SAMPLE FAIR USE STATEMENT

By using the class web site, you agree to be bound by this statement.   

You are Responsible for Obtaining Equipment and Access

In order to access this course, you must obtain access to a computer with a connection to the World Wide Web.  Though the University offers many computers for student use, it is your responsibility to secure access to a computer with a connection to the World Wide Web.

Protect Your Account Information

You will receive a password and account designation upon completing the online course registration process. 

·        Don’t give false or misleading information when applying for a course account.

·        Don’t use someone else’s computer account or let anyone use your account. You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of the password and account, and are fully responsible for all activities that occur under your password or account.  

·        Close your internet browser at the end of each session in your online course. If you don’t someone else could use your account, and you’ll be liable for any loss or damage that arises.

·        You agree to immediately notify your instructor of any unauthorized use of your account or any other breach of security

Prohibitions:

·        Don’t commit criminal and illegal acts when logged onto this course (e.g., theft, illegal use of copyrighted software or other copyright infringement, obscenity, threatening, stalking).  Don’t help other people do these things, either.

·        Don’t harass other students, whether by racial, ethnic, religious, gender, age or sexual harassment. 

·        Don’t commit acts of plagiarism when logged onto this course.

·        Don’t try to “hack” into the system.

·        Don’t purposefully upload computer viruses to the system.

·        Don’t use the course for commercial purposes (e.g, advertise a business or conduct monetary transactions) or “spam” other people with junk mail, chain letters, pyramid schemes or any other form of solicitation.

·        Don’t intentionally do things to slow down or disrupt the system for other users (e.g., intentionally uploading huge files, disrupting chat rooms by causing the screen to "scroll" faster than other users are able to type).  

What Will Happen If You Violate this Policy

Access to this course is a privilege, not a right.  The University reserves the right at any time to limit, restrict or deny access to its computer resources, as well as to take disciplinary and/or legal action against anyone in violation of these policies and/or laws.

Privacy:

As with all use of the University’s computer systems, users should be aware that computer use may be subject to review or disclosure in accordance with local, state, and federal laws; administrative review of computer use for security purposes or in regard to a policy or legal compliance concern; computer system maintenance; audits and as otherwise required to protect the reasonable interests of the University and other users of the computer system. Anyone using the University’s computer systems expressly consents to monitoring on the part of the University for these purposes.  If such monitoring reveals possible evidence of criminal activity, University administration may provide that evidence to law enforcement officials.   The University is unable to guarantee the protection of electronic files, data or e-mails from unauthorized or inappropriate access (i.e., hackers).

Other Policies and Laws Apply

In addition to the policies in this statement, other policies and laws may apply, including:

·        University policies regarding computer use (including any procedures which govern computer usage at a particular facility on campus).

·        University policies on student conduct (e.g., harassment, plagiarism, and unethical conduct).

·        All existing federal, state, and local laws, including not only those laws and regulations that are specific to computers and networks, but also those that may apply generally to personal conduct.