Common Policy Questions and Answers

Can I let my friend use one of my Rice computing accounts?
No. The policy explicitly states, "You must not share your password with anyone else or provide access to Rice network resources to unauthorized persons." Members of the Rice community who are eligible can obtain their own computing account.

What can I put on my web page?
As long as the contents abide by Rice policies and other laws, you have complete control over your web page. You may wish to see what others have done to get ideas for your web page. Be advised that you should carefully consider the consequences of putting personal information on your page where it is accessible by so many people.

The university does not monitor the contents of personal web pages, however, it does respond to complaints. Copyright violations are the most commonly reported problem with web pages. Copyrighted materials include images, sound recordings (such as MP3s), photographs, software and more. Rice will take action to ensure copyrighted materials are removed.

What is the fair use copyright law?
Copyright law is a complex matter; for more informaiton see Computer Use Policy Informative Links .

Can I use my web page to promote my business?
No. Commercial usage of Rice computing resources (except for approved university related organizations or events) is not allowed.  If you are running your own web server on your personal computer and are using Rice's wireless network or the connection ports to the Rice's wired network from your college room or office, the connection and networks are considered a Rice resource, so commercial usage is forbidden.

What should I do if I receive unwanted e-mail?
If you repeatedly receive unwanted mass mailings from the same e-mail address, you should ask to be removed from the mailing list. If you have only received 1 message, you probably shouldn't respond since it may be a one time only event and might create more of a network load if everyone responds to be removed. You can report Rice individuals who send mass mailings to violation@rice.edu . Be aware that we cannot control the actions of individuals outside of Rice.

If you receive harassing e-mail from a Rice individual you can request that they stop or if this is uncomfortable or ineffective, send e-mail to violation@rice.edu .

If you receive harassing e-mail  involving serious threats, contact the Rice University Police Department for advice.

If you receive a chain letter, do not respond or forward the message. This is a violation of the computing policy. Most chain letters or messages warning about computer viruses are designed to clog the networks with unnecessary mail. 

How often should I change my password?
You should change your password on a regular basis, such as every month or two. Change it immediately if you think it has been compromised.

Other security tips:

• Use a different password for each of your accounts.
• Don't select a "guessable" password, such as one based on your name or birth date. Try mixing a number or other character in a word. Many campus systems already have security precautions that prevent you from selecting any words found in a dictionary.

Can alumni or non-Rice people use the campus computing labs?
No. Campus computing labs are only for use by current students, faculty, and staff.

What should I do if I know about computing policy violations?
You must report violations by sending e-mail to violation@rice.edu . According to the policy, "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."

What happens if I violate the computing policy?
Violations of the computing policy will be handled by the resource administrators and then escalated to the Honor Council, University Court and other Rice judicial systems as needed. Punishment might include suspension of user privileges (permanently or temporarily), deletion of files, disconnection from the Rice network, or other measures as decided by the proper student or employee disciplinary processes. Illegal activities will be reported to proper local, state or federal authorities.

How can I find out if an action violates the computing policy?
For the most part abiding by the policy simply involves responsible and courteous behavior. Don't take any action that would disrupt the work of others or access resources that you are unauthorized to use. Read the complete policy, and if you are unsure, ask before you take action by sending email to violation@rice.edu . If you don't know how to use a resource, learn first. Misuse of resources includes working irresponsibly as well as actions that are intentional, reckless or negligent.