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The primary purpose of Mayville State University’s provision of access to notebook computers, network resources, and computer support services is to facilitate education and research consistent with the educational objectives of MaSU.  The privilege of using the computing resources provided by the University is not transferable or extendible by members of the university community to people or groups outside the University.

As covered under State Board of Higher Education Policy 1901.2, all users of MaSU’s data processing capabilities are required to comply with the following:

1. All employees, students and other users of NDUS computing facilities shall comply with applicable laws, policies and procedures.  “Computing facilities” means computing resources and network systems, including, but not limited to, computer time, data processing or storage functions, computers, computer systems, servers, networks and their input and output and connecting devices, and any related programs, software and documentation.
2. Users shall not examine, change, or use another person’s or institutional files, output, or usernames for which they do not have explicit authorization.  Users shall not represent themselves as another individual in electronic communication.  The use of anonymous mailers is prohibited.
3. User accounts are assigned to a specific individual at a specific entity and may not be shared.  When a specific affiliation is terminated, the university system or entity may terminate the user’s account, transfer the account, continue the account for a limited time or temporarily redirect incoming e-mail.  Access or attempts to gain access to university system computing facilities for any unauthorized purpose, including attempts to obtain, modify, or destroy information or degrade performance, is forbidden.
4. Users shall not use computing facilities for any illegal purpose or to enter or send any materials including chain letters, that is obscene or defamatory, or to enter or send material that is intended to annoy, harass or alarm another person which serves no legitimate purpose.
5. Users shall not infringe on the intellectual property of  others.  All users shall use software only in accordance with applicable license agreements.
a. Users shall not make unauthorized copies of any software under any circumstances.  Duplication of licensed software for any purpose except for backup and archival purposes or when otherwise specifically authorized is prohibited.
b. All software must be lawfully purchased or acquired.  Users shall not install or use software on university system computing facilities in a manner contrary to law or this policy.
6. Use of computing facilities and databases shall be limited to the purpose(s) for which access is granted.  Use of computing facilities or data bases for political purposes, for personal or private use or for profit unless such use is specifically authorized, or for other purposes not related to the employee’s or other user’s duties or purposes for which access is granted, is prohibited.

In reference to item “6” above, students are authorized to use notebook computers and network service for incidental personal use, provided this use does not interfere with the educational objectives of MaSU or overload network resources, thereby denying it to others.  Students may not use computing resources for partisan political purposes.  However, communication with politicians on issues concerning students is permitted.

The existing rules governing the use of print media mailboxes apply to e-mail and network broadcasts.  Students or recognized student organizations may request permission to send e-mail messages to groups of faculty, staff and/or students by contacting the Vice President for Student Affairs.  Non-university related e-mail sent to large groups of users is prohibited.

Repeated minor infractions of the policies stated in this document or violations of a serious nature may result in the temporary or permanent loss of network access and/or notebook computer use.  (Initial _____)  More serious violations include, but are not limited to, extending computing resources to unauthorized users, attempts to steal passwords or data, unauthorized use of copying of licensed software, unauthorized use of another’s account, or overloading network resources thereby denying it to others.

Users do not own accounts on the MaSU network, but are granted the privilege of exclusive use.  Under the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, users are entitled to privacy regarding information contained in these accounts.  This act, however, allows system administrators or other campus employees to access user files in the normal course of their employment when necessary to protect the integrity of computer systems or the rights or property of the institution.  For example, system administrators may examine or make copies of files that are suspected of misuse or that have been corrupted or damaged.  User files may be subject to search by law enforcement agencies under court order if such files contain information that may be used as evidence in a court of law.

The term of this Agreement begins December 18, 1998 and ends May 7, 1998.  If I fail to return the computer by the agreement ending date, I realize that I am subject to a $100 late penalty and criminal prosecution or civil liability and agree to pay the replacement cost of the computer. (_______)  It is the student’s responsibility to insure the notebook computer against damage and/or theft. (________)  Furthermore, I am responsible for any damage to the computer.  I must return the computer and assorted peripherals to the MaSU Help Desk, in the same condition as on the agreement beginning date, reasonable wear and tear excepted.  I will be charged a fee for any needed repairs. (_______)  I also understand that it is my responsibility to give written notice to the MaSU Help Desk on any address or phone number changes. (_______)

Part-time students may checkout a computer  before class and must return the computer after class unless other arrangements have been made.  The maximum check out period will be 16 hours Monday through Friday.  Laptops maybe checked out over the weekend, but arrangements must be made in advance.  You are NOT guaranteed that you will receive the same laptop each time you check it out, so you are advised not to save files on the hard drive. (_______)
 

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