USE OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY P 109

Issued by:

Office of the President

Replaces:

Policy 109, April 2001

Approved:

December 2005

Application

This policy applies to all users of any University network, communication system or computer resource. Guidelines adopted by a division or department to meet specific academic or administrative needs must comply with this policy and with policies on the use of University information technology resources established by the University Division of Information Technology and Hospital Information Technology Department.

Purpose

Information technology resources are provided by the University to support its education, research, public service and health care missions. Use of campus computing and network information resources is a privilege. Accordingly, all users of University networks and computer resources are responsible for the proper use and protection of those resources.

Access / Usage

Computer accounts and passwords are assigned to individual users for University-related purposes. Account access may not be shared.

Improper usage may include, but is not limited to: the misuse of or unauthorized access to network or electronic data in any form; the use of another's password or account; circumventing network security measures; the use of University data, networks or computer resources for private, commercial or political purposes; harassment or defamation; the unauthorized alteration of electronic files; disruption or interference (hacking / spam / viral programs); software license or copyright violations; violations of state or federal law.

To ensure the continued integrity of its information technology facilities and controls, the University may audit, inspect and/or monitor network usage, at any time, without notice.

The University may also restrict unlimited electronic access. If an imposed limitation interferes with a user's bona fide educational, research or health care activity, the user may direct a written request for a waiver to his or her Department Chair, who shall, on approval, forward the request to the appropriate administrative officer for review. The University reserves the right to limit the use of information technology resources based on institutional priorities, technical capacity and fiscal considerations.

Misuse of the University's information technology resources is subject to disciplinary and/or legal action.

Inquiries/Requests

Division of Information Technology
Office of the Chief Information Officer
Room 231, Educational Communications Center
(631) 632-9085

Information Technology Department (Hospital & Medical Center)
Office of the Chief Information Officer
L4-215 Health Sciences Center
(631) 444-2249

Related Policies

Related Laws

17 USC § 101: Copyright Act
17 USC § 512: Digital Millennium Copyright Act (protects electronic text, graphic files, commercial software and audio and video files).
18 USC § 1030: Computer Fraud & Abuse Act (protects computer and data integrity)
18 USC § 1302: Crimes (email fraud)
18 USC § 2252: Crimes (exploitation of minors)
18 USC § 2501: Electronic Communications Privacy Act
20 USC § 1232g: Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act
42 USC § 1320a: Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act
42 USC § 2000e: Civil Rights Act
NY Penal Code §§ 156, 170 (computer crimes; forgery)
NY Executive Law § 296 (Human Rights Law)
NY Public Officers Law §§ 84, 91 (FOIL, Personal Privacy)