THE UNIVERSITY OF WYOMING
Laramie, Wyoming
UNIREG 690
August 9, 1993
UNIVERSITY REGULATION 690
Initiating
Authority: Special Assistant to the President for Information Technology
Subject: Proper use of computing and data communications facilities operated by the Division of Information Technology
References: (a) Wyoming State Statutes 6-3-501 through 6-3-505, 1977
(b) Regulations of the Trustees, Chapters V, VI, and VIII
(c) University Regulations 30, 42, 174, 178, 229, 230, 232, and 243
1. PURPOSE. To disseminate guidelines for the proper use of computing and data communications facilities operated by the Division of Information Technology and to outline the actions and processes available for dealing with improper use.
2. AUTHORIZATION TO USE COMPUTING AND DATA COMMUNICATIONS FACILITIES ("FACILITIES"). Authorization to use the facilities is granted to students, faculty, and staff for specified purposes. It is the responsibility of each individual to protect their access privileges, including any access codes or passwords, so that they are not used by any unauthorized person.
3. ACCESS TO STUDENT INFORMATION. Access to and dissemination of official student data or information is governed by the "Buckley Amendment" (PL-380)(Reference: University Regulation 243).
4. PROPER USE OF THE FACILITIES. The facilities are supported by State funds and are intended to be used primarily for University related work. Proper use includes using the facilities for homework, class projects, sanctioned research projects, business operations of the University, or use directed by a University administrator, faculty, or staff member.
5. IMPROPER USE OF THE FACILITIES. Improper use includes, but is not limited to, use for personal gain; use which intentionally interferes with legitimate use by others; and, use which is threatening to others, including sexual harassment.
6. STATE STATUTES. The referenced state statutes cover computer crime and include definitions and remedies for (1) crimes against intellectual property, (2) crimes against computer equipment and supplies, (3) crimes regarding interruption or impairment of governmental operations or public services, and (4) crimes against other computer users. Violation of these laws can be considered either misdemeanors or felonies, depending upon the circumstances. The laws provide for fines up to $10,000 and/or imprisonment up to ten years.
7. SOFTWARE PIRACY. Making unauthorized copies of computer software is usually an infringement of federal copyright laws and is almost always in violation of a license agreement. Such violations can result in large costs to the University and to the individuals involved. Any indication of software piracy may be investigated as improper use.
8. PRIVACY. Data or information stored in the facilities is considered as an electronic extension of an individual's personal work area. It cannot be inspected, copied, or otherwise tampered with unless permission is given by the owner, except during administration of the facilities by Information Technology, as demanded by due process of law, or as determined to be in the best interests of the University.
9. INVESTIGATING SUSPECTED IMPROPER USE. The Division of Information Technology may investigate any complaint or indication of misuse of the facilities it operates. This is considered administration of the facilities. During an investigation, only authorized Information Technology personnel and, as appropriate, law enforcement personnel, may review data, programs, computer activity traces, or backup information which are pertinent to the investigation. During an investigation of improper use, any person implicated may be denied access to the facilities.
10. REMEDIES. The referenced University Regulations which are applicable to misuse of the facilities cover misconduct, sanctions, disciplinary actions, and dismissal. Any hearing, appeal or disciplinary action which results from misuse of the facilities will be conducted according to these regulations. In addition to the administrative actions provided by the University Regulations, any suspected violation of a state or federal law will be referred to the appropriate law enforcement agencies for independent investigation.
APPROVED: August 9 1993
Terry P. Roark
President