The Policy for Responsible Computing at the University of Delaware contains the governing philosophy for regulating faculty, student, and staff use of the University's computing resources. equipment, software, and networks. By adopting this policy, the Faculty Senate recognizes that all members of the University are also bound by local, state, and federal laws relating to copyrights security, and other statues regarding electronic media. The policy also recognizes the responsibility of faculty and system administrators to take a leadership role in implementing the policy and assuring that the University community honors the policy.
Access to the University's computing facilities is a privilege granted to University students, faculty, and staff. Access to University information resources may be granted by the owners of that information based on the owner's judgment of the following factors: relevant laws and contractual obligations, the requestor's need to know, the information's sensitivity, and the risk of damage to or loss by the University.
The University reserves the right to limit, restrict, or extend computing privileges and access to its information resources. Data owners--whether departments, units, faculty, students, or staff--may allow individuals other than University faculty, staff, and students access to information for which they are responsible, so long as such access does not violate any license or contractual agreement; University policy; or any federal, state, county, or local law or ordinance.
University computing facilities and accounts are to be used for the University-related activities for which they are assigned. University computing resources are not to be used for commercial purposes or non- University-related activities without written authorization from the University. In these cases, the University will require payment of appropriate fees. This policy applies equally to all University-owned or University-leased computers.
Users and system administrators must all guard against abuses that disrupt or threaten the viability of all systems, including those at the University and those on networks to which the University's systems are connected. Access to information resources without proper authorization from the data owner, unauthorized use of University computing facilities, and intentional corruption or misuse of information resources are direct violations of the University's standards for conduct as outlined in the University of Delaware Policy Manual, the Personnel Policies and Procedures for Professional and Salaried Staff, the Faculty Handbook, University collective bargaining agreements, and the Official Student Handbook and may also be considered civil or criminal offenses.
