Longwood University    Chief Information, Technology, and Facilities Officer:    Information and Instructional Technology Services   201 High Street, Coyner 107, Farmville, VA 23909    Phone: 434.395.2034         Fax: 434.395.2035

Policy 6104
ACCEPTABLE USE OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY 
RESOURCES AND SYSTEMS

I.     PURPOSE

The purpose of this policy is to establish parameters for the use of Longwood information technology resources and systems. 

II.    DEFINITION

Resources and Systems: These resources and systems include all computers, workstations, peripherals, networks, communications devices, switches, software programs and systems, as well as all related devices, hardware, and software owned by Longwood University, covered under contract by the Commonwealth of Virginia or that are the responsibility of Longwood University through agreements with Longwood departments or employees. 

III.     POLICY

This policy covers all activities involving these resources and systems and applies to all individuals using these resources and systems. This policy does not cover activities solely involving personal property, but does cover activities which involve the use of personal property connected to or communicating with Longwood University information technology resources and systems.

A.  Intent of IT Resources and Systems: Information technology resources and systems are provided at Longwood and shall be used solely to support the mission of the University and its related academic, administrative, and service activities. Activities involving Longwood's information technology resources and systems must be in accord with the Longwood University Honor Code, the Student Handbook, and the Administrative Policies and Procedures Manual, as well as, relevant local, state, federal, and international laws and regulations. Honor Code, the Faculty Policies and Procedures Manual, the Administrative Policies and Procedures Manual, the Longwood University Student Handbook, as well as, relevant local, state, federal, and international laws and regulations.

B. Privileged Systems:  Use of Longwood information technology resources and systems is a privilege granted to individuals by the University and is restricted to the specific authorities granted. Access to the use of discrete resources and systems shall be provided through express authorization by the owner or person responsible for the resource or system.

C.  Acceptable Use: For use to be acceptable, it must also demonstrate respect for:

1.  the intent of the individual authorities granted the user;

2.  the usage privileges of other authorized users;

3.  the rights of others to privacy;

4.  intellectual property rights (e.g., as reflected in licenses and copyrights);

5.  ownership, and confidentiality, integrity and availability of systems and of data;

6.  system mechanisms designed to limit, monitor, and/or record use or access (Longwood University information technology resources and systems activity are routinely monitored and recorded by technical support staff in order to manage traffic and perform necessary maintenance.); 

7.  current network topology and configuration; and 

8.  individuals' rights to be free of intimidation, harassment, and unwarranted annoyance.

D.  Responsibility to Investigate Possible Misuse: The University has the responsibility of taking remedial action in the case of possible misuse of information technology resources and systems. To this end, the Chief Information Officer (CIO) or his/her designee reserves the right to investigate possible abuse. Examples of abuse include but are not limited to the creation of and the intentional propagation of viruses, damaging files, and making unauthorized modifications to data owned by the institution. Such investigative action will be taken only when there is a reasonable suspicion of misuse and with due regard for the right of privacy of users and the confidentiality of their data. Users shall not engage in any activity that might be purposefully harmful to systems or information stored on Longwood systems. With the express permission of the President or the President's designee, the CIO or designee has the right to inspect any computer files, data, and other media relevant to the investigation, as well as temporarily suspend or modify access privileges. Whenever possible, the cooperation and agreement of the user will be requested in advance. Users are expected to cooperate in such investigations. 

E.  Internal Audit Reviews:  In the course of its work, Internal Audit has full and complete direct access to all University books, records (manual and electronic) relevant to the subject of review.  All documents and information given to Internal Audit during their work will be handled in the same prudent manner that the University expects of the employees normally accountable for them.

F.  Sanctions for Misuse: The University regards any violation of this policy as a serious offense. Violators of this policy are subject to disciplinary action as prescribed in the Longwood University Honor Code, the Student Handbook and the Administrative Policies and Procedures Manual, Employee Handbook, in addition to possible cancellation of information technology resources and systems access privileges.  Users of information technology systems and resources at Longwood are subject to all applicable local, state and federal statutes. It should be understood that this policy does not preclude prosecution of criminal and civil cases under relevant local, state, federal, and international laws and regulations. the laws and regulations of the Town of Farmville, the Commonwealth of Virginia, and the United States of America.

Revised and approved by the Board of Visitors, September 7, 2002.

Revised and approved by the Board of Visitors, September 10, 2005.

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