Code
of Computing Practice. Computer resources at Tennessee Technological
University are available to students, faculty, and staff for authorized
use in a responsible, ethical, and equitable manner. It’s important
that all users of the computing facilities conduct their computing
activities in this manner since they have access to many valuable
and sensitive resources and their computing practices can adversely
affect the work of other users. Ethical standards that apply to the
use of computer resources are not unique to the computer field, rather
they derive directly from the standards of common sense, decency,
and courtesy that apply to the use of any public resource. The following
constitutes a code of computing practice to be adhered to by all
computer system users. This includes all computing facilities owned,
leased, or controlled by the University.
|
| (1) |
Users are authorized to use the computer facilities for
purposes that conform to the institutional goals and objectives. |
| (2) |
Users of computing resources are expected to conduct themselves in a
manner that does not
constitute
a danger to any person’s health or safety, or interfere
with, or harass individuals or institutional activities. |
| (3) |
Users must not misuse, damage, or misappropriate in any manner computing
equipment,
property, and other facilities and resources. |
| (4) |
Users are responsible for the use of their computer resources: and as
such, they should take
precaution against others obtaining access to their computer resources.
This includes managing and controlling the use of individual passwords, operational activities,
and resource utilization. |
| (5) |
Users must utilize only those resources which have been authorized for
their use and only for the
purpose for which the authorization was granted. The fact that a resource
is unprotected does not imply permission for an unauthorized person to use it. |
| (6) |
Users must not attempt to modify system facilities or subvert the restrictions
associated with
their computer resource. Users must follow the established procedures
for assessing the computing systems. |
| (7) |
Users shall utilize software only in accordance with the applicable license
agreement. Tennessee
Technological University licenses the use of most of its computer software
from a variety of outside companies. The University does not own this software or its
related documentation and, unless authorized by the license, does not have the right to reproduce
it. |
| (8) |
Users may not access, modify, or copy programs, files or data of any
sort belonging to other
users or to Tennessee Technological University without obtaining prior
authorization from the appropriate authority. Similarly, programs, subroutines, data, equipment,
and other computing related resources may not be taken from Tennessee Technological University
to other computer installations without the proper authorization and a clearly
defined understanding of the responsibilities associated with such action (e.g., security of
access to the data at the other computer installation). |
| (9) |
Users should minimize the impact of their work on the work of other users.
Attempts should
not
be made to encroach on others’ use of the facilities or
deprive them of resources. |
| (10) |
Users and non-users must not encourage, collaborate or tolerate the misuse
of computer
resources or the violations of this Code by any other person. It is
University policy that anyone with knowledge of violations or suspected violations of computer
security measures or controls report this information to the appropriate University
authority. The above code is intended to work to the benefit of all computer users
by encouraging responsible conduct and use of computer resources. Disciplinary action
for violating this code shall be governed by the applicable provisions of the student,
faculty and staff handbooks, other policies and procedures of Tennessee Technological
University and its governing body, and the Tennessee Board of Regents. The following disciplinary sanctions outline some, but are not limited to, actions that may be
taken either singularly or in combination, by the institution against violators of this code: |
| |
(1) |
Restitution to reimburse the institution for damage to or
misuse of computing facilities. |
| |
(2) |
Warning to notify the individual that continuation or repetition of a
specified conduct may
be cause for other disciplinary action. |
| |
(3) |
Reprimand in writing indicating further violation may result in more
serious penalties. |
| |
(4) |
Restriction of computing privileges for a specified period of time. |
| |
(5) |
Probation status, with the associated implications, imposed on the individual. |
| |
(6) |
Suspension or expulsion of the individual from the institution. |
| |
(7) |
Termination of employment of the individual by the institution. |
| |
(8) |
Interim or summary suspension until a final determination has been made
in regard to the
charges made against the individual. In the event that other institution
regulations are violated, additional penalties may be imposed. According to the U.S. Copyright Law, illegal reproduction of software
can be subject to civil damages and criminal penalties including fines and imprisonment. Unauthorized use and/or misuse of computing resources may be in violation
of federal and state laws, and the violator(s) may be subject to prosecution under
these laws. |
