Right to Use University Resources

The right to use computing and telecommunications resources can be revoked if misused or abused, even if unintentionally. Activities and products must be consistent with the University's academic ethics including guidelines on computer security, prohibition of racial and sexual harassment, academic misconduct, nondiscrimination, confidentiality of records, appropriate use of computing facilities, as well as federal and state computer crimes statutes.

In appropriate circumstances, acts of copyright infringement will result in termination of the right to use such resources. (See the University Libraries site on copyright clearance).

Since it is impossible to anticipate every possible violation, it is incumbent upon users to weigh their actions against the purpose and examples provided in this policy statement.

Violations include but are not limited to:

commercial activities not approved by the University
using this medium to harass or to create, store, or transmit libelous or obscene materials
designing and operating games not related to the University programs and mission
copyright and licensing infractions
infringing on rights of personal privacy
vandalism, mischief, or negligence that incapacitates, compromises, or destroys University resources or violates federal or state laws.

Samples of infractions are:

commercial advertising
providing copies of software, written material, or music not in the public domain without the copyright holder's expressed permission
posting private personal information without permission. This includes grades, medical records, or any other information that is protected by laws or University policies on confidentiality
providing information or instructions on ways to compromise University security measures
repeated use of poorly written code (e.g. PHP) that opens up security vulnerabilities for sites on the University network

University Web resources are intended to support the work of University faculty, staff, students, and recognized units and programs of the University. Sites established on behalf of non-University organizations, firms, or individuals may not be hosted on servers connected to the University network. Requests for exceptions will be reviewed by the University Web Group.

The University's agent to receive notifications of copyright infringement is Richard S. Crummins, Associate University Counsel, University of Rochester, 263 Wallis Hall, Rochester, NY 14627 (585-275-6649, voice; 585-244-2629, fax; rcrummins@admin.rochester.edu)

Content last modified: Tuesday, 17-May-2005 14:53:47 EDT
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