UB IT Resources Conditions of Use
(Updated 3.26.2007)
The use of University at Buffalo academic computer systems
by members of the university community is authorized by Computing
& Information Technology (CIT) and Departmental Computing Services
organizations. All classes of users (students, faculty, and staff
members) are responsible for using UB's services in an effective,
efficient, ethical, and legal manner.
Every computer account issued by the University at Buffalo is
the responsibility of the person in whose name it is issued.
Therefore, it is mandatory that the owner of an account take care
to keep the account secure by keeping the password secret, changing
the password often, and reporting to to either Academic Services
or your Departmental Computing Services if anyone else is using
the account.
Authorized Use
As a condition for use of the UB computing systems, each user
is expected:
- To keep the account password private and not allow anyone else
to use the account.
- To respect the privacy of others. For example, users shall
not intentionally seek information on, obtain copies of, or modify
files or passwords belonging to others.
- To respect the integrity of the University at Buffalo computing
systems. For example, users shall not intentionally develop or
use programs that harass other users, infiltrate a computing
system, or damage or alter the software components of a computing
system.
- To not develop programs or use any mechanisms to alter or
avoid accounting for the use of computing services or to employ
means by which the facilities and systems are used anonymously
or by means of an alias. For example, users shall neither send
messages or mail, nor print files that do not show the username of
the user using the system or that display a username other than
that of the sender.
- To respect the legal protection provided by copyright and
licenses held by UB. For example, users shall not make copies
of a licensed computer program to avoid paying additional license
fees.
- To use the accounts only for University related purposes.
For example, users shall not authorize individuals who are not
associated with the University to use an account, nor shall they
use the academic computers for any work not related to the
University.
- To respect the purpose and standard netiquette associated
with listservs and newsgroups. For example, users shall limit
their mail and postings to topics relevent to the stated purpose
of the listserv or newsgroup, and they shall not send copies
of the same mail article or posting to multiple listservs or
newsgroups.
Violation of these conditions, i.e., unauthorized use of another
person's account, tampering with other users' files or passwords,
or harassment of other users, is certainly unethical and possibly
a criminal offense. Violators will be dealt with according to
the "Student Rules and Regulations" and/or Section
156 of the New York State Penal Law. Whenever UB becomes aware
of a possible violation of these conditions, Academic Services
will initiate an investigation. In order to prevent further unauthorized
activity, UB may suspend the authorization of computing services
to the individual. Confirmation of unauthorized use of the facilities
may result in the permanent closing of accounts, billing for
computer time used for non-university endeavors, disciplinary
action, and/or legal action.
Responsible use
Users are expected to use University computing resources in
a responsible and efficient manner consistent with the instructional,
research, and administrative goals of the University. Users are
expected to refrain from engaging in deliberate wasteful practices
such as sending chain letters through electronic mail, printing
unnecessary listings, printing multiple copies of files, performing
endless unnecessary computations, or unnecessarily holding public
terminals, tape drives, or dial-up phone lines for long periods
of time when others are waiting for these resources. In addition,
playing games or using networks for purely recreational
purposes when others are waiting for computing resources represents
irresponsible use of the equipment.
Neither Academic Services nor Departmental Computing Services
prefer to act as a disciplinary agency or to engage in policing
activities. However, in cases of unauthorized or irresponsible
behavior, these organizations reserve the right to take remedial action,
commencing with an investigation of the possible abuse.
To report violations or request further information, please
email abuse@buffalo.edu
or contact Michael J. Behun, Jr., Computer Discipline Officer, 645-7739.
Last modified: March 26, 2007 |
