ResNet

Acceptable Use Policy

ResNet provides access to the Internet and West Virginia University's campus network for all currently enrolled students living in University owned residence halls during the Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters. Access to ResNet may be provided for other individuals or groups at the discretion of the Director for Student Affairs Administrative Technology Development (SAATD).

ResNet is provided primarily for academic use. However, appropriate recreational and social uses are permitted. Use of ResNet is governed by this and other West Virginia University policies which include but are not limited to the following: various Office of Information Technology policies, Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities, Sexual Harassment Policy, and the University Residence Hall Agreement. For convenience the ResNet Acceptable Use Policy summarizes key policy statements from the aforementioned policies. In the event of a conflict with the ResNet Acceptable Use Policy, the aforementioned policies supercede. It is the responsibility of each ResNet user to use ResNet appropriately and in compliance with all West Virginia University policies, as well as City, County, State, and Federal laws and regulations.

ResNet may not be used to provide network access, for any purpose, to anyone except for the single registered user. You may not modify any network wiring, hardware, or in-room data jacks used to provide ResNet services. If you own two or more computers, you may use a router or Microsoft Internet Connection Sharing to connect them to ResNet. The use of wireless access points is prohibited. As the registered user of your network device (e.g. computer or router), you are responsible for all actions performed on that device or through the registered device's network connection.

You are responsible for securing your computer. Your computer, if compromised, could jeopardize the security of the University's campus network. West Virginia University requires that you routinely apply all appropriate security patches for your computer's operating system and software. In addition, WVU requires that you install and maintain Internet security (anti-virus, anti-spyware and firewall) software on all computers connected to ResNet.

Configuring your computer to act as a server is strictly prohibited. In addition to consuming a disproportionate amount of bandwidth, an improperly configured or unsecure server can compromise the reliability and security of ResNet and the University's campus network.

Bandwidth-intensive applications (e.g. peer-to-peer programs) may adversely affect other ResNet users. We encourage all ResNet users to disable file sharing for these types of applications. This prevents other users from downloading files from your computer and consuming your bandwidth. Network use that inhibits or interferes with the use of the network by others is prohibited.

Violation of U.S. Copyright Law will result in the suspension of network service pending disciplinary action via the University's judicial system and/or criminal prosecution. U.S. Copyright Law grants certain exclusive rights of reproduction, adaptation, distribution, performance, display, attribution, and integrity for intellectual property, artistic creations, etc. Works of literature, photographs, music, software (including shareware), film, and video are, as a general rule, copyrighted. Examples of probable violation of copyright laws include, but are not limited to, making unauthorized copies of any copyrighted material (e.g. commercial software, text, graphic images, music CDs, audio/video recordings, and films), or downloading/distributing copyrighted materials over computer networks (via peer-to-peer programs) or through other means.

Academic misconduct via ResNet is a violation of University policy. This includes, but is not limited to the unauthorized copying, sending, or receiving of programs, assignments, or files.

University computer resources, including ResNet, cannot be used for promoting business interests. Companies and individuals are prohibited from using University computer or network resources for personal or financial gain.

West Virginia University's Sexual Harassment Policy covers all uses of electronic technology and communication on campus, including but not limited to correspondence via e-mail, newsgroups, chat, and instant messaging. Refer to the Sexual Harassment Policy for further information and a description of your options for addressing sexual harassment.

WVU will not tolerate the propagation or publishing of material that is defined as "obscene" by federal, state, or local laws. It is also illegal to transmit material that is threatening or harassing in any manner.

Forgery or other misrepresentation of one's identity via electronic or any other form of communication is a violation of the Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities. Prosecution under State and Federal laws may also apply.

Federal Wire Fraud Law prohibits the use of interstate communications systems (e.g. phone, wire, radio or television transmissions) to further an illegal scheme or to defraud. Violation of Federal Wire Fraud Law will result in the suspension of network service pending disciplinary action via the University's judicial system and/or criminal prosecution.

Although the University does not routinely monitor computer and network use, the University does reserve the right to monitor computer and network use for operational and security purposes and to ensure compliance with applicable laws and University policies. The University also reserves the right to perform periodic host scans to ensure there are no security vulnerabilities or viruses on computers connected to ResNet. These scans will be unannounced and will occur at different times of the day. West Virginia University considers any violation of University policy to be a serious offense and reserves the right to copy and examine any files or information contained or transmitted on University systems or equipment that may be related to inappropriate use.

The University reserves the right to suspend network service or take other appropriate action against any user suspected of violating University policy or compromising the reliability and security of ResNet, the University's campus network, or any other network. Cause for suspension of network service includes but is not limited to the following:

• Suspected computer virus infection
• Suspected compromise of your computer operating system's security
• Use or possession of "hacker tools" including, but not limited to, port scanning software, packet capturing utilities, password capturing/cracking utilities, and denial-of-service programs
• Attempting to gain unauthorized access to any host or network resource (e.g. the network gateway)
• Unauthorized use of network resources
• Violation of U.S. Copyright Law
• Use of ResNet to disseminate libelous, slanderous, or harrassing material in violation of applicable law and University policy
• Willful attempts to sabotage network resources
• Intentional or unintentional disabling of network resources
• Registering a domain name or hostname to any IP address owned by West Virgina University
• Use of software or devices banned or prohibited by University policy, including but not limited to: wireless access points, Apple Airports, hubs, switches, print servers, and network appliances
• Running a DHCP or any other type of server
• Sending chain letters or large scale broadcasts to lists or individuals (e.g. spamming)
• Any network use that consumes large amounts of bandwidth and causes poor network performance
• Improper network hardware/software configuration
• Violation of applicable University policies

WVU assumes no responsibility for a user's loss of time, data, or other loss due to unavailable network services or network outages. In emergencies, the network or segments of it may be taken down with little or no notice for maintenance or to protect the security and reliability of the University's campus network.

By completing the registration process for ResNet you agree to abide by the policies outlined above. Failure to comply with any of the above policies may result in the suspension of ResNet services, loss of WVU computer use privileges, disciplinary action through the University judicial system, and/or criminal prosecution.

If you have questions or comments regarding this policy, please email ResNet@mail.wvu.edu.

West Virginia University
Student Affairs Administrative Technology Development
P. O. Box 6430, Morgantown, WV 26506-6430 USA

 

Last revised: June 25, 2008