Code of Conduct for use of Computing Facilities
Approved by: Information Services Committee, April 1999
Introduction
- The University of Dundee provides a wide range of computing facilities for use by staff and students in pursuit of teaching, learning, research and administration. Use of the facilities is encouraged as part of the University's strategy of increasing Information Technology awareness.
- Use of computing facilities means that individuals must accept certain responsibilities. The formal position on the use of the facilities is given in the Regulations for the use of Computing Facilities. This code of conduct is intended to provide further guidance on the responsibilities.
- The underlying philosophy of this code of conduct is that facilities should be used in a manner that is ethical, legal, appropriate to University aims, and not to the detriment of others.
Access
- Computing Facilities are provided by Information & Communication Services (ICS) for the University as a whole and by schools and departments for their members.
- Access to facilities is normally arranged by the allocation of a unique user identifier (often called a username or login name). For some facilities the presentation of a University ID card or other form of identification may be required.
- On most computer systems a password is required in order to gain access. You should choose a password that is secure and not easily guessed. You are responsible for keeping passwords secret at all times and should not give any passwords to other people.
- Unauthorised access to any computer facilities is prohibited and a criminal offence.
- You should not allow any other person, even other authorised users, to access computing facilities using your username.
- You will be held responsible for any and all activity on computing facilities which is initiated by your username.
- If you suspect that someone is gaining unauthorised access to facilities you should report the matter as soon as possible to ICS or departmental computing staff.
Damage
- It is your responsibility to act in a manner that will not cause damage to computing facilities (hardware, software, and data) nor disruption to any services. Any accidental damage or disruption must be reported as soon as possible.
Privacy
- You are responsible for ensuring the privacy of information held by you on the computing facilities.
- Any information kept about people must be in accordance with the Data Protection Act.
- You should consider all information held by individuals as private. The ability to read or alter information held on a computer system does not imply permission to do so. You must not read other peoples files unless given explicit permission.
Conduct
- University IT Suites and department PC rooms are places of study. Behaviour within these rooms should reflect this and be of a similar standard to that expected in the Library.
- Smoking or the consumption of food or drink in IT Suites is prohibited except by prior arrangement.
- PCs may not be reserved by individual students.
- You must not participate in activities that are likely to bring the University into disrepute.
- Other than for properly supervised and lawful research purpose, you must not use computing facilities for the creation, display, production, or propagation of material which falls into the following categories:
- grossly offensive;
- indecent;
- of a menacing nature;
- or intended to mislead or misinform and thereby cause annoyance, inconvenience, or needless anxiety in another
- You should take care when using electronic communication; messages can easily be misunderstood.
- Chain messages are prohibited.
- The University takes all forms of harassment seriously and has policies and procedures relating to racial and sexual harassment.
Copyright and licence conditions
- Much of the software used on the computer systems is copyright and is used under licence agreements.
- You must not take copies of software unless authorised to do so.
- You must not modify copyright and licensed software.
- You must not load unlicensed software onto University computer systems.
- If you are in doubt about the licence arrangements for software you should ask ICS or departmental computing staff.
Games
- With limited facilities, game playing and other non-academic recreational activity is not a priority. You must not deprive others of computing facilities by playing games or other recreational activity. Playing games on ICS facilities between 9am and 5pm is prohibited.
- You must not store games on University computer systems.
Commercial Gain
- The use of University computer facilities for commercial gain is not allowed except by prior arrangement with the University.
Penalties and Sanctions
- Infringement of the University Regulations for the use of Computing Facilities by students is subject to University disciplinary procedures as laid out in Ordinance 40 (Student Discipline).
- Available sanctions include discontinuation of access to facilities, fines, and ultimately termination of University membership. Infringement by University staff is subject to staff disciplinary procedures.
- ICS may suspend access to University computing facilities pending investigation of an alleged breach of regulations.
- Where civil or criminal law appears to have been breached, the University will refer the case to the police. Prosecution may follow.
Contacts and Further Information
- Contact ICS Reception (Computing Centre, Park Place) for further information about:
- University of Dundee The Regulations for the use of the Computing Facilities
- Data Protection Guidance and Policy
- University of Dundee Ordinance 40 (Student Discipline).
- Disclaimer about authoring personal and departmental webpages
- JANET acceptable use policy
- FaTMAN acceptable use policy
- If you have problems with using the University computer systems or networks, wish to complain, or seek advice, contact ICS Service Desk.
- If you feel harassed or threatened in any way contact the University Counselling Service (Cross Row, x4164). All complaints are treated in confidence and dealt with sympathetically.
This page is based on the text of the University of Dundee Code of Conduct for the Use of Computing Facilities as approved by the University's Information Services Committee in April 1999.
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