"Respect for intellectual labor and creativity is vital to academic discourse and enterprise. This principle applies to works of all authors and publishers in all media. It encompasses respect for the right to acknowledgment, the right to privacy, and the right to determine the form, manner, and terms of publication and distribution. Because electronic information is volatile and easily reproduced, respect for the work and personal expression of others is especially critical in computer environments. Violations of authorial integrity, including plagiarism, invasion of privacy, unauthorized access, and trade secret and copyright violations, may be grounds for sanctions against members of the academic community." The EDUCOM Code.
This document constitutes a university-wide policy for the appropriate use of all KSU computing and network resources. It is intended to provide effective protection of individual users, equitable access, and proper management of those resources. These guidelines are intended to supplement, not replace, all existing laws, regulations, agreements, and contracts which currently apply to those resources.
Access to KSU networks and computer systems is granted subject to University policies and local, state, and federal laws. Appropriate use should always be legal and ethical, reflect academic honesty and community standards, and show restraint in the consumption of shared resources. It should demonstrate respect for intellectual property; ownership of data; system security mechanisms; and individuals' rights to privacy, freedom of speech, and freedom from intimidation, harassment, and unwarranted annoyance.
The University is not responsible for unacceptable or unethical use of the information technology environment including computer and computer networks or electronic communication system.
Appropriate use of information technology resources includes instruction; independent study; authorized research; independent research; and official work of the offices, units, recognized student and campus organizations, and agencies of the University.
Authorized use of KSU-owned or operated computing and network resources is consistent with the education, research, and service mission of the University, and consistent with this policy.
Authorized users are: (1) faculty, staff, and students of the University; (2) anyone connecting from a public information service; (3) others whose access furthers the mission of the University and whose usage does not interfere with other users' access to resources. In addition, a user must be specifically authorized to use a particular computing or network resource by the campus unit responsible for operating the resource.
Acceptable conduct in and use of this environment must conform with: existing University policies, guidelines, and codes of conduct; KSU's Web, E-Mail, Intellectual Property and Information Resource Policies; Kansas Board of Regents policies and guidelines; the usage guidelines of other networks linked to KSU's networks or computer systems, and existing local, state and federal laws.
Therefore, any misuse or violation of KSU's information-technology environment will be judged in accordance with those published policies and rules of conduct, including, but not limited to, the KSU Student Handbook, the Student Governing Association Conduct Code, the University's Policy Prohibiting Racial and/or Ethnic Harassment, the University's Policy Prohibiting Sexual Harassment, the Faculty Handbook and the University Policy and Procedures Manual.
It is your responsibility to be aware of the potential for and possible effects of manipulating information, especially in electronic form, to understand the changeable nature of electronically stored information, and to continuously verify the integrity and completeness of information that you compile or use. You are responsible for the security and integrity of University information stored on your individual computing desktop system.
Authorized access to data or information entails both privilege and responsibility, not only for the user, but also for the system administrator. In general, the university will treat information stored on computers as confidential. However, there is no expectation of privacy or confidentiality for documents and messages stored on University-owned equipment. Additionally, e-mail and data stored on KSU's network of computers may be accessed by the university for the following purposes:
* The system administrator will need specific approval from the Vice Provost for Information Technology Services or the appropriate designee to access these items. The extent of the access will be limited to what is essentially necessary to acquire the information.
To the greatest extent possible in a public setting individuals' privacy should be preserved. However, privacy or confidentiality of documents and messages stored on University-owned equipment cannot be guaranteed. Users of electronic mail systems should be aware that, in addition to being subject to authorized access, electronic mail in its present form cannot be secured and is, therefore, vulnerable to unauthorized access and modification by third parties.
Use of KSU network and computer systems is conditioned upon compliance with this and other university policies and all applicable laws. Though not exhaustive, the following list is provided to emphasize that these activities are NOT allowed on KSU networks or computer systems:
In cases of doubt, users bear the burden of responsibility to inquire concerning the permissibility of external network uses, prior to execution. Such questions should be directed to the Vice Provost for Information Technology Services.
All users and units should report any discovered unauthorized access attempts or other improper usage of KSU computers, networks, or other information processing equipment. If you observe, or have reported to you, a security or abuse problem, with any University computer or network facilities, including violations of this policy, you should notify the Vice Provost for Information Technology Services, the Director of Computing & Network Services or other appropriate administrator.
Persons in violation of this policy are subject to the full range of sanctions, including the loss of computer or network access privileges without notification, disciplinary action, dismissal from the University, and legal action. Some violations may constitute criminal offenses, as outlined in Kansas statutes and other local, state, and federal laws; the University will carry out its responsibility to report such violations to the appropriate authorities.
Unit heads have the authority to deny access, for unauthorized use, to KSU's computers and network systems under their control.
Questions regarding this policy should be sent to the Director of Academic Personnel at svaldovi@k-state.edu.
