Code of Computing Practices

Access to computer systems and networks owned or operated by Ouachita Baptist University imposes certain responsibilities on users and obligations to users and is granted subject to University policies. Acceptable use always is ethical, reflects academic honesty, and shows restraint in the consumption of shared resources. It demonstrates respect for intellectual property, ownership of data, system security mechanisms, and individuals’ rights to privacy and to freedom from intimidation, harassment, and malicious annoyance. Violations to this code will be reviewed through established procedures and could result in restrictions, expulsion, or criminal procedures. Punitive actions may be appealed through the same procedures.

GUIDELINES

In making acceptable use of resources you must:

• use resources only for authorized purposes.
• protect your account and system from unauthorized access. (You are responsible for all activities on your account or that originate from your system.)
• access only files and data that are your own, that are publicly available, or to which you have been given authorized access.
• use only legal versions of copyrighted software in compliance with vendor license requirements.
• be considerate in your use of shared resources by refraining from monopolizing systems, overloading networks with excessive data, or wasting computer time, connect time, disk space, printer paper, or other resources.
• abide by restrictions associated with your account.

In making acceptable use of resources you must NOT:

• disclose privileged or sensitive information to which you have access other than in the course of official university business.
• use another person’s system, account, password, files, or data without permission.
• use computer programs to decode passwords or access control information.
• attempt to circumvent or subvert system or network security measures.
• engage in any activity that might be harmful to systems or to any information stored thereon, such as creating or propagating viruses, disrupting services, or damaging data.
• use university systems for commercial or partisan political purposes, such as using electronic mail to circulate advertising for products or for political candidates.
• make or use illegal copies of copyrighted material, store such copies on university systems, or transmit them over university networks.
• use mail, messaging services, or social media to harass, intimidate, or otherwise annoy another person, for example, by broadcasting unsolicited messages or sending unwanted mail.
• waste computing resources, for example, by intentionally placing a program in an endless loop or by printing excessive amounts of paper.
• use the university’s systems or networks for personal gain, for example, by selling access to your account or to university systems or networks, or by performing work for profit with university resources in a manner not authorized by the university.
• engage in any other activity that does not comply with the Code of Computing presented above.

LEGAL NOTE

Unauthorized copying or use of digital material (e.g. Computer software, movies, music, intellectual material) is ILLEGAL and unethical. Ouachita Baptist University strictly prohibits copying licensed software. Users are allowed, however, to make a copy for backup or archival purposes of duly licensed software. Ouachita will not knowingly encourage, condone or support the illegal acquisitions, possession, or distribution of copyright protected materials in any form. Specifically, if the University becomes aware of persons utilizing the Campus network for such purposes, those persons could be considered in violation of this Code of Computing Practice, and appropriate actions will be taken. If you are in doubt about whether you own a legal copy of your digital material, you may contact the Information Technology Services Department for assistance.

DISCLAIMER

The above does not cover every situation that pertains to proper or improper use of the computing resources at Ouachita Baptist University, but it does suggest some of the responsibilities that you accept if you choose to use Ouachita’s computing resources or any network access that the university provides. This code is intended to work for the benefit of all users by encouraging responsible use of limited computing resources.