The information, computing, and instructional technology resources provided by NSU are intended to assist members of the NSU community faculty, students, and staff in the fulfillment of their educational responsibilities. These resources and their effective use, contingent upon first amendment and academic freedom principles that demand the free flow of information and a free and open atmosphere, are vital to the mission of NSU. Such use is encouraged; however, since these resources are state property, their use is a privilege. For all to benefit, proper and fair use is necessary. This document attempts to outline the rights and responsibilities of both NSU and the users of these resources.

NSU responsibilities:

• NSU has the responsibility to maintain a reasonably stable and secure network environment. Scheduled downtime will be limited and well announced.

• NSU has the responsibility to backup files and data stored on the campus on a regular basis. Users should be aware, however, that no system configuration, backup process or security setup is 100% effective.

• Network and computing equipment (hardware and software) provided by NSU will be legally obtained, up-to-date and sufficient for the needs of users.

• NSU has the responsibility to treat data (including users’ files and e-mail) as confidential. However, ownership does reside with the University and data in the system may be subject to discovery during litigation and disclosed in court proceedings.

• NSU will provide training.

User responsibilities:

• Users have a responsibility to treat other users and the staff with consideration and respect. Abuse or harassment of others will not be tolerated. Users should be sensitive to the diverse and public nature of facilities.

• Since users have a right to resources sufficient to their needs, they have a responsibility not to use excessive resources. This would necessarily inhibit chain letters, spam, mass mailings, and excessive printing, game playing, or otherwise unnecessary network traffic.

• Users should obey the law. Under state and federal laws, the following activities are illegal: distribution or retrieval of child pornography, distribution of pornography to minors, obscenity, scams and pyramid schemes, copyright infringement, and unauthorized duplication of software. Users have the responsibility not to use illegally obtained or pirated software. Copyright and intellectual property laws should be obeyed (for additional information on copyright and intellectual property law, see the library home page). Staff may ask for proof of ownership before installing or helping with software.

• Users have a responsibility not to abuse or mistreat equipment or data or to use networks and accounts or access data for which they do not have authorization. This precludes any form of computer hacking. Users should keep their passwords private. Users are responsible for the safety and integrity of their data and should back-up their work frequently.

• Northern State University treats policy violations of computing facilities, equipment, software, information resources, networks or privileges seriously. Problems should be reported to NSU staff. Disciplinary action resulting from such abuse may include the loss of computing privileges and other sanctions including non-renewal, discharge, and dismissal. Alleged violations of the policy shall be processed according to the judicial processes outlined in the SDBOR/COHE Higher Education Contract, the Faculty Handbook, and the Student Handbook. Northern State University may also prosecute abuse under the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act of 1986, or other appropriate laws.

THE ACT OF LOGGING ON THE NETWORK INDICATES YOUR ACCEPTANCE OF THE ABOVE TERMS AND CONDITIONS.