Student Computing Resources
Agreement
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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