COMPUTER-RELATED POLICIES

Actions for Violations of the Computer Use Policy

Policy for Student Printing to Lab Laser Printers

COMPUTER SYSTEMS AND FACILITIES USE

The following policy contains the governing philosophy for regulating the use of Lycoming College's computing facilities and resources. Access to the College's computing facilities and resources is a privilege granted solely to Lycoming College faculty, staff, registered students, and those with special accounts. All users of the computing facilities must act responsibly and maintain the integrity of these resources. The College reserves the rights to limit, restrict, or extend computing privileges and access to its resources. Those who do not abide by the policies listed below will be subject to disciplinary action.

The Office of the Dean of Student Affairs and/or the Information Technology Services should be notified about violations of computer laws and policies, as well as about potential loopholes in the security of its computer systems and networks. The user-community is expected to cooperate with the Information Technology Services in its operation of computer systems and networks and with the Office of the Dean of Student Affairs as it relates to the investigation in the investigation of misuse or abuse. Should the security of a computer system be threatened, user files may be examined under the direction of the Information Technology Services.

Policies

The College's computing policies include, but are not limited to, the list below.

You must not use a computer ID that was not assigned to you, unless multiple access has been authorized for the ID. You may not try in any way to obtain a password for another's computer ID. You may not attempt to disguise the identity of the account or machine you are using.
You must not use the college's network resources to gain or attempt to gain unauthorized access to remote computers.
You musts not deliberately perform an act that will seriously impact the operation of computers, terminals, peripherals, or networks. This includes, but is not limited to tampering with components of a local area network (LAN) or the high-speed backbone network, otherwise blocking communication lines, or interfering with the operational readiness or a computer. This includes the addition of wireless routers and other devices that extend the network beyond the planned infrastructure.
You must not attempt to modify in any way a program that the College supplies for any type of use at its sites.
You must not run or install an of the college's systems, or give to another a program that could result in the eventual damage to a file or computer system and/or the reproduction of itself. This is directed towards but not limited to the classes of programs known as computer viruses, Trojan horses, and worms.
You must not attempt to circumvent data protection schemes or uncover security loopholes.
You must abide by the terms of all software licensing agreements and copyright laws. In particular, you must not make copies of copyrighted software, unless the college has a sit license specifically allowing the copying of that software. Furthermore, you must not copy site-licensed software for distribution to persons other than Lycoming College faculty, staff, and students, nor may you copy site-licensed software for use at locations not covered under the terms of the license agreement.
You musts not deliberately perform acts that are wasteful of computing resources or which unfairly monopolize resources to the exclusion of others. These acts include, but are not limited to, sending mass mailings or chain letters, creating unnecessary multiple jobs or processes, obtaining unnecessary output, or printing or creating unnecessary network traffic. Printing multiple copies of any documents including resumes, thesis, and dissertations is also prohibited.
The following type of information or software cannot be placed on any College-owned computer system: pirated software, destructive software, pornographic materials, or libelous statements, or that which consists of any advertisements of commercial enterprises.
You must not harass others by sending annoying, threatening, libelous, or sexually, racially, or religiously offensive messages.
You must not attempt to monitor another user's data communications, nor may you read, copy, change, or delete another user's files or software without the permission of the owner.
You must not use any of the College's microcomputers, workstations, or networks for other than a Lycoming College course, research project, departmental activity, or personal communications. These resources must not be use for personal or financial gain.
Any network traffic exiting the College is subject to the acceptable use policies of the network through which it flows as well as to the policies list here.

Reminders

Offenders may also be subject to criminal prosecution under federal or state law, and should expect Lycoming College to pursue such action. Under Pennsylvania law, it is a felony punishable by a fine of up to $15,000 and imprisonment up to seven years for any person to access, alter or damage any computer system, network, software or database, or any part thereof, with the intent to interrupt the normal functioning of an organization (18 Pa.C.S. 3933(a)(1)). Disclosing a password to a computer system, network, etc., knowingly and without authorization, is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $10,000 and imprisonment of up to five years, as is intentional and unauthorized access to a computer, interference with the operation of a computer or net work, or alteration of computer software (18Pa.C.S. 3933(a)(2) and (3)).

Recent court decisions have determined that information on college computer systems may be owned by that college.

Actions for Violations of the Computer Use Policy

The following procedures will be followed when the underlined violations occur:

Viruses traced to a workstation will result in the immediate disconnection from the campus network. Information Technology Services (ITS) will advise the student or staff member about how to clean the computer workstation.
Bulk e-mail sent to large campus groups that is not related to College business (e.g., selling a car, books, etc.), will result in ITS sending the student an e-mail reiterating Lycoming college policy and informing the student that subsequent violations will be sent to the campus judicial system. Subsequent violations will be reported Safety and Security to initiate a report.
Harassment via e-mail or network will result in ITS notifying Safety and Security immediately. Depending on the nature of the circumstances, ResNEt privileges may be suspended immediately. As in all harassment cases, the Director of Safety and Security will investigate by talking with the victim and the alleged perpetrator. Lycoming College disciplinary action may follow.
Copyright infringement including supplying campus or internet users with information protected by the Digital Millennium Copyright Act will result in the following process: a) ITS notified by internal or external agency, b) Department of Safety and Security notified; c) ResNet disconnected, d) student notified via telephone that ResNet has been disconnected, e) the student can request that the computer be re-enabled by filling out a form at the Safety and Security office to certify that the student is now in compliance with law, f) Safety and Security notifies ITS when the request is files. Subsequent violations will be handled through the campus judicial system and/or law enforcement.
Hacking by students attempting to infiltrate computer systems may result in the student being expelled from Lycoming College. Upon detection by ITS, the line will be disconnected immediately, the violation reported to Security, and subsequent investigation may be handled by judicial and/or law enforcement.

ON-LINE DIRECTORY

Lycoming College publishes an online directory on the Internet. This information contains names and e-mail addresses. If you do not wish to have your name visible on the on-line directory, please notify the Information Technology Services or the Office of the Dean of Student Affairs.

ONLINE COMMUNITIES AND HOMEPAGES

Lycoming College extends the privilege to each student to utilize the internet as a component of the College’s instructional technology.

The personal homepages and online community postings of Lycoming College students reflect only the views and opinions of the student authors. Information on these homepages and online communities do not in any manner represent Lycoming College information; neither does the College accepted any responsibility for its content.

All commercial references and/or links on student homepages are prohibited.

Lycoming College reserves the right to access publicly available online communities or online communities associated with the College if it is learned such information is evidence or is the appearance of a violation(s) of the Student Code of Conduct. Such information may include but is not limited to the following: harassment; vandalism; underage consumption; intimidation or coercion, or academic dishonesty.

STUDENT ORGANIZATION WEBSITE GUIDELINES

All student organizations are encouraged to develop a web presence on the Lycoming College Website. Websites are beneficial to student organizations because they:

Promote the functions and activities of an organization to the College community and perspective students.
Provide an unique medium for communicating an organization's information.
Provide easy access to additional information of interest.
Promote the sharing of information and knowledge.

Space on the College server for organization websites is offered free of charge to all recognized student organizations. Students are reminded that the use of the College server to host an organization website is a privilege. With this privilege comes the responsibility to maintain organization websites so that they promote clubs and organizations in a positive manner and reinforce the values articulated in the Mission of the College.

Lycoming College Student Organization websites reflect only the views and opinions of the student organizations. Information on these websites does not necessarily represent the views of Lycoming College; nor does the College accept responsibility for their content.

Process for Developing an Organization Website

To develop and maintain a website, organizations must be recognized by Lycoming College, have a current Student Organization Membership Roster on file in the Office of Student Programs and Leadership Development (OSPLD), and have completed the necessary procedures for establishing an organizational Internet account.

The first step in the process is to complete and submit a Website Request Form to the OSPLD. This form requests the contact information for the organization’s President, Webmaster, and Advisor. It is located in the OSPLD (Third floor of the Wertz Student Center) or can be downloaded from the college website at http://www.lycoming.edu/stuprograms/organization_website_request_form.htm.

Organizations requesting a website must confirm that they have read the College’s guidelines for the development and maintenance of organization websites. These guidelines will be available in hard copy and in electronic format.

The Director of Student Programs and Leadership Development will approve/disapprove the request, and if approved will secure and provide the organization with the URL, login, and password information needed by the organization to begin development of the website.

Technical Support for Organization Websites

The College uses Microsoft FrontPage as its standard software for the development of websites. If organizations use FrontPage, the College can provide technical assistance. Web page templates are available at http://www.lycoming.edu/templates/ to assist organizations in the development of websites. Organizations are free to use any website development software with the understanding that technical assistance from the College will be limited.

All organization websites should reside on the College’s server. Organization websites that are housed at off-campus servers or in individual student accounts will not be linked through the College’s website. Technical support will be provided by the College for organization websites that are housed on the College server and in the appropriate location.

Access to Organization Website Passwords

The organization’s President and Webmaster will be given the password. The organization is responsible for the security of the password. For security reasons, passwords will be changed when an organization’s President or Webmaster change. Organizations are responsible for informing the OSPLD of personnel changes that would require a new password. Passwords will be deactivated during the summer break unless an organization requests that the password remain active for the purpose of updating its website. These requests must be made in writing to the OSPLD. All URL, login, and password information for organization websites will be kept on file in the OSPLD and with the Webmaster for the Division of Student Affairs.

Access to Organization Websites

The OSPLD maintains a website that lists all Registered Student Organizations of Lycoming College at www.lycoming.edu/stuprograms/organizations.htm. This list includes a brief description of the organization, and e-mail links to the organization’s President and Advisor. Organization websites determined to be “Maintained” will be linked through this site.

The OSPLD website listing Recognized Student Organizations can be accessed through the Prospective Students, Current Students, and Student Senate of Lycoming College websites under the link named “Clubs and Organizations”.

Maintenance of Organization Websites

Organizations are responsible for the content and maintenance of their website. A “maintained” website meets the following criteria:

Updated at least three times each year. (Last day September, January, and March).
Information contained in website is accurate.
Information of a historical nature is properly identified.
Links to other sites are accurate.
Has related content.
Includes an update notice that is accurate.

Note: An update notice should be located at the bottom of the main page of all organization websites.

Questionable Content

Questionable content is any material on an organization’s website or links to other websites that are determined by the Webmaster for the Division of Student Affairs to violate the principles articulated in the Mission of Lycoming College. The College’s Computing Policy does not permit information on organization websites that constitutes advertisement for commercial enterprises or promotes personal or financial gain.

Removal or Unlinking of Website Due to Questionable Content

The College reserves the right to unlink or remove pages immediately upon the notification concerning questionable content of a website. Upon unlinking or removal, the sponsoring organization will be notified of the situation and given the opportunity to explain the questionable content of the website or make changes to the website. If the organization and the Webmaster for the Division of Student Affairs cannot resolve the situation, the matter will be heard by the Organizational Standards Judicial Board.

Review of Organization Websites

The Webmaster for the Division of Student Affairs will review all organization websites three times each year (October, February, and April). The review will determine if an organization’s website meets the “Maintained” qualifications and is free of any “Questionable Content” as defined above. After the review, the Organization’s President and Webmaster will be informed of the status of their website. Website status will be defined as either “Maintained” or “Un-maintained”. Information supporting the status of the organization’s website will be provided to the Office of Student Programs and Leadership Development, the Dean of Student Affairs, and the President of SSLC.

Unlinking Organization Websites

Websites that are deemed to be “Un-maintained” will be unlinked from the Recognized Student Organization List that is maintained by the Office of Student Programs and Leadership Development. Unlinked websites will remain active on the College server so that they may be updated. The Webmaster for the Division of Student Affairs will contact organizations with “Un-maintained” websites to determine the intention of the organization to update the website or have it removed. The organization and the Webmaster for the Division of Student Affairs will negotiate a period of time to make the necessary updates. Websites updated in the stipulated time frame will be re-linked to the Recognized Student Organization List and returned to “Maintained” status.

Removing Organization Websites

Organization websites that remain in an “Un-maintained” status after the review period, after the negotiated time frame for updating, or after adjudication by the Organizational Standards Judicial Board, will be removed from the College server. Information supporting the status of the organization’s website will be provided to the OSPLD, the Dean of Student Affairs, and the President of SSLC. After a website is officially removed, an organization wishing to develop a new website must re-initiate the website development process with the OSPLD.

POLICY FOR STUDENT PRINTING TO LAB LASER PRINTERS

Effective fall 2001, students will be charged $.05 per sheet for amounts beyond 600 sheets per semester when printing to laser printers. Each student will have access to a program on all lab computers to monitor the their total use. For example, a student printing 700 sheets would be charged for the extra 100 sheets or $5.00 at the end of the semester. Of course, printouts on one’s own printer through ResNet are not included in the total, nor are printouts included while working for faculty and staff on office computers. If a student is doing a special project for a faculty or staff member and only if they are over the 600-sheet limit , it will be necessary for the faculty or staff member to notify the help desk (help@lycoming.edu) in writing or by e-mail before the end of a semester in order to waive charges for the student.