Lab Use Policy

University of Utah

Student Computing Facilities

Acceptable Use Policy

I.      INTRODUCTION

The University of Utah Student Computing Labs are intended to be used for educational purposes and the legitimate business of the University in a manner consistent with the public trust.

This policy establishes guidelines for appropriate use of student-fee funded Student Computing Facilities.

II.      REFERENCES

University of Utah Policy and Procedures:

1-15:    Information Resources Policy    http://www.admin.utah.edu/ppmanual/1/1-15.html
2-32:    Discrimination and Sexual Harassment    http://www.admin.utah.edu/ppmanual/2/2‑32.html
2-6A:   Sexual Harassment and Consensual Relationships    http://www.admin.utah.edu/ppmanual/2/2‑6a.html
8-10:    Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities    http://www.admin.utah.edu/ppmanual/8/8‑10.html
8-12:    Code of Faculty Rights and Responsibilities    http://www.admin.utah.edu/ppmanual/8/8‑12‑1.html
2-9:      Staff Disciplinary Actions and Dismissal    http://www.admin.utah.edu/ppmanual/2/2‑9.html

III.            ACCESS TO STUDENT COMPUTING LABS

A. Student computing labs are funded primarily from student computing fees and are for the use of University of Utah students, faculty and staff.  Others may use these labs as participants in University sponsored activities.  Labs may develop procedures to issue temporary passes to participants in University sponsored activities.

B. Individuals using the facilities may be asked to verify their University status by showing a University ID or by logging into computer systems.  Individuals not authorized to use the facility may be required to leave.

C. Computer Accounts are assigned to control access to some computing resources.

1. Users are responsible for all uses of the Computer Account.  User IDs and passwords must not be shared with other users.  Users must log out at the end of each session.

2. Knowingly using a Computer Account assigned to another person is a violation of University policy.

IV.           USE OF STUDENT COMPUTING LABS

A. Appropriate use of computing resources, which are supported by student fees, include academic study, instruction, and independent study or research.  University related work by departments and recognized student and campus organizations of the University are acceptable.

B. Inappropriate uses include interfering with the work of others, wasting resources, using the resource for private economic purposes, gambling, and any activities that involve the violation of state or federal laws and University policies and procedures.  During peak times when computer workstations are in demand, recreational use such as playing games may be disallowed.

C. The University of Utah endorses and promotes intellectual and academic freedom principles and encourages access to information.  While users generally have the right to read and view materials of their choice, this right is balanced by the rights of others to work in a setting free of intimidation, harassment, or hostility.  Child pornography and obscenity are illegal.  Activities that create a hostile and/or intimidating environment for others are prohibited under University of Utah Policy and Procedure 2-6A and 2-32.

V.      ACADEMIC ENVIRONMENT

A. Users are expected to respect the rights of other users to create an environment suitable to academic pursuits.  The following activities are prohibited.

1. Activities that disrupt the work of others, including but not limited to unnecessary noise.

2. Activities that encroach on others' legitimate expectations of privacy.

B. Users are expected to behave in ways that enhance the environment for others and  promote the reliable operation of laboratory computer systems.

1. Eating or drinking in the labs is prohibited.

2. Users must cooperate with the staff of the computing facility and behave in a respectful manner to them.

3. Users must not abuse laboratory computer systems or other equipment.

4. Users should report problems with computer lab equipment.

C. Parents are responsible for their minor children's behavior, safety, and the content of information resources viewed or accessed by them in University facilities.  Children  who are not University of Utah students or participants in University sponsored activities must  not be allowed to use lab systems or interfere with the work of others.  Children must not be left unattended in lab facilities.

VI.   COPYRIGHT PROTECTION

Users must not make or use illegal copies of copyrighted or patented materials, information, or software, or to store such copies on University systems, or to transmit such information and software over University Networks.

Almost all forms of original expression that are fixed in a tangible medium are subject to copyright protection, even if no formal copyright notice is attached.  Written text, video, recorded sound, digital images, and computer software are some examples of works that are usually copyrighted.

For more information regarding copyrights please refer to the following site: http://www.lib.utah.edu/circ/copyrightpage.htm

VII.  USE OF STUDENT COMPUTING LAB HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE

A. Some lab systems are configured for specific applications such as image scanning, video editing, teleconferencing, or similar purposes.  Users who require the specific resources provided by these systems have priority.

B. Users are required to use the lab computer in a manner that does not have a detrimental impact on the stability and functionality of the systems or networks.  The following activities are specifically prohibited.

1. Changing system or software configurations

2. Installing any software without prior permission from lab staff.

3. Disconnecting hardware, installing hardware, or changing hardware configurations.

4. Engaging in any activity intended to compromise system security, compromise the privacy of other users, or obstruct the work of others.  This  includes but is not limited to port scanning, network sniffing, keystroke logging, using remote control software, password cracking, and similar activities.

5. Using lab systems to attack, interfere with the proper operation of, or compromise the security of other computer or network systems.

6. Using lab systems to send forged e-mail, send bulk mail, send unsolicited commercial e-mail, or to fraudulently misrepresent the user=s identity in any communication.

7. Using lab systems to initiate any communication intended to intimidate, coerce, harass, or threaten others.

8. Using lab systems to distribute or develop viruses, worms, or similar software.

9. Illegally sharing copyrighted materials with others.

10. Installing any server software such as FTP, telnet/ssh, Web, SMTP, file sharing, and game servers. This includes but is not limited to "peer to peer" file sharing software such as KaZaA, Gnutella, or similar programs.

11. Some labs permit attachment of FireWire and USB devices such as cameras and camcorders for course-related work.  Other labs impose more restrictive rules.  Check with laboratory staff for specific information regarding these uses.

C. Laptops may only be connected to network jacks specifically provided for this purpose.  Disconnecting lab systems to connect laptop computers is prohibited.  Connecting laptops to unused network jacks is also prohibited.  All use of laptops in University computing facilities is governed by University policies and state and federal law.

VIII. POLICY ENFORCEMENT

A violation of the provisions of this policy may result in the withdrawal of access and may subject the user to disciplinary action or academic sanctions consistent with University policies and procedures.

All criminal activities will be referred to University Police, State and/or Federal agencies.

Rev. 7/26/02

Reviewed by University of Utah Office of Legal Counsel  July, 2002.