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Acceptable Computer Use Policy - Students
In support of the University's mission of teaching, research, and service, SDSU Information Technology Services provides computing, networking, and information resources to the University community of students, faculty and staff.
Rights and Responsibilities
Computers and networks can provide access to resources on and off campus, as well as the ability to communicate with other users worldwide. Such open access is a privilege, and requires that individual users act responsibly. Users must respect the rights of other users, respect the integrity of the systems and related physical resources, and observe all relevant laws, regulations, and contractual obligations. System administrators may access user files as necessary to protect the integrity of computer systems. For example, system administrators may examine files or accounts that are suspected of unauthorized use or misuse, or that have been corrupted or damaged.
Existing Legal Context
All existing laws (federal and state) and University regulations and policies apply, including not only those laws and regulations that are specific to computers and networks, but also those that may apply generally to personal conduct. Misuse of computing, networking, or information resources may result in the loss of computing privileges. Additionally, misuse can be prosecuted under applicable statutes. Users may be held accountable for their conduct under any applicable University or campus policies, procedures, or collective bargaining agreements. Complaints alleging misuse of SDSU Information Technology Services resources will be directed to those responsible for investigating and taking appropriate disciplinary action. Illegal reproduction of software protected by U.S. Copyright Law is subject to civil damages and criminal penalties including fines and imprisonment. The SDSU Virus Policy must be followed.
Examples of Misuse
» Using a computer account that an individual is not authorized to use.
» Using the campus network (SDSUN) to gain unauthorized access to any computer systems.
» Performing an act which will interfere with the normal operation of computers, terminals, peripherals, or networks.
» Running or installing on any computer system or network, or giving to another user, a program intended to damage or to place excessive load on a computer system or network. This includes but is not limited to programs known as computer viruses, Trojan horses, and worms.
» Attempting to circumvent data protection schemes or uncover security loopholes.
» Violating terms of applicable software licensing agreements or copyright laws.
» Deliberately wasting computer resources.
» Using the computer network for commercial advertising or other commercial gain.
» Using electronic mail, IRC, Chat, or other computer-mediated communication system to harass others.
» Masking the identity of an account or machine.
» Posting materials on electronic bulletin boards that violate existing laws or the University's codes of conduct.
» Attempting to monitor or tamper with another user's electronic communications, or reading, copying, changing, or deleting another user's files or software without the explicit agreement of the owner.
» Installing or running a server or any machine connected to the SDSU network for the purpose of distributing unauthorized copyrighted material of any form. Some examples - programs that are not shareware or demos; copyrighted movies or music files taken from copyrighted sources (i.e., CD-ROM, movie soundtracks); serial number lists (i.e., serial numbers for copyrighted materials)
Activities will not be considered misuse when authorized by SDSU Information Technology Services for security or performance testing.
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