West Virginia University

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 may not be used to provide network access, for any purpose, to anyone except 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 software (anti-virus, anti-spyware and firewall) on all computers connected to ResNet.

ResNet is provided for the academic, recreational and social use of authorized users. It is your responsibility to use ResNet appropriately and in compliance with all West Virginia University policies, as well as City, County, State, and Federal laws and regulations. West Virginia University policies governing the use of ResNet include, but are not limited to, the Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities, the WVU Sexual Harassment Policy, and the WVU Residence Hall Agreement. In the event of a conflict with the ResNet Acceptable Use Policy, the aforementioned policies supercede.

Unacceptable use includes, but is not limited to, the following:

  • Any use determined illegal or unlawful, including but not limited to, copyright infringement, obscenity, libel, slander, fraud, defamation, plagiarism, harassment, intimidation, forgery, impersonation, illegal gambling, soliciting for illegal pyramid schemes, and computer tampering.
  • Any use that violates West Virginia University policies, including but not limited to, academic misconduct, harassment, intimidation, forgery, fraud and impersonation.
  • Propogating, publishing or viewing material that is defined as "obscene" by federal, state, or local laws.
  • Impeding, impairing or otherwise causing harm to any technology resource or the activities of others, e.g. consuming excessive network bandwidth.
  • Attempting to gain unauthorized access to any technology resource, or using any technology resource without authorization.
  • Monitoring electronic communications.
  • Using or possessing "hacker tools", including but not limited to, port scanning software, packet capturing utilities, password capturing/cracking utilities, and denial-of-service programs.
  • Using software or devices prohibited by this policy or other West Virginia University policies, including but not limited to, wireless access points, Apple Airports, hubs, switches, print servers, and network appliances.
  • Using peer-to-peer file sharing programs, e.g. BitTorrent, Grokster, KaZaA and Limewire.
  • Using ResNet for commerical purposes.
  • Registering a domain name or hostname to any IP address owned by West Virginia University.
  • Configuring your computer or any network device to act as a server.
  • Sending chain messages or bulk/mass messages to lists or individuals, i.e. spamming.

West Virginia University reserves the right to alter, re-route or block communications to maintain the security and performance of technology resources.

Although West Virginia University does not routinely monitor the use of technology resources, it reserves the right to monitor, record and review the use of technology resources 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 reserves the right to restrict or revoke network service for any user, or take other appropriate action, to safeguard West Virginia University and its technology resources. Cause for such action includes, but is not limited to, the following:

  • Suspected unacceptable use
  • Suspected computer virus infection
  • Suspected compromise of your computer operating system's security
  • Improper hardware/software configuration

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 safeguard West Virginia University and its technology resources.

The Director for Student Affairs Administrative Technology Development (SAATD) may, at his discretion, grant exceptions permitting the use of BitTorrent on a case-by-case basis.

By using 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: May 29, 2009

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