Acceptable Use Policy

The College has adopted the following ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY for COMPUTER FACILITIES. Please review its contents carefully. As a user of the College network, you are expected to adhere to the rules and regulations set forth in this document.

INTRODUCTION: This policy is designed to guide students, faculty, staff and others in the acceptable use of computer and information systems and networks provided by the State University of New York at Farmingdale. More importantly, it is meant as an application of the principles concerning the use of the network in a legal, ethical, collegial and nondestructive manner.

GUIDING PRINCIPLES: The State University of New York at Farmingdale 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 should be allowed for the interest, information and enlightenment of the State University of New York at Farmingdale community. Consistent with other University policies, this policy is intended to 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. Also consistent with other University policies, an individual's right of access to computer materials should not be denied or abridged because of race, creed, color, age, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, or disability.

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 e-mail 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.

RESPONSIBILITIES: The State University of New York at Farmingdale reserves the right to monitor its computing resources to protect the integrity of its computing systems, workstations, and lab facilities.

Users are responsible for all use of their computer account(s). They should make appropriate use of the system and network-provided protection features and take precautions against others obtaining access to their computer resources.

Individual password security is the responsibility of each user.

Abuse of computer resources is prohibited. Abuse includes, but is not limited to:

· Using the network for personal profit.

· Attempting to intentionally interfere with the performance of the network

· Interfering with the legitimate work of other users.

· Accessing another individual's account, private files, or e-mail without permission of the owner.

· Misrepresenting one's identity in electronic communication.

· Unauthorized copying or transmission of software.

· Abusing any interconnected network such as the Internet.

· Using the network to attempt to violate any connected computer system's security.

· Using the network to spread computer viruses, trojan horses, worms or any program designed to violate security, interfere with the proper operation of any computer system or destroy another user's data.

· Disobeying lab and system policies, procedures, and protocol.

· Using computing resources to threaten or harass others.

· Using computing resources to propagate electronic chain letters.

· Using computing resources for extensive or competitive recreational game playing. (Recreational game players occupying a seat in a public computing facility must give up the use of the terminal when others who need to use the facility for academic or research purposes are waiting.)

· Using the network in a manner that violates any federal, state, or local law.

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 for electronic communications when faced with evidence of violation of University policies, or federal or local laws. The University reserves the right to limit access to its networks 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 consistent with these responsibilities and all other applicable University 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 State University of New York at Farmingdale resources will be treated as an abuse of computing privileges at the University.

When appropriate, temporary restrictive actions will be taken by system or network administrators pending further disciplinary action. The loss of computing privileges may result.

When a user ceases being a member of the campus community (e.g., withdraws, graduates, or terminates employment, or otherwise leaves the university), or is assigned a new position and/or responsibilities within the State University system, their access authorization will be reviewed. A member of the campus community may not use facilities, accounts, access codes, privileges or information for which they are not authorized in their new circumstances.

The State University of New York at Farmingdale recognizes that all members of the college 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, the State of New York, the State University of New York or SUNY networking contracts.

VIOLATIONS: Policy violations by students will be handled in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct and referred to the Vice President of Student Life or Designee for disciplinary action as appropriate.

Policy violations by University employees will be referred to the head of that employee's department and handled in accordance with disciplinary actions set forth in the Professional Handbook or other appropriate document.

In addition, illegal acts involving Farmingdale State's computing resources may also subject users to prosecution by state and/or federal authorities.