Procedure No. 53.002 (Replaces Policy 53.0001 - Computer and Network Use Policy)
Acceptable Use of Technology Resources
REVISED: 05/05/2010
Date Issued: 03/17/2004
Issued By: Academic Affairs
PURPOSE:
The purpose of this policy is to establish parameters for the use and operation of Clarion
University's computing systems, telecommunications facilities and network resources.
POLICY:
The Clarion University computing, telecommunications and networking resources are
provided for the support of the instructional, research and administrative activities of the
institution. Use of these resources is a privilege granted by the University and it reserves
the right to limit, restrict or extend access to these electronic resources.
Users are expected to conduct their activities within the restrictions and overall policies of
Clarion University, the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and federal statutes.
Agreement to abide by this policy is a condition of acceptance to use the University's
electronic resources and violators are subject to suspension of computer privileges and
possible referral to the appropriate judicial or disciplinary process.
While the university recognizes the role of privacy in an institution of higher learning and
every attempt will be made to honor that ideal, there should be no expectation of privacy
of information stored on or sent through university-owned information technology, except
as required by state or federal law. For example, the university may be required to provide
information stored in its information technology resources to someone other than the user
as a result of court order, investigatory process, or in response to a request authorized
under Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know statute (65 P.S. §67.101 et seq.). Information stored by
the university may also be viewed by technical staff working to resolve technical issues.
A.

General Policy: The use of computer systems, telecommunications facilities, networks

or other electronic resources of the institution for the following purposes is deemed
unacceptable:

1.

Non-University related political or charitable activities;

2.

Commercial uses including (but not limited to) the promotion of "for profit" and/or

privately owned businesses or sale of private property;
3.

To abuse, defame, harass or threaten another individual or group;

4.

To commit fraud or distribute any unlawful messages;

5.

Excessive use for frivolous, non-productive and/or non-University related purposes,

such as (but not limited to) entering chat rooms; and
6.

Other unauthorized acts or actions not in accordance with University policies, or not

in the best interests of Clarion University.

B.

Protection of Resources and Data: University data and resources must be protected

to ensure the University's ability to meet its educational goals. Therefore, the following
actions are prohibited:
1.

Theft, damage or destruction of computing facilities, programs or data,

2.

Access or use of computing facilities, programs or data that are not authorized to the

user's account,
3.

Sharing usernames, passwords, pin numbers or any other security related

procedures, files or accounts with other individuals, such as faculty, staff or administrators
sharing passwords with work study students. This is a serious security breach, especially in
light of the enhanced accessibility to privileged data via the iClarion portal and other web
based products.
4.

Inhibiting or disrupting the operability of computer systems, telecommunications

facilities, networks or other electronic resources.

5.

Intentionally introducing viruses, Trojan horses, worms or similar programs onto any

University systems or networks.

C.

Copying and copyright infringement: Clarion University of Pennsylvania respects and

upholds the rights of holders of copyrights, their agents and representatives. It is the
responsibility of employees and students to be aware of the rights of copyright owners.
Legal use of copyrighted material can include, but is not limited to, ownership, license or
permission, and fair use under the US Copyright Act. Illegal use includes:
1.

Reproducing or allowing others to reproduce copyrighted software material in any

form without proper authorization, or not in keeping with the University's copyright
regulations or federal and state laws,
2.

The use of software applications that allow for the direct sharing of music, movies,

games, and software over the Internet when such peer-to-peer file sharing contains
copyrighted works without the permission of the copyright holder.
D.

Viruses and Security Updates: Computing Services has implemented automated

distribution procedures for virus and security updates to standard, University owned
servers, desktop and laptop computers. However, Computing Services does not have the
personnel or expertise to support the myriad specialty systems that need to be connected
to the network or to support residential students' systems. Therefore, to protect the
viability of the University's electronic resources:
1.

It is the responsibility of the end user of any specialty electronic system that utilizes a

computer based operating system, such as a copier, document imaging system or ITV
system, to ensure that virus protection and security updates are provided by their
maintenance contractors.
2.

It is the responsibility of residence hall students to install all security patches and to

maintain up-to-date anti-virus software on their systems, if they are connected to the
residence hall network or to CNet via wireless. If students do not maintain their systems
properly and adversely affect the University's system(s), they will be disconnected from the
network and may be subject to a reconnect fee.

E.

Email Communication: The Clarion University email system is considered an official

means of communication and all students and employees are responsible for information
sent to them via their Clarion account. All students, employees and retirees are given a
Clarion University email account. With respect to those email accounts:
1.

It is the responsibility of the email account owner to delete unwanted messages and

attachments, and to otherwise maintain their account.
2.

Email can easily be forwarded to non-University accounts by the account owner;

however, the account owner is responsible for the receipt of all information, including
attachments, forwarded to another account.
3.

It is expected that students and employees will check their Clarion email accounts and

the iClarion portal on a frequent and consistent basis.
4.

Faculty should expect that students are accessing official electronic communications

for the purposes of coursework.
In addition to the iClarion portal, the University maintains mass email distribution
capabilities to facilitate communication within the University community. These consist of
the ALL-L listserv, the ANNOUNCE email distribution list, and their student equivalents,
S_ALL-L and S_ANNOUNCE. Students and employees have the ability to sign off of the ALLL lists; however, no one can remove themselves from the ANNOUNCE email distribution
lists.
Messages sent via the two ALL-L listservs should contain information relevant to the
University community such as student support services, event announcements and
cancellations, or the availability of excess supplies or furniture. All employees subscribed
to ALL-L have the ability to send messages to ALL-L; however, the ability to send messages
to S_ALL-L is restricted to specific individuals.
Messages sent via the two ANNOUNCE email distribution lists contain important
information that must be seen by all employees or students, i.e., official dates or deadlines,
emergency situations, computer or building shutdowns, or critical health announcements.
The ability to send messages via ANNOUNCE is restricted to specific individuals.

F.

Data Communication: The physical data communication system (CNet) at Clarion

University provides switched 10Mb or 10/100Mb Ethernet service to all computers and
other network devices. All connections to this system are provided through standard RJ-45
outlets that connect to network equipment using standard Category 5, 5E, or 6 cabling.
Any entity wishing to utilize the communication system must do so through the provided
connections and must obtain permission from Computing Services. If other cabling or
communication systems are required then the entity may install additional wiring, subject
to approval by Computing Services. In this case, the entity will be responsible for the
installation and maintenance of their installed communication system.