly, each user is expected to behave in a manner that reflects our commitment to be a premier Christian liberal arts university where Jesus Christ is exalted and excellence is the standard. The computing facilities at Milligan University are provided for the students, faculty, and staff of the University and all such individuals are expected to abide by this policy whether they are considered full-time or part-time. In special circumstances, guests of Milligan University may be afforded the use of the technology resources and are expected to abide by this policy. Use of the network and computing facilities at Milligan University implies consent to abide by this policy and other relevant policies and regulations relating to the use of these facilities. Use of Milligan University’s computing facilities are a privilege, not a right.

Guidelines

In making acceptable use of resources, you should follow the guidelines:
  • Access only files and data and resources that you own, that are publicly available, or to which you have been given authorized access. You should not use another person’s system, user ID, password, files, or data without permission.
  • Take all reasonable precautions to safeguard your password. You are responsible for all activities on your user ID or that originate from your system.
  • Use only legal versions of copyrighted material in compliance with vendor license requirements.
  • Be considerate in your use of shared resources. You should refrain from monopolizing systems, overloading networks with excessive data, degrading services, or wasting computer time, connect time, disk space, printer paper, manuals, or other resources.
Expressly forbidden are:
  • Attempting to use computer programs or other means to decode passwords or access control information.
  • Attempting to circumvent or subvert system or network security measures, including creating and/or running programs that are designed to identify security loopholes and/or decrypt intentionally secure data.
  • Connection of unauthorized equipment to the campus network, including hubs, routers, and switches.
  • Engaging in any activity that might be purposefully harmful to systems or to any information stored thereon such as creating or propagating viruses, worms, or “Trojan horse” programs; disrupting services; damaging files; or making unauthorized modifications to university data.
  • Making or using illegal copies of copyrighted materials or software, store such copies on University systems, or transmit them over the University network.
  • Using mail or messaging services to harass, offend, or intimidate another person, for example, by broadcasting unsolicited messages, by repeatedly sending unwanted mail, or by using someone else’s name or user ID.
  • Wasting computing resources or network resources, for example, by intentionally placing a program in an endless loop, printing excessive amounts of paper, or by sending chain letters or unsolicited mass mailings. Multiple copies of printouts should be made on copy machines rather than on computer printers.
  • Removing supplies provided in the computer laboratories for use on personal computers in dormitories. Students are responsible for providing for their own supplies for in-room use.
  • Using the University’s systems or network for commercial purposes; for example, by selling access to your user ID or to University systems or networks, or by performing work for profit with University resources in a manner not authorized by the University.
  • Storing games and other large non-academic related files (e.g., mp3, video) on shared computing facilities (e.g., lab computers and personal network directories).
  • Peer-to-peer sharing of copyrighted materials, movies, music files, etc.
  • Engaging in any other activity that does not comply with the General Principles presented above.

Privacy

Milligan University makes every effort to protect the privacy rights of all students, including those students enrolled in distance and correspondence education courses or programs. As a matter of general policy, the University respects a user’s right to privacy. All user files and directories stored on shared computing systems are considered to be private and confidential. Only files which a user has explicitly made public (e.g., by placing in a “public” directory or made available as a shared public resource) should be considered open for general access. Users should not assume that e-mail messages are private since most are transmitted unencrypted. It is the policy of the University not to monitor individual usage of any general facility. However, the University reserves the right to monitor and record the usage of all facilities if it has reason to believe that activities are taking place that are contrary to this policy or state or federal law or regulations and as necessary to evaluate and maintain system efficiency. The University has the right to use information gained in this way in disciplinary or criminal proceedings.

Website Use

By using this website, you consent to the collection and the use of your personally identifiable information and non-personal information as described herein. The Computer Use Policy Statement governs the use and disclosure of information collected through the website. When you visit our website, our Web server automatically recognizes only the Internet domain and Internet Protocol (IP) address from which you accessed our website. This information does not result in the identification of your personal email address or other personal information. In addition, we gather information regarding the volume and timing of access to our website by collecting information on the date, time, and website pages accessed by visitors to the website. We do this so we can improve the content of our website, and this information is not shared with other organizations. Again, only aggregate information is collected and individual visitors’ personal information is not identified. If you choose to share personal information with us by sending us a message, or filling out an electronic form with personal information, we will use the information only for the purposes you authorized or in support of university-sponsored programs. Some of the information may be shared with third parties through which we contract for certain services such as on-line payment processors and loan servicers, but we will not disclose the information to other third parties or government agencies, unless required to so by state or federal law or in support of university-sponsored programs. If we are required to disclose information about you by law, we will make every effort to notify you of the disclosure in advance.

Links to Other Websites

Our website includes links to external sites. Milligan University is not responsible for the privacy practices of these outside sites. It is recommended that users read the individual policy statements of each web site when leave Milligan University server.

Hosting Web Pages and/or Discussion Lists

Members of the University community may post personal web pages on the University’s web site provided they follow general University guidelines concerning such postings and reflect positively upon the University. Milligan University will consider requests for hosting web pages or discussion lists (listservs) for off-campus non-commercial professional organizations for a fee. Such organizations must have current active participation’s by a Milligan employee (faculty or staff) or student organization. National student organizations seeking such services must have a current active affiliate chapter on campus. The Milligan University employee (faculty or staff) or student organization faculty advisor will assume the responsibility and accountability of maintenance of these services and is a privilege contingent upon Milligan University employee involvement. All web site pages must be developed and submitted in advance for approval to the Milligan Technology Applications Committee. All web pages will conform to the Milligan University standards. Milligan reserves the right to terminate web page or discussion list services at any time.

Network User Storage

Milligan University provides a personal folder on the network server for storage of user files. A limit on the amount of storage used by an individual will be enforced. Milligan University reserves the right to discontinue providing this privilege for any reason including disciplinary action or limited resources. The University maintains a backup schedule of most user areas, however Milligan University disclaims any and all liability resulting from any and all situations in which we are unable to recover data is user storage areas for reason such as, but not limited to, system crashes and technical failures of any type. Users are cautioned to keep a copy of any data posted in user storage areas. Milligan University assumes no liability for data and loss of data in any and all areas.

Enforcement

It is the policy of Milligan University that all members of its community act in accordance with these responsibilities relevant laws and contractual obligations, and the highest standards of ethics. The University considers any violation of acceptable use principles of 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 unacceptable use, and to protect its network from systems and events that threaten or degrade operations. All users of the University’s computing facilities are responsible for understanding the principles set forth above. Failure to comply with the guidelines above may result in suspension of privilege, or civil or criminal action under state or federal law. Students discovered to be in violation of these principles will be referred to the University’s judicial system; faculty and staff discovered to be in violation of these principles will be referred to the appropriate Vice President for hearing and possible disciplinary action, which may involve having system privileges revoked. The intent of these guidelines is to ensure a productive and economical computing environment for all users, while abiding by laws governing copyrights and computer access. The examples do not constitute a complete list but are intended to convey the intent of the code. Questions and suggestions regarding these policies should be directed to the Director of Information Technology.

Disclaimer of Liability

Milligan University hereby disclaims any warranties, endorsements, representations, whether express or implied, related to the efficacy or protection capability of users’ web browsers. Neither Milligan University , nor any of its employees, agents or individual trustees, shall be held liable for any improper or incorrect use of the information described and/or contained in Milligan University’s web pages and assumes no responsibility for anyone’s use of the information. This disclaimer of liability applies to any damages or injury, including but is not limited to those caused by any failure of performance, error, omission, interruption, deletion, defect, delay in operation or transmission, computer virus, communication line failure, theft or destruction or unauthorized access to, alteration of, or use of record, whether for breach of contract, tortuous behavior, negligence or under any other cause of action.

Termination of Services

Upon ceasing enrollment or employment at Milligan University, a student or employee will no longer have access to Milligan University e-mail and network accounts. For technical help, call (423) 461-8704 or by submitting a help desk ticket online.