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GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY COMPUTER SYSTEMS ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY
The Law Center follows Georgetown University’s Computer Systems Acceptable Use Policy (www.georgetown.edu/policy/technology/acceptuse.htm) and Georgetown University’s Copyright in the Information Age Policy (www.georgetown.edu/policy/copyright/). General information about both is provided below. However, it is a good idea to check above to sites for any changes and/or additions.
Guiding Principles
Our community is encouraged to make innovative and creative use of information technologies in support of education and research. Access to information representing a multitude of views on current and historical issues promotes the interest, information and enlightenment of the Georgetown University community. Consistent with other University policies, the Acceptable Use and Copyright in the Information Age policies were written to promote and respect the rights and obligations of academic freedom. The University recognizes that the purpose of copyright is to protect the rights of the creators of intellectual property and to prevent the unauthorized use or sale of works available in the private sector.
The University cannot protect individuals against the existence or receipt of material that may be offensive to them. As such, those who make use of electronic communications are warned that they may come across or be recipients of material they find offensive. Those who use email and/or make information about themselves available on the Internet should be forewarned that the University cannot protect them from invasions of privacy and other possible dangers that could result from the individual’s distribution of personal information.
The University’s computing and network resources are to be used only for University-related research, instruction, learning, enrichment, dissemination of scholarly information, and administrative activities. The computing and network facilities of the University are limited, and should be used wisely and carefully with consideration for the needs of others. Computers and network systems are powerful communication tools. When used appropriately, these tools can enhance dialog and communications. However, when used unlawfully or inappropriately, they can infringe on the beliefs or rights of others.
Responsibilities
The following examples, though not covering every situation, specify some of the responsibilities that accompany computer and network use at Georgetown University.
- Users may not attempt to modify or destroy the University’s network facilities or computing systems. Users may not tamper with any software protections or restrictions placed on computer applications or files.
- Users may only use their own computer accounts. They may not supply false or misleading data, or improperly obtain another person’s account information to gain access to computers, network systems, data or information. The negligence or naiveté of another user in revealing an account name or password is not considered authorized use. Convenience of file or printer sharing is not sufficient reason for sharing a computer account. Users should not attempt to subvert the restrictions associated with their computer accounts.
- Users are responsible for all use of their computer account(s). They should make appropriate use of the system and take precautions against others obtaining access to their computer resources. Individual password security is the responsibility of each user.
- Users may not encroach on others’ use of computer resources. Such activities would include, but are not limited to, game playing; sending harassing messages; sending frivolous or excessive messages, including chain letters, junk mail, and other types of broadcast messages; using excessive amounts of storage; intentionally introducing computer viruses, worms, Trojan Horses, or other rogue programs to Georgetown University hardware or software; physically damaging systems; or running grossly inefficient programs when efficient ones are available.
- Users are responsible for following all copyright and licensing restrictions as listed in the various University policies. Georgetown University equipment and software may not be used to violate copyrights or the terms of any license agreement. No one may inspect, modify, distribute, or copy proprietary data, directories, programs, files, disks or other software without proper authorization.
- Users must remember that information distributed through the University’s computing and networking facilities is a form of publishing, and that some of the same standards apply. For example, anything generated at Georgetown University that is available on the Internet represents Georgetown University, not just an individual. Even with disclaimers, the University is represented by its students, faculty and staff: thus appropriate language, behavior and style is warranted.
Administration and Implementation
The University encourages all members of its community to use electronic communications in a manner that is respectful to others. While respecting users’ confidentiality and privacy, the University reserves the right to examine all computer files. The University takes this step to enforce its policies regarding harassment and the safety of individuals; to prevent the posting of proprietary software or electronic copies of electronic texts or images in disregard of copyright restrictions or contractual obligations; to safeguard the integrity of computers, networks, and data either at the University or elsewhere; and to protect the University against seriously damaging consequences. The University may restrict the use of its computers and network systems when faced with evidence of a violation of University policies, federal or local laws. The University reserves the right to limit access to its network through University-owned or other computers, and to remove or limit access to material posted on University-owned computers.
All users are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that is consistent with these responsibilities and policies. Abuse of computing privileges will subject the user to disciplinary action, as established by the applicable operating policies and procedures of the University. Abuse of networks or computers at other sites through the use of Georgetown University resources will be treated as an abuse of computing privileges at the University. If necessary, restrictive actions can and will be taken by system or network administrators pending further disciplinary action; the loss of computing privileges may result.
The University recognizes that all members of the University community are bound by federal and local laws relating to civil rights, harassment, copyright, security and other statutes relating to electronic media. It should be understood that this policy does not preclude enforcement under the laws and regulations of the United States of America or the District of Columbia.
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