Purpose and Origin of This Document

The computing resources of Mississippi College should be used in a manner which is consistent with the Mission Statement and the principles of the College. The term computer resources includes all Mississippi College owned computer hardware, software, and communications links used for data transmission. Access to these resources and licensed use extends to College personnel, students, and authorized individuals. Each user bears the responsibility of following the guidelines set forth in this document, which addresses what is and is not proper use of the College's computing resources. Since computing environments change rapidly, this document must be flexible. It does not cover every possible situation, and it is subject to change.

Authorized and Secure Access

Users may access only those resources for which they have been specifically authorized. Access privileges do not extend to family members. For example, no user should let any other person access their computer account.

Resources should be used only in the manner intended. Mississippi College supported computing includes research, instructional and administrative activities, and may not be used for commercial purposes, or monetary gain.

Users are responsible for the resources entrusted to them. They should make appropriate use of protection features (such as passwords) and take precautions against others obtaining access.

Ethical Issues

Electronic text is no different than the printed word, and copyright law is applicable in most situations. Violations of authorial integrity, including plagiarism, unauthorized access, and copyright violations may be grounds for disciplinary actions and/or legal prosecution by the copyright owner. Users should not search for, access, or copy directories, programs, files, or data not belonging to them, unless permission has been granted by the author/owner.

Malicious Conduct

Users should not encroach on others' use of shared resources. This includes such activities as monopolizing computer resources for game playing, message sending or mail, or other trivial applications. Users must not attempt to modify system facilities or purposefully degrade system performance, nor should they attempt to subvert the restrictions associated with their computer accounts.

Disciplinary Action

Abuse of computing privileges will be subject to disciplinary action. Computing privileges may be lost and violators will be subject to the usual judicial procedures of the College. Mississippi College reserves the right to examine all computer files, and to revoke access to any user at any time, regardless of enrollment or employment status.

Disclaimer

This policy does not preclude enforcement under the laws and regulations of the State of Mississippi and/or the United States of America. Internet access is also subject to the Acceptable Use Policies of those networks which a user may traverse, including but not limited to the SURAnet and NSFnet. Any questions concerning ethical or legal use of computing facilities should be directed to the Chair of the Information Systems Committee.

_______________________________________________________
Recommended by the Information Systems Committee, 22 Sep 1994
Approved by the President of the College, 29 Sep 1994