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University Policy 52

Responsible Use of Information Technology Resources

Initially approved: December 12, 1994
Revised: December 20, 2002
Revised and Renamed:  May 21, 2018
Technical Change: February 20, 2023
Revised: August 27, 2024
Revised: March 18, 2025

Policy Topic:  Information Technology
Administering Office: Office of the CIO

I. POLICY STATEMENT

Information technology resources are provided to support the University's mission. To ensure that these shared and finite resources are used effectively to further the University's mission, each user has the responsibility to:

  1. use the resources appropriately and efficiently;
  2. respect the freedom and privacy of others;
  3. protect the stability and security of the resources; and
  4. understand and fully abide by established University policies and applicable public laws.

II.  SCOPE

This policy applies to any user of the University's information technology resources, whether located on or off-campus, whether University-owned or contracted for use by the University.

III.  DEFINITIONS

  1. 鈥�information technology resource鈥� means any system, media or software used to transmit, store or process information or data.
  2. 鈥�user鈥� means any individual making use of a University information technology resource as defined above.
  3. 鈥�credentials鈥� means the various methods required to authenticate and access an information technology resource.
  4. 鈥�malicious software鈥� means software that may adversely affect the security and stability of University information technology resources.

IV.  RESPONSIBLE USE REQUIREMENTS

  1. Users of information technology resources must protect (i) their online identity from use by another individual, (ii) the stability and security of information technology resources, and (iii) the confidentiality and integrity of electronic information.
  2. Users must refrain from seeking to gain unauthorized access, honor all copyrights and licenses, and respect the rights of other users of University information technology resources.
  3. Users must cooperate with any investigation of abuse or misuse of information technology resources. To the extent permitted by law and policy, the University reserves the right to access and disclose the contents of any files or email stored on University information technology resources, without the consent or knowledge of the user. No user should have the expectation of privacy for any stored content, whether personal or business-related.
  4. Users must cooperate with the University to remove any malicious software as defined above. Failure to cooperate may be grounds for cancellation of access privileges or other disciplinary actions.
  5. Faculty, staff, and students are required to read their University email system messages on a regular basis. An email message regarding University matters sent from an administrative office, faculty, or staff member is considered to be an official notice.
  6. Users must report violations of this policy and other information security concerns to the Division of Information Technology.

V.  RESPONSIBLE USE VIOLATIONS

  1. Sharing your user credentials with others;
  2. Unauthorized attempts to use, manipulate or otherwise gain access to University information or information technology resources;
  3. Unauthorized use of University information technology resources for personal gain for yourself or others;
  4. Use of University information technology resources to store, display or disseminate unlawful communications of any kind, or to harass, stalk, or threaten others, or, in similar ways, create an atmosphere which unreasonably interferes with the educational or employment experience;
  5. Knowingly affecting the security and stability of University information technology resources, including using a system containing malicious software after becoming aware of it.
  6. Employee viewing of pornographic content on a WCU-maintained computer network or on a device owned, leased, maintained, or controlled by WCU.
  7. Student viewing of pornographic content on a device owned, leased, maintained, or controlled by WCU.
  8. Port scanning, security scanning, packet capturing, or network monitoring which will intercept data not intended for the employee's host, unless an exception is approved by Director of Networking & Communications or CISPO.

VI.  PENALTIES

Abuse or misuse of information technology resources is a violation of University policy, and may also violate certain regulations or criminal statutes. Therefore, the University will take appropriate action in response to user abuse or misuse of information technology resources. Action may include, but not necessarily be limited to, suspension or revocation of access to information technology resources. Violation cases will be referred to the appropriate office for disciplinary action and may require referral to law enforcement authorities.

VII.  POLICY REVIEW

This Policy shall be reviewed and revised as necessary every four (4) years.

VIII.  REFERENCES