Code of Ethics for Computing & Communications

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The following describes the privileges and responsibilities of computer users at Eastern Kentucky University. All members of the University community are expected to adhere to every aspect of the code. In addition to representing University regulations, many items are mandated by federal and state laws. Violations may result in severe penalties, up to and including expulsion or termination from the University.

1. Using Computer Resources
   
   
   1. University computer resources are provided to faculty, staff, and students for the purposes of study, research, service, and other work related activities. Because resources are limited, all computer users must respect the priority of these purposes at all times.
      
      

      1. To support these purposes, the University provides users with computers, peripherals, software, networks, and electronic communication services, including electronic mail, Internet access and Web storage. No other uses of these devices or services may interfere with the user's responsibilities to the University, nor conflict with other parts of this code. For example, computer users engaged in activities that are not directly related to work, study, research or university related service must yield access to their computers to others who need them.
      2. Computer users must not share accounts with ineligible parties (such as friends or relatives), acquire accounts for which they are ineligible, or maintain accounts no longer serving their assigned purpose.
      3. Any use of data and voice network systems that are owned or maintained by Eastern Kentucky University must conform to U.S. and international copyright and licensing laws and their acceptable use provisions. Such use must also comply with laws defined by the Digital Millennium Copyright Act of 1998. The transmission or storage of all reproduced, distributed, altered, enhanced and/or manipulated copyrighted material must have prior written permission of the copyright holder.

      
      
   2. The policies in this code apply to all hardware and software that make use of University resources, regardless of who owns the equipment or programs.
      
      
   3. Use of University computing and communications resources to support a profit entity (including any personal business) is strictly forbidden.
      
   
   
2. Protecting Computer Resources and Institutional Data
   
   
   1. Because computer resources are limited and valuable, all computer users must strive to keep the computing system operating and its resources protected from damage and illegal access.
      
      
      1. Users must be aware of computer viruses and other threats to their data, and exercise care not to distribute damaging software through email or other means.
      2. Users must respect all software licensing provisions, paying particular attention when installing software on multiple computers. No computer user should make copies of software for which permission to copy is not explicitly given. If the software does not say that users are authorized to copy it, then the software should not be copied.
      3. Users must not use their access to computer systems to destroy or alter University accounts, files, software or hardware. Users must not attempt to obtain resources for which they are ineligible, or to deprive others of computer resources.
      4. Publishers may establish copyrights on digital material only in accordance with Eastern Kentucky University policies and U.S. laws.
         
         
   2. Users eligible to view or change sensitive institutional data must maintain the appropriate confidentiality and security of that information, in accordance with University policies as well as state and federal laws. Users must not use their network security permissions to obtain sensitive information beyond what is directly related to their job assignments. Intentionally disclosing protected information to any unauthorized person is a violation of federal law and can subject the violators to criminal and civil penalties.
      
      
3. Privacy of Computer Accounts
   
   
   1. Account passwords are the primary means of ensuring privacy, and users must not share their passwords.
   2. When necessary for enforcing this code, university policies or regulations, or public law, and when cause exists, authorized University personnel may access a user's computing accounts and transaction log files to investigate violations. This may be done without securing the user's permission.
   3. University personnel who are authorized to access others' accounts to investigate violations must not use this power for any other purpose.
   4. Electronic data and records will be released to appropriate authorities with authorization through a subpoena or other legal document.
      
      
4. Communicating Via Computers
   
   
   1. The use of computers and their associated communication equipment to abuse, harass or offend others is forbidden. Displaying, publishing or distributing abusive, offensive and harassing materials through computer resources is no different than similar conduct carried out in person, by telephone or by mail, and violations through electronic media will subject the individual to the same University sanctions.
      
      
      1. These are examples of improper uses of University computer resources:
         
         
         1. Publishing (or "posting") obscene material in any electronic medium.
         2. Displaying or storing files on university computers which are obscene or contain harassing or abusive messages, except where such uses are directly related to the individual's job or academic assignments.
         3. Making obscene, abusive or harassing remarks (including racial, sexual or any other form of harassment) in any electronic forum, or sending or forwarding such messages to anyone.
         4. Starting or extending email chain letters.
            
            
   2. The University does not censor the content of materials on campus computers, but reserves the right to restrict the transportation of abusive, offensive and harassing materials across campus networks or external systems (e.g., through electronic mail). The University also reserves the right to restrict or limit access to its networks' infrastructure, and to remove materials stored therein without explanation or comment.