search articles: 

   from the issue of September 30, 2004

     
 
Be careful how you use your work computer

In January 1998, the University of Nebraska adopted a policy designed to provide guidelines on the responsible use of our university electronic information systems. This is commonly called the "computer use policy."

While most computer users are aware that the university has such a policy, not everyone knows where it is located, what it really means, what happens if it is violated or who can answer questions about it. And with the ever-increasing use of computers on campus, it is important to know how this policy may impact your online activity.

The computer use policy is contained in the President's Executive Memorandum Number 16, Policy for Responsible Use of University Computers and Information Systems and can be found online in the Bylaws and Policies section of the University of Nebraska website, www.nebraska.edu/about/about_bylaws.shtml. This policy applies to students, faculty, staff and indeed all information system users. It defines permitted uses, as well as misuse, of computing resources. These rules apply whether the user is accessing the university's systems on campus, when working at home on a university-supplied computer, and when accessing university applications such as SAP, Lotus Notes or the Student Information System from any location.

The "highpoints" of the policy are:

• The university's information technology is to be used mostly for university-related business. This includes university PCs, laptops, networks and computer applications for which the university is responsible. Personal use, such as an e-mail to family or quick Internet browsing, is usually permitted as long as that use complies with the policy, doesn't negatively impact the employee's performance, and does not interfere with other university computers, business or other operations. However, employees should discuss the matter with their supervisor.

• The viewing, downloading or e-mailing of obscene material is strictly prohibited.

• Remember that the university is an agency of the State of Nebraska, and its employees are not allowed to use state property for personal commercial applications. Employees are not allowed to use university PCs, laptops or e-mail systems in connection with a personal business or consulting job outside of their university jobs unless the Board of Regents approves that use.

• While the university values the privacy of its computer users, computer technicians are permitted to access files on your computer to repair and maintain the computer system. On the other hand, if misuse is alleged, technicians may access any and all data and information on your computer, but only after the university's attorneys have been consulted.

• Using university computer equipment to download copyrighted material, such as music, movies or someone else's research, without the copyright owner's permission is a violation of this policy. It's likely a violation of federal law, too.

If it is determined that a violation of the computer use policy has occurred, the employee may be disciplined through regular faculty, employee or student processes. The employee may also be denied further access to his or her computer, the university's computer network, or UNL e-mail systems. And because some violations of the policy are also violations of the law, the matter may be turned over to law enforcement officials.

If you have questions or concerns about the Policy for Responsible Use of University Computers and Information Systems, please contact Kent Hendrickson, the UNL associate vice chancellor for Information Services, at 472-2311.

About this series

This column is one in a series by Mike Carr, Computing Services Network information security officer for the University of Nebraska. Each month, he will address computer news and safety.


GO TO: ISSUE OF SEPTEMBER 30

NEWS HEADLINES FOR SEPTEMBER 30

Nunez, IRP keep the information flowing
Grant aids American Indians in mental-health-care research
Grant focuses on math transitions
Seminars tackle U.S. role in world
A Piece of University History
A Tepee Goes Up On Campus
Be careful how you use your work computer
Campus announces Internet access changes

731854S33682X