The complete policy concerning the Appropriate Use of Computer Resources is below. These links may help you find the answer to a specific question or provide more information. To submit a question, send e-mail to
violation@rice.edu.
Rice's Appropriate Use of Computer Resources Policy
Policy No. 832-99
Introduction
The University's computer and information network
is a continually growing and changing resource that supports thousands
of users and systems. These resources are vital for the fulfillment
of the academic, research and business needs of the University community.
Their use is provided as a privilege. In order to ensure a reasonable
and dependable level of service, it is essential that each individual
faculty member, staff member, and student must exercise responsible,
ethical behavior when using these resources. Misuse by even a few
individuals has the potential to disrupt University business, and,
even worse, the legitimate academic and research work of faculty and
students.
This policy outlines the application of the principles
that govern our academic community in the appropriate use of University
computer and information network resources. Because it is impossible
to anticipate all the ways in which individuals may misuse these resources,
this policy focuses on a few general rules and the principles behind
them.
This policy applies to the entire user community
(e.g., all faculty, staff, students, alumni and retirees) of the University
and to the use of any and all University owned or managed computer-related
equipment, computer systems, and interconnecting networks, as well
as all information contained therein.
Use of Resources
All users are expected to utilize University resources
in a responsible manner consistent with University policies and the
guidelines and operating policies that the Vice President of Information
Technology may issue from time to time. You are expected to take reasonable
measures to ensure that traffic entering the Rice network from other
networks conforms to this policy. Conversely, you are expected to
take similar measures to avoid situations where traffic from the Rice
network violates the policies of connecting networks.
The unauthorized use of resources is prohibited and,
in many cases, may be violations of the law. We are guided by the
law in noting that unauthorized use includes, but is not limited to
the following types of activities.
Harassment or threats to specific individuals, or
a class of individuals:
- Transmitting unsolicited information that contains
obscene, indecent, lewd or lascivious material or other material
which explicitly or implicitly refers to sexual conduct.
- Using e-mail or newsgroups to threaten or stalk
someone.
- Transmitting unsolicited information that contains
profane language or panders to bigotry, sexism, or other forms of
prohibited discrimination.
Interference or impairment to the activities of
others:
- Creating, modifying, executing or retransmitting
any computer program or instructions intended to: (1) obscure the
true identity of the sender of electronic mail or electronic messages,
such as the forgery of electronic mail or the alteration of system
or user data used to identify the sender of electronic e-mail; (2)
bypass, subvert, or otherwise render ineffective the security or
access control measures on any network or computer system without
the permission of the owner; or (3) examine or collect data from
the network (e.g., a "network sniffer" program).
- Authorizing another person or organization to
use your computer accounts or Rice network resources. You are responsible
for all use of your accounts. You must take all reasonable precautions,
including password maintenance and file protection measures, to
prevent use of your account by unauthorized persons. You must not
share your password with anyone else or provide access to Rice network
resources to unauthorized persons.
- Communicating or using any password, personal
identification number, credit card number or other personal or financial
information without the permission of its owner.
Unauthorized access and use of the resources of
others:
- Use of University resources to gain unauthorized
access to resources of this or other institutions, organizations,
or individuals.
- Use of false or misleading information for the
purpose of obtaining access to unauthorized resources.
- Accessing, altering, copying, moving, or removing
information, proprietary software or other files (including programs,
libraries, data and electronic mail) from any network system or
files of other users without prior authorization (e.g., use of a
"network sniffer" program).
- Making unauthorized copies of copyrighted materials.
You should assume all software, graphic images, music, and the like
are copyrighted. Copying or downloading copyrighted materials without
the authorization of the copyright owner is against the law, and
may result in civil and criminal penalties, including fines and
imprisonment.
Damage or impairment of University resources:
- Use of any resource irresponsibly or in a manner
that adversely affects the work of others. This includes intentionally,
recklessly or negligently (1) damaging any system (e.g., by the
introduction of any so-called "virus", "worm", or "trojan-horse"
program), (2) damaging or violating the privacy of information not
belonging to you, or (3) misusing or allowing misuse of system resources.
- Use of University resources for non-University
related activities that unduly increase network load (e.g., chain
mail, network games and spamming).
Unauthorized commercial activities:
- Using University resources for one's own commercial
gain, or for other commercial purposes not officially approved by
the University, including web ads.
- Using University resources to operate or support
a non-University related business.
- Use of University resources in a manner inconsistent
with the University's contractual obligations to suppliers of those
resources or with any published University policy.
Violation of city, state or federal laws:
- Pirating software, music and images.
- Effecting or receiving unauthorized electronic
transfer of funds.
- Disseminating child pornography or other obscene
material.
- Violating any laws or participating in the commission
or furtherance of any crime or other unlawful or improper purpose.
When Inappropriate Use of Computer Resources Occurs
The use of University resources is a privilege. The
resources have always been, and will remain, the property of the University.
It is your responsibility to promptly report any
violation of this policy or other University code, policy or guideline.
In addition, you must report any information relating to a flaw in
or bypass of resource security to violation@rice.edu.
Reports of unauthorized use or misuse of the resources
will be investigated pursuant to standard University procedures. All
illegal activities will be reported to local, state or federal authorities,
as appropriate, for investigation and prosecution.
While the University desires to maintain user privacy
and to avoid the unnecessary interruption of user activities, the
University reserves the right to investigate unauthorized or improper
use of University resources, which may include the inspection of data
stored or transmitted on the network. In the event that use is determined
to be contrary to University policy or applicable law, appropriate
measures will be taken. These measures may include, but are not limited
to, permanent or temporary suspension of user privileges, deletion
of files, disconnection from the Rice network, referral to student
or employee disciplinary processes, and cooperating with the appropriate
law enforcement officials and government agencies.
The University is not responsible for information,
including photographic images and musical recordings, published on
or accessible through personal web pages, including personal home
pages. The University does not monitor the contents of these personal
web pages. The individual or group creating or maintaining personal
web pages is solely responsible for the content of the web page and
may be held civilly and criminally liable for the materials posted
on the web site. University guidelines for creating and maintaining
web pages may be found on the Information Technology web page.
Information on Applicable Laws and Statutes
All users of the University computer and information
resources are expected to be familiar with and to abide by University
codes and policies, as well as local, state and federal laws relating
to electronic media, copyrights, privacy, and security. A discussion
of these laws and their relationship to the appropriate use of University
resources may be found on the Information Technology web page.
Questions Relating to This Policy
The examples of unauthorized use set forth above
are not meant to be exhaustive. Answers to commonly asked questions
about the appropriate use of University computer and information network
resources and examples of actions that would violate this policy are
discussed on the Information Technology web page. Additional questions
about this policy or of the applicability of this policy to a particular
situation should be referred to violation@rice.edu.
The Vice President for Information Technology is the final authority
on questions of appropriate use of University resources. Whenever
you are in doubt regarding an issue of questionable use, it is in
your best interest to resolve the issue before pursuing any questionable
use of University resources.
original signed by Malcolm Gillis
February 15, 1999
