Read the Code of Ethics and then enter your personal information to indicate your agreement with all of its conditions.
Code of Ethics for Computing & Communications
The following describes the privileges and responsibilities of computer users at Eastern Kentucky University. All members of the University community are expected to adhere to every aspect of the code. In addition to representing University regulations, many of the items listed are mandated by federal and state laws. Violations may result in severe penalties, up to and including expulsion or termination from the University.
Using Computer Resources
University computer resources are provided to faculty, staff, and students for the
purposes of study, research, service, and other work related activities. Because
resources are limited, all computer users must respect the priority of
these purposes at all times.
To support these
purposes, the University provides users with computers, peripherals,
software, networks, and electronic communication services, including
electronic mail, Internet access and Web storage. No other uses of
these devices or services may interfere with the user's
responsibilities to the University, nor conflict with other parts of
this code. For example, computer users engaged in activities that are
not directly related to work, study, research or university related
service must yield access to their computers to others who need them.
Computer users must not share accounts with ineligible parties (such as friends or
relatives), acquire accounts for which they are ineligible, or maintain accounts
no longer serving their assigned purpose.
Any use of data and voice network systems that are owned or maintained by Eastern
Kentucky University must conform to U.S. and international
copyright and licensing laws and their acceptable use provisions. Such
use must also comply with laws defined by the Digital Millenium Copyright Act of 1998.
The transmission or storage of all reproduced, distributed, altered, enhanced and/or
manipulated copyrighted material must have prior written permission of
the copyright holder.
The policies in this code
apply to all hardware and software that make use of University
resources, regardless of who owns the equipment or programs.
Use of University computing and communications resources to support a profit entity
(including any personal business) is strictly forbidden.
Protecting Computer Resources and Institutional Data
Because computer resources
are limited and valuable, all computer users must strive to keep the
computing system operating and its resources protected from damage and
illegal access.
Users must be aware of
computer viruses and other threats to their data, and exercise care
not to distribute damaging software through email or other means.
Users must respect all software licensing provisions, paying particular attention when
installing software on multiple computers. No computer user should
make copies of software for which permission to copy is not explicitly
given. If the software does not say that users are authorized to copy
it, then the software should not be copied.
Users must not use their access to computer systems to destroy or alter University
accounts, files, software or hardware. Users must not attempt to obtain resources for
which they are ineligible, or to deprive others of computer resources.
Publishers may establish copyrights on digital material only in accordance with
Eastern Kentucky University policies and U.S laws.
Users eligible to view or
change sensitive institutional data must maintain the appropriate
confidentiality and security of that information, in accordance with
University policies as well as state and federal laws. Users must not
use their network security permissions to obtain sensitive information
beyond what is directly related to their job assignments. Intentionally
disclosing protected information to any unauthorized person is a
violation of federal law and can subject the violators to criminal and
civil penalties.
Privacy of Computer Accounts
Account passwords are the primary means of ensuring privacy, and users must not share
their passwords.
When necessary for enforcing this code, university policies or regulations, or public
law, and when cause exists, authorized University personnel may access a
user's computing accounts and transaction log files to investigate
violations. This may be done without securing the user's permission.
University personnel who are authorized to access others' accounts to investigate
violations must not use this power for any other purpose.
Electronic data and records will be released to appropriate authorities with authorization
through a subpoena or other legal document.
Communicating Via Computers
The use of computers and their associated communication equipment to abuse, harass or
offend others is forbidden. Displaying, publishing or distributing abusive,
offensive and harassing materials through computer resources is no
different than similar conduct carried out in person, by telephone or
by mail, and violations through electronic media will subject the
individual to the same University sanctions.
These are examples of improper uses of University computer resources.
Publishing (or "posting") obscene material in any electronic medium.
Displaying or storing files on university computers which are obscene or contain
harassing or abusive messages, except where such uses are directly related to
the individual's job or academic assignments.
Making obscene, abusive or harassing remarks (including racial, sexual or any other form
of harassment) in any electronic forum, or sending or forwarding such
messages to anyone.
Starting or extending email chain letters.
The University does not censor the content of materials on campus computers, but reserves the
right to restrict the transportation of abusive, offensive, and
harassing materials across campus networks or external systems (e.g.,
through electronic mail). The University also reserves the right to restrict
or limit access to its networks' infrastructure, and to remove
materials stored therein without explanation or comment.