Appendix 5: RULES OF CONDUCT FOR USING COMPUTING RESOURCES AT WHITTIER COLLEGE

  • 1) Allowed and Disallowed Activities
  • 2) Assumption of Responsibility
  • 3) Restrictions on Removing or Copying Computer Resources
  • 4) Integrity of Resources
  • 5) Penalties for Abuse
  • 6) Additional Information

1) Allowed and Disallowed Activities

Whittier College provides a variety of computing resources for instructional, administrative and research activities. Individuals are granted access to college computing resources as part of their course of study or employment. Computer accounts and access codes, microcomputers and software are to be used only for the purpose for which they were intended. Except by prior arrangement, computing resources may not be used for commercial purpose or monetary gain.

2) Assumption of Responsibility

When an individual is granted access to a college computing resource, that individual assumes the responsibility of safeguarding the confidentiality and integrity of that resource. An individual can be held liable if, through negligence or deliberate action, any computing resource is compromised in any way.

Included in this is the responsibility to not reveal account number or access codes to anyone else unless fully prepared to take responsibility for their actions. Passwords should be changed on a regular basis and those that can be easily guessed should be avoided.

3) Restrictions on Removing or Copying Computer Resources

You must have the express permission of the owner or custodian to physically remove or copy any computing resources under the control of or on the premises of Whittier College. This includes the removal of equipment, documentation and/or software from its designated place without permission.

Also, the copying of software or documents is absolutely prohibited unless you are licensed to do so, have written permission of the owner of the copyright or author of the material to do so, or the software or document is in the public domain. Individuals copying shareware programs assume the responsibility of abiding by the author's registration requirements.

4) Integrity of Resources

The tampering with computing resources, physical facilities, equipment, software, files, documentation, or information associated with those resources is prohibited. This includes the unauthorized searching for account numbers, access codes, programs, files, data or documents.

5) Penalties for Abuse

Abuse of computing resources will result in disciplinary action and violators will be subject to the judicial procedures of the college. Penalties range from reprimand to dismissal and may include fines and restitution.

This policy in no way precludes prosecution under the laws of the State of California and/or the United States of America.

6) Additional Information

Address any questions regarding the ethical and legal use of Whittier College computing resources to your instructor or supervisor, or contact the Director of Computing Services (310/907-4200, ext. 4287).