Student Use of Computer and Network Resources Policy

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Andrews University provides various information technology services to its students including email, personal Web space, Internet access, computer labs, wireless networking and network connections in the residence halls and apartments.

    At Andrews University, information technology resources must only be used in ways that support the mission of Andrews University. The opportunity to use the resources is a privilege which may be removed if the resources are misused.

    ITS is responsible for maintaining these systems and assisting students in utilizing the resources. For assistance, please contact the ITS help desk at 269-471-6016 or via email at help-desk@andrews.edu.

Requirements to Utilize Information Technology Resources

Personal devices, such as computers, smartphones, tablets, etc. must have the following in place:

• The operating system must be up-to-date with all critical patches released by the vendor installed
• Personal computers must have an anti-malware product installed, that is current and up-to-date

Computers connected to the network must be registered to a person who will be responsible for any activity on or from that computer. A computer found to contain viruses or other software causing damage to any other computer network or system or excessively using resources will be immediately disconnected from the network until the problem is remedied.

User Accounts and Passwords

All students must have an Andrews University account with a username and password.

    Passwords for Andrews University accounts must be carefully guarded, changed frequently, treated as a signature and never shared with anyone else including friends or family members. Great care must be taken to avoid providing University usernames and passwords to any websites or servers that are not University systems, or in response to telephone or email requests.

    The password chosen for use with the Andrews University account must be different from passwords used for other websites or organizations. Using the same password presents a significant security risk as there are frequent instances of security breaches where usernames and passwords are stolen.

    Compromised user accounts will be disabled immediately. Attempts will be made to notify the individual responsible for the account. To reactivate the account, the password must be changed to a new password.

Andrews Email Used for Official Communication

Official Andrews University communication will come to the student’s Andrews University email address, and students are responsible for having read the content of these messages. Students may forward their email to another email address but will remain responsible for what was sent to the Andrews University-provided email address.

Prohibited Activities

Prohibited activities on Andrews University computers and networks, some of which may constitute criminal activity, include but are not limited to the following:

1. Unauthorized access to or use of other users’ accounts or data, system software, university data, network equipment, or other computer systems
2. Disclosing an individual’s password to another person or allowing another person access through one’s user account (logging in and allowing another person to use your access)
3. Unauthorized decryption of coded information such as passwords
4. Participation in a denial of service attack against any computers or networks
5. Retrieval, storage or transmission of copyrighted materials without the owner’s permission (for more information on peer-to-peer file sharing see andrews.edu/services/its/peer-to-peer-file-sharing-policy.html)
6. Intentional introduction of malware or hardware or software used for unapproved collection of information
7. Attempts to evade or bypass system administration policies, such as resource quotas, firewall and web filtering
8. Forgery or attempted forgery of documents or email
9. Excessive use of resources, such as network bandwidth or disk storage
10. Unauthorized and/or unsolicited broadcasting of email
11. Harassment or intimidation of other users, including sexual harassment
12. Accessing, transmitting or storing documents, images or video that fail to meet content standards
13. Installation of servers, routers, switches or wireless access points (unless approved by the CIO) or in any location that disrupt ITS provided services
14. Using University resources for personal gain or to support a personal business

Content Standards

Information transmitted over the network or made available to others (e.g. through Web applications, email, or other methods) shall be representative of a Christian university and must not include: profanity or obscene language; defamation of any individual or group; materials promoting hatred of cultural, ethnic, or religious groups; advocacy of lifestyles contrary to University policy; pornography and other sexually-oriented material. Illegal materials such as child pornography should not be accessed by or stored on any computer while connected with the University, whether personal or University owned.

    Andrews University provides content filtering to minimize the exposure to inappropriate material on University computers and networks, however it is not possible to completely prevent it.

Privacy and Confidentiality

ITS staff will make reasonable attempts to maintain the confidentiality and security of email and other documents stored on ITS managed and controlled servers. However, Andrews University cannot guarantee the confidentiality or privacy of email messages and other documents stored on ITS managed and controlled servers, and the University makes no promises regarding their security. The following items relate to confidentiality:

1. Andrews University reserves the right to conduct routine maintenance, track problems, and maintain the integrity of its systems. As is the case with all data kept on University-systems, the content of email and other documents may be revealed by such activities.
2. ITS staff do not routinely monitor the contents of email or other documents. However, such monitoring may be conducted when required to protect the integrity of the systems or to comply with legal obligations. Additionally, automated systems may filter emails, documents and web sites for the purpose of protection from malware and inappropriate content.
3. Andrews University reserves the right to inspect the contents of email and all documents in the course of an investigation into alleged impropriety or as necessary to locate substantive information not readily available by other means.
4. Authorization to investigate the contents of user files must be given by the CIO on the basis of instructions from the university’s cabinet level administration.

Resource Limits

A number of specific networking protocols which cause security risks, enable illegal activity, allow access to objectionable material or utilize excessive resources are restricted on university networks and computer systems. The current specific limit set on disk storage space for websites is 90 MB per person (subject to change as needed).

Results of Non-Compliance with this Policy

In the event that a student fails to comply with this policy, restrictions will immediately be placed on their access to information technology resources. Generally, this will occur by restricting or disabling the person’s ability to connect to the network by either limiting network access to the quarantine zone or deactivating their username/ password. When access has been limited to the quarantine zone, any attempt to access Web resources will be directed to a quarantine zone page. This page contains information regarding why the student’s access has been restricted and suggested changes to correct the problem. After making the necessary corrections, a release button may be selected to be released from the quarantine zone. If the problem continues to persist, the student’s access will again be limited to the quarantine zone. Up to three attempts in five days are allowed to clear up the problem and be released from the quarantine zone. If these steps do not resolve the access problem or if your username/password has been deactivated, contact the ITS help desk (269-471-6016) to check your account status or for troubleshooting assistance.

    In the case of more serious policy violations (such as actions that cause others to lose IT services and/or illegal activities), ITS staff will discuss the problem with the student, assist in correcting the cause of the problem and reinstate the access once the cooperation and understanding of the student is gained (generally as quickly as possible). In cases of reoccurring issues, or lack of cooperation from the student, the deactivation may continue for a longer period of time. In the case of actions that violate policies regarding student behavior, including accessing inappropriate content, the case will be referred to Student Life. Some policy violations may involve legal issues and be required to be transferred to Campus Safety or the appropriate legal agencies such as Berrien Springs-Oronoko Police Department, Michigan State Police or the Federal Bureau of Investigation. These situations may result in the impounding of computer equipment, fines or imprisonment depending on the issues involved.

Appeal Process

Appeals related to decisions made regarding this policy or to restrictions placed on a student’s access to resources may be made through the appropriate managerial levels in ITS up through the Chief Information Officer.

    For information on appeals in matters relating to Student Life issues, refer to the Student Handbook section titled “Right to Appeal/Grievance” on page 74.

Safety Tips for Using Information Technology Resources

The online environment made possible by the Internet provides many advantages but also brings a number of serious risks. It is essential that each person be aware of these risks to make sure that their online actions do not result in damage or loss.

• Identity theft is a very real risk when doing business online. You are responsible for any use of your Andrews University username and password. Beware of anyone asking for usernames and passwords, social security numbers, credit card or bank account numbers. This includes email messages that appear to be from a bank, the administrator of a computer system or other organizations that do business online. These organizations (including Andrews University) never request you to verify this type of information via an email message. Some messages that refer to a webpage that looks authentic may be set up to collect your information. Once a person obtains these pieces of information, they can transfer funds out of your bank account, get credit in your name, ruin your credit rating and participate in other unfortunate activities that may cause serious disruption to you and may require several months of effort for you to get resolved. Even in face-to-face or telephone conversations, it is not advisable to share your username and password as the bearer of that information can subsequently “be you” online.
• Spyware (software that is installed on your computer automatically as a result of going to a website—often without a person’s knowledge) can run on a computer and collect and send back personal information used for identity theft.
• Web filtering systems are in effect at Andrews to attempt to minimize the exposure to inappropriate material. Specifically, websites that are known to contain pornographic material are blocked. While Andrews strives to prevent contact to this type of material, it is not possible to do this completely. If you observe that University systems allow access to inappropriate material found on the web, please report it by sending email to filteradmin@andrews.edu.
• Viruses transmitted through email attachments are screened via systems that attempt to remove email attachments that contain viruses. This blocks the vast majority of email-borne viruses, but some virus attachments may get through. It is very important that you not click on an attachment unless the person sending it is known to you, the attachment is mentioned in the body of the message and the combination matches your experience (for example, looking at beach pictures of you and someone with whom you have never been to the beach would be very risky).
• Viruses transmitted directly between computers can occur in spite of filtering at the system firewalls. Keeping operating systems and antivirus software up-to-date are essential to protect your computer. In addition, a personal firewall is recommended.
• Social networking sites such as Instagram or Facebook, while popular for sharing among friends, are also available to the general public. You should use caution in determining what information you post on any public website as this information can be used by predators, as well as potential employers. In addition, you will be held accountable for content that violates the Code of Student Conduct.

Information Technology Services will continue to work to reduce these risks but will not be able to completely eliminate them. It is the responsibility of each student to be alert and vigilant in their actions in the online environment in order to avoid these hazards.

Television Services

ITS/Telecommunications provides basic TV service (which includes the local off-the-air channels) to every room or apartment in University Towers, Lamson Hall, Meier Hall, and the Garland, Maplewood and Beechwood apartments for no additional fee. Contact Telecommunications for more information: 269-471-3455, telecom@andrews.edu, andrews.edu/go/telecom.

Telecommunications

Telecommunications provides basic phone service to every residence hall room and apartment for no additional fee. Basic service includes campus calls, unlimited local calls and CallerID. You are responsible for supplying the telephone. Long distance calls may be made by using a calling card. Contact Telecommunications for more information: 471-3455, telecom@andrews.edu, www. andrews.edu/go/telecom.

Computer Labs

ITS provides one general-purpose computing laboratory on campus available for use by all students, faculty and staff. This lab contains Windows-based computers with a variety of software. Laser printing is available for a fee.

Bell Hall 182—Schedule posted at lab entrance

Additional computer labs exist in various schools or departments and residence halls including:

• Chan Shun Hall 225/226—269-471-3422
• Harrigan Hall 205—269-471-6148 (Mac Lab)
• Haughey Hall 316—269-471-6554
• Library Lab—269-471-3283