Acceptable Uses

The campus computing facilities and network resources are provided for instructional and research purposes. They are available to all registered students, faculty and staff as well as officially recognized organizations and affiliated individuals. Computing facilities and services are provided for academic uses and should never be used for commercial purposes.

The following activities are prohibited:

• Using College computers and network services to harass or threaten other computer users, or to publicly display offensive or obscene messages.

• Impersonating another user via electronic means.

• Unauthorized access to any computer or network based resource including but not limited to the reading, copying, manipulation or deletion of another user’s files and data.

• Making unauthorized duplicates of software or other copyrighted material.

• Introducing or utilizing any form of malicious software (including viruses, worms, spyware, keyloggers).

• Interfering with the operation of the College’s computer facilities by deliberately or inadvertently degrading or disrupting system performance, security, or administrative operations.

• Running a business using campus computing facilities.

We reserve the right to remove or block any computer/device or to demand the removal of a network service from a computer/device that causes an inordinate strain on network and/or server resources–whether intentional or unintentional. This includes, but is not limited to spreading spam or viruses, causing or participating in denial of service attacks, and any other activities which consume an excessive amount of bandwidth. It the responsibility of the user to ensure that his or her computer is “patched” for security vulnerabilities and free of viruses. A user may be held accountible for the activities of his or her computer/device, as well as any activities performed under users’ NPCUID (Banner ID).

Privacy

The College will make every effort to respect the privacy of an individual’s files and emails. Your New Paltz Computer User ID (Banner ID) and account are provided for your personal use–it must not be shared with others. You are responsible for all activity associated with this account. All of our users are expected to respect the privacy of others. Any attempt to gain access to private information or passwords (via technological or social means) is prohibited. Any form of “identity theft” or the compromising of another individual’s personal information is strictly prohibited.

All users should be aware that there is no guarantee of privacy when using our facilities. Unencrypted network traffic might be intercepted, e-mails may be spoofed, etc. In addition, the College reserves the right to monitor its network and servers in order to investigate performance or system problems. This includes, but is not limited to, locating viruses or other harmful programs, gathering performance or usage statistics, verifying that both College and student owned computers and devices are following policy set forth by computer services, academic computing or the College as a whole. The College in coordination with law enforcement authorities will investigate any violations of local, state and federal laws. Access to student records information is governed by the Family and Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

In addition the College is required under the federal law known as the “Digital Millennium Copyright Act” to respond to complaints from copyright holders about unauthorized distribution or use of copyrighted materials. Copyright violations committed by users may result in disciplinary sanctions against the user as required by law and local policy. For more information on the DMCA and related policies see http://acs.newpaltz.edu/resnet/dmca/.

Failure to comply with federal, state or local laws or any computer usage policies set forth by the College could result in restriction or termination of access to services and the notification of law enforcement about possible criminal activities.

Range of Disciplinary Sanctions

Persons in violation of this policy are subject to a full range of sanctions, including, but not limited to, the loss of computer or network access privileges, disciplinary action, and separation from SUNY New Paltz. Some violations may constitute criminal offenses, as defined by local, state, and federal laws.