Policies

Technology Access Point Usage Policy

Purpose
To ensure that individuals utilize the Technology Access Point (TAP) appropriately. To increase awareness and understanding of how to effectively and efficiently use the TAP.

Specific Rules and Policies
All users have the responsibility to use the services in an effective, efficient, ethical, and legal manner.
The TAP reserves the right to monitor its computing resources for illegal or unethical activities, and to protect the integrity of its computing systems, workstations, and lab facilities.

Accounts issued to individuals are intended for the sole use of that individual, and are non-transferable. The owners are responsible for all usage on their assigned account.

The following types of activities are examples of behavior that are unethical and/or unacceptable, and in some cases may violate state or federal law, such as attempts to:

• alter system software or hardware configurations;
  
• access another individual's account, private files, or e-mail without permission of the owner;
• misrepresent one's identity in electronic communication;
  
• violate copyright and/or software agreements
  
• violate rules or codes set by services subscribed to by the TAP
  
• use computing resources to threaten or harass others;
  
• disobey lab and system policies, procedures, and protocol (e.g., time limits on workstation usage).
  
• use TAP facilities or resources to violate the policies of other computer systems or organizations.
  
• upload, download, or install software for purposes of copyright violation, hacking, or unauthorized Internet communication.

2. Users should adhere to all rules and policies set forth by the TAP, posted, or stated by the resource navigator.

3. Users must sign in and out. Failure to sign out may leave your personal information exposed for others to view or change. The TAPs are not responsible for any damages caused by users’ failure to sign out.

4. Users are responsible for any personal items they bring into the TAP.


When using computers
1. Systems components such as the keyboard, mouse, and/or hard drive should not be tampered with, deleted, moved, or otherwise modified. Tampering with computers is defined as destruction of TAP property and may be deemed as grounds for probation or dismissal. If a user discovers that a computer has been tampered with, he/she should notify a faculty or staff member immediately.

2. Software is not to be copied to or from any TAP computer, unless a trainer, resource navigator, or staff member has given prior consent. Most software is copyrighted, and unauthorized duplication is illegal and is covered by the normal TAP policy for stealing. If the software required for a given task is unavailable, please consult with a staff member, or TAP resource navigator.

3. Be considerate of the needs of other users. If not using the computer for personal or work-related projects, users may be asked to relinquish the workstation to others who have work to do. (Priority to be determined by resource navigator or staff personnel.)

4. Ignorance is not an acceptable excuse for the misuse of hardware or software. When in doubt, seek assistance.

5. Do not eat or drink when working with or near the computers.

When using the Internet
1. Remember that the Internet provides access to a vast amount of material and information. Some of this is appropriate for minors and for educational purposes; some of it is not. Material that can be defined as pornographic, obscene, or vulgar should not be accessed, downloaded, printed, or viewed intentionally. Violation of this policy is minimally considered grounds for suspension and could lead to dismissal.

2. Respect and observe copyright laws. Do not use Internet access to download or exchange pirated software, MP3 files, video files, or illegally obtained passwords. If the distinction between Freeware, Shareware, public domain software, and copyrighted commercial material is unclear, check with a staff member. Remember that some material accessible on the Internet may already have been obtained or copied illegally, and for one knowingly to use such material is not only unethical, but also illegal.