Note: Unauthorized use of any
The following policies apply
to the use of Lehigh University's computing and networking facilities and
systems which include, but are not limited to, the computers, terminals, networks,
printers and other peripherals, modems, data files, and software owned,
maintained or managed by the University (the “Computer Systems and Facilities”). These policies also apply to the
use of the Computer Systems and Facilities whether such use is initiated on the
University’s campus or off campus. Any
network traffic exiting the University is subject to the acceptable use
policies of the networks through which it flows, as well as to the policies
listed here.
Access to the University's Computer Systems and
Facilities is a privilege granted solely to the University’s registered
faculty, staff, students, alumni, and guest users. Accordingly, the University reserves the right
to limit, restrict or extend computing and networking privileges and access to
its Computer Systems and Facilities.
The Computer Systems and
Facilities are to be used to support University-related activities, such as
External computer and network ID's, for use
on University Computer Systems and Facilities, must be authorized by the
University.
Prohibited Uses
Examples of prohibited uses include, but are
not limited to, the following:
1. Using a
computer or network ID that was not assigned to you by the University to access
Computer Systems and Facilities, unless the University has authorized multiple access for the ID.
3. Disguising or attempting
to disguise the identity of the account or machine you are using.
4. Impersonating
any individual or entity or otherwise misrepresenting your affiliation with the
University through the use of a Lehigh computer or network ID.
5. Using the Computer
Systems and Facilities to gain or attempt to gain unauthorized access to remote
computers.
6. Deliberately
performing an act which will interfere with the normal operation of the
Computer Systems and Facilities. This includes, but is not limited to,
tampering with components of a local area network (LAN) or the high-speed
backbone network, creating excessive network traffic or otherwise blocking
communication lines, or interfering with the operational readiness of a
computer.
7. Running or
installing a program (or providing another person with a program to run or
install) on any Computer System or Facility which could damage a file or
computer system and/or reproduce itself. Such programs include but are not
limited to, computer viruses, spyware, and worms.
8. Circumventing
or attempting to circumvent data protection schemes or uncovering or attempting
to uncover security loopholes.
9. Violating the
terms of applicable software licensing agreements and copyright laws. Such
violations include but are not limited to making unauthorized copies of
software.
10. Deliberately
performing any act which is wasteful to the Computer Systems and Facilities or
which unfairly monopolizes the Computer Systems and Facilities to the exclusion
of others. These acts include, but are not limited to, sending mass mailings or
chain letters, creating unnecessary multiple jobs or processes, or obtaining
unnecessary output or printed material. Printing multiple copies of any
documents, including resumes, theses, and dissertations, on Library and
Technology Services printers is also prohibited.
11. Placing the
following types of information or software on any Computer System or Facility
or on any system connected directly to the Computer Systems and Facilities:
o
That
which infringes upon the rights of another person;
o
That
which violates the privacy of another person;
o
That
which is abusive, profane, or sexually offensive to the average person;
o
That
which consists of information which may injure someone else and/or lead to a
lawsuit or criminal charges. Examples of such information include libelous
statements, pirated software, destructive software, pornographic materials, or
copyrighted images and information; or
o
That
which consists of any advertisements for commercial enterprises.
12. Using the
Computer Systems and Facilities to harass others. Harassment may include but is not necessarily
limited to sending annoying, threatening, libelous, or sexually, racially, or
religiously offensive messages through electronic means.
13. Monitoring
or attempting to monitor another user's data communications.
14.
15. Using the
Computer Systems and Facilities for personal or financial gain; provided, however
that the Computer Systems and Facilities may be used either directly or
indirectly for personal or financial gain if such use is related to a valid
University function and the user has obtained any necessary approvals..
16. Installing
unauthorized wireless access points. All wireless access points on the Lehigh
campus must be coordinated through Library and Technology Services and must
conform to specified standards. Library and Technology Services reserves the
right to block network access to any wireless access point not conforming to
these standards.
17. Using the
Computer Systems and Facilities in violation of the policies of the University
or in violation of the University Code of Conduct.
18. Using the
Computer Systems and Facilities for academic dishonesty including plagiarism.
19. Using the Computer Systems and Facilities in
any way that violates any applicable law, rule, or regulation or in any way that
subjects the University to liability.
20. Misuse of
Library resources. Electronic resources licensed by the Lehigh Libraries are
governed by agreements that restrict access to the
The above policies supplement
the University Code of Conduct, which covers such acts as theft of computer
services (including copyrighted computer programs), theft or mutilation of the
University’s property such as equipment,
and the unacknowledged or unauthorized appropriation of another’s computer
program, or the results of that program, in whole or in part, for a
computer-related exercise or assignment.
Privacy and Confidentiality
If any Computer System or
Facility is threatened, the Computer Systems and Facilities may be monitored
and user files may be examined under the direction of the Vice Provost for
Library and Technology Services. In addition, the University will comply with
all governmental and law enforcement subpoenas, warrants, or orders requiring
the examination of user files.
Enforcement
Users are expected to notify
Library and Technology Services about violations of applicable laws and
policies and potential loopholes in the security of the Computer Systems and
Facilities. Users are also expected to cooperate with Library and Technology
Services in its operation of the Computer Systems and Facilities and in the
investigation of misuse or abuse of the Computer Systems and Facilities.
Those who do not abide by these
policies should expect at least suspension of computer privileges and possible
action under standard University rules for misconduct and existing
disciplinary, personnel, or judicial processes.
Offenders may also be subject to
criminal prosecution under federal or state law, and should expect Library and
Technology Services to pursue such action. As an example, under Pennsylvania
law, it is a felony punishable by a fine of up to $15,000 and imprisonment up
to seven years for any person to access, alter or damage any computer system,
network, software or database, or any part thereof, with the intent to
interrupt the normal functioning of a person (18 Pa.C.S.
7611(a)(1)). Disclosing a password to a computer system, network, etc., knowingly
and without authorization, is a felony punishable by a fine of up to $15,000
and imprisonment of up to seven years, as is intentional and unauthorized
access to a computer, interference with the operation of a computer or network,
or alteration of computer software (18 Pa.C.S. 7611(a)(2)
and (3)).