Revised: July, 2002

Note: Unauthorized use of any Lehigh computer system, including use of an account not specifically assigned to you by Lehigh University, is subject to monitoring (Elec Comm Priv Act, 18 USC 2701-2711).
 

The following policy contains the governing philosophy for regulating the use of Lehigh University's computing and networking facilities and resources. Access to the University's computing and networking facilities and resources is a privilege granted solely to Lehigh faculty, staff, and registered students. Exceptions apply to those individuals outside the University who are authorized to utilize services that have been made available through Lehigh. All users of the computing facilities must act responsibly and maintain the integrity of these resources. The University reserves the right to limit, restrict or extend computing privileges and access to its resources. Those who do not abide by the policies listed below should expect at least suspension of computer privileges and possible disciplinary action under standard University rules for misconduct and existing judicial, disciplinary, or personnel processes.

Library and Technology Services should be notified about violations of computer laws and policies, as well as about potential loopholes in the security of its computer systems and networks. The user community is expected to cooperate with Library and Technology Services in its operation of computer systems and networks as well as in the investigation of misuse or abuse. Should the security of a computer system be threatened, under the direction of the Vice Provost for Library and Technology Services the system may be monitored and user files may be examined. In addition, the University will comply with all governmental and law enforcement subpoenas, warrants, or orders requiring the examination of user files.

Policies

The policies of Library and Technology Services include, but are not limited to, the list below.

1. You must not use a computer or network ID that was not assigned to you by Library and Technology Services, unless multiple access has been authorized for the ID by Library and Technology Services. You may not try in any way to obtain a password for another's computer or network ID. You may not attempt to disguise the identity of the account or machine you are using. External computer or network ID's must be authorized by Lehigh University.
2. You must not use Library and Technology Services' network facilities to gain or attempt to gain unauthorized access to remote computers.
3. You must not deliberately perform an act which will seriously impact the operation of computers, peripherals, or networks. 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. All non-departmental servers (World-Wide Web, ftp, etc.), connected directly to University network resources, must be approved by Library and Technology Services prior to implementation.
4. You must not attempt to modify in any way a program diskette which Library and Technology Services supplies.
5. You must not run or install on any of Library and Technology Services' systems, or give to another, a program which could result in the eventual damage to a file or computer system and/or the reproduction of itself. This is directed toward, but not limited to, the classes of programs known as computer viruses, Trojan horses, and worms.
6. You must not attempt to circumvent data protection schemes or uncover security loopholes.
7. You must abide by the terms of all software licensing agreements and copyright laws. In particular, you must not make copies of copyrighted software, unless Library and Technology Services has a license specifically allowing the copying of that software. Further distribution of that software is limited by terms of that particular license.
8. You must not deliberately perform acts which are wasteful of computing or networking resources or which unfairly monopolize resources 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, is also prohibited.
9. The following type of information or software cannot be placed on any University-owned computer system or on any system connected directly to University network resources:
   • That which infringes upon the rights of another person.
   • That which is abusive, profane, or sexually offensive to the average person.
   • That which consists of information which may injure someone else and/or lead to a lawsuit or criminal charges. Examples of these are: libelous statements, pirated software, destructive software, pornographic materials, or copyrighted images and information.
   • That which consists of any advertisements for commercial enterprises.
10. You must not harass others by sending annoying, threatening, libelous, or sexually, racially, or religiously offensive messages through electronic means.
11. You must not attempt to monitor another user's data communications, nor may you read, copy, change, or delete another user's files or software, without permission of the owner.
12. University-owned microcomputers, workstations, or networks are to be used to support university-related activities, such as Lehigh University courses, research projects, departmental activities, professional and scholarly activities, and related personal communications.  These resources are not to be used for personal or financial gain that is unrelated to a valid university function.  Uses of these resources that may be university-related and either directly or indirectly result in personal or financial gain require prior approval of the Vice Provost for Library and Technology Services.
13. You must not play games using any of Library and Technology Services' computers or networks, unless for instructional purposes as specifically assigned by a professor.
14. 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. Copies of acceptable use policies for a number of networks are available from Library and Technology Services.

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 Lehigh 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.

Offenders may 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 an organization (18 Pa.C.S. 3933(a)(1)). Disclosing a password to a computer system, network, etc., knowingly and without authorization, is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $10,000 and imprisonment of up to five 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. 3933(a)(2) and (3)).