Acceptable Use of Computing And Information Technology Resources Policy

Select the appropriate link from below: 

• Acceptable Use of Computing and Information Technology Resources Policy
  • UNLV IT Computer Lab Rules
  • Student Email Policy

https://www.unlv.edu/policies/acceptable-use-computing-and-information-technology-resources-policy

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

The purpose of this policy is to:

• Ensure that use of computing and information technology resources is consistent with the principles and values of the university including academic freedom, privacy, and security.
• Ensure that computing and information technology resources are used for their intended purposes and meet compliance requirements.
• Ensure the confidentiality, integrity, availability, reliability and proper performance of computing and information technology resources.

POLICY

CONTEXT

UNLV’s computing and information technology resources are dedicated to the support of the university’s mission and its core themes to promote student learning and success, advance and support research scholarship, and creative activity, and foster inclusion and community engagement. While advancing the mission and core themes, UNLV respects, upholds, and endeavors to safeguard the principles of academic freedom, freedom of expression, and freedom of inquiry. UNLV’s commitment to the principles of academic freedom and freedom of expression includes electronic information.

The use of computing and information technology resources in a manner consistent with the mission and ideals of the university and with the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) Computing Resources Policy requires adherence to legal statutes, approved policies, and responsible behavior, including:

• using only assigned account(s) or account information
• respecting the privacy and rights of other computer users
• protecting the integrity of the physical environments in which information technology equipment resides
• complying with all pertinent software license and contractual agreements, and
• obeying all UNLV and NSHE regulations, state and federal laws.

UNLV seeks to create an atmosphere of privacy with respect to information and UNLV information technology resources. UNLV acknowledges its responsibilities to respect and advance free academic inquiry, free expression, reasonable expectations of privacy, due process, equal protection of the law, and legitimate claims of ownership of intellectual property. Such responsibilities are balanced with the acknowledgement that users should be aware that they should have no expectation of privacy in connection with the use of UNLV resources beyond the explicit provisions of university policy and applicable federal and state law (e.g., NRS Chapter 239, Public Records). UNLV is a public institution, and because the university must be able to respond to lawful requests and ensure the integrity and continuity of its operations, use of the university’s information resources cannot be completely private.

Information on university computers and equipment may be subject to legal discovery and disclosed:

• In response to lawfully executed court ordered warrants or subpoenas
• As a result of the Nevada Public Records Act (i.e. public records request)
• In response to federal “Freedom of Information Act” requests
• In litigation involving the university and/or university employees
• In criminal investigations or investigations of student or employee misconduct
• In university investigations in accordance with NSHE or university policy.

When warranted, university staff are asked to assist in investigations and discovery and have direct responsibility for investigating and responding to some alleged offenses and incidents involving computing resources.

POLICY

1. Each person may use only those computing and information technology resources for which he or she has authorization.
Examples of violations include, but are not limited to:

a. asking another person for individual account passwords or attempting to obtain such passwords by any means

b. using resources without authorization

c. sharing university accounts with other persons without authorization

d. accessing files, databases, data or processes without authorization

e. using former system and access privileges without authorization after association with the university has ended

2. Computing and information technology resources must be used in a manner that respects the privacy and rights of others.
     Examples of violations include, but are not limited to:

a. accessing, attempting to access, or copying someone else’s electronic mail, data, programs, or other files without authorization

b. divulging sensitive, personal information without a valid business or academic reason

c. developing or using programs that may cause problems or disrupt services for other users

d. misrepresenting another user’s identity in any electronic communication (e.g., forging an e-mail address)

e. using electronic resources for deceiving, harassing or stalking other individuals

f. sending threats, “hoax” messages, chain letters, or phishing

g. intercepting, monitoring, or retrieving any network communication without authorization.

3. The access to and integrity of computing and information technology resources must be protected.
    Examples of violations include, but are not limited to:

a. sharing passwords

b. purposefully propagating computer malware such as computer viruses, worms or Trojan Horses, except under secure conditions for research or teaching purposes

c. preventing others from accessing an authorized service

d. degrading or attempting to degrade performance or deny service

e. corrupting information

f. altering or destroying information without authorization

g. making university systems and resources available to those not affiliated with the university

h. installing hacking or vulnerability tools in university systems without authorization

i. circumventing or attempting to circumvent security mechanisms without authorization.

4. Applicable laws and university policies must be followed.
     Examples of violations include, but are not limited to:

a. uploading, downloading, distributing or possessing material deemed illegal under US and state laws, such as child pornography or classified information

b. using university computing or network resources for advertising, partisan political activities or commercial purposes (see the exception for “UNLV Student elections, which are governed by CSUN policy” in Section II.1. “Partisan Political Activity” and the definition of political activity from the NAC 284.770, both referenced in the Related Documents section)

c. making unauthorized copies of licensed software

d. downloading, using or distributing illegally obtained media (e.g., software, music, movies) using the campus network, whether on a UNLV-issued computer or not

e. accessing, storing or transmitting sensitive, personal information without a valid business or academic reason, or outside the parameters of limited personal use

f. transmitting sensitive, personal information without using appropriate security protocols (NRS 603A).

5. Limited personal or non-university use of UNLV computing and information technology resources is allowable only if ALL of the following conditions are met:

a. the use does not interfere with an employee’s duties

b. the cost and value related to use is nominal

c. the use does not create the appearance of impropriety or UNLV endorsement

d. the use is otherwise consistent with this policy.

CONTACTS

Refer to the Office of Information Technology’s Policies and Procedures web page at https://www.it.unlv.edu/policies for additional information, including how to request an exception to this policy.

https://www.it.unlv.edu/computer-labs/about/lab-rules

The UNLV computer labs are provided to support the academic computer needs of all currently enrolled UNLV students. Use of the labs for other purposes, commercial or otherwise, is prohibited. The rules below are intended to maintain an environment in the labs where all students can work effectively.

• Students must have their UNLV identification card with them to use any UNLV computer lab.
• An account that allows access to the UNLV computer labs can be obtained by currently enrolled UNLV students. However, this account is to be used only by the student to whom it is given. Students may not share their account with anyone else.
• Lab patrons may not duplicate or use copyrighted materials without appropriate licenses and/or permission.
• All users must respect the privacy of others, and courteous behavior is expected in the facilities.
• Lab patrons are expected to maintain the decorum of a library at all times. No user may engage in behavior that will disturb or distract other students. The use of cell phones in the facilities is restricted. Phones should be taken outside when receiving a call, and ringers should be turned to vibrate when possible.
• Changing the current hardware and software configuration is prohibited. To make specific or unusual hardware or software requests, contact the Facilities Supervisor for the lab.
• Students may not use their own paper in the facilities, and must use the paper provided by the labs. The reprographics department can accommodate special paper and printing needs.
• The use of any tobacco product in computer facilities is prohibited.
• Users may not leave their personal belongings unattended or leave their workstation unattended without logging off for any extended period (i.e., more than 20 minutes).  UNLV is not responsible for any items left unattended in the facilities.
• The repeated violation of lab rules may result in lab privileges being suspended.
• Users may not engage in behavior that creates a hostile atmosphere for other students wishing to use the lab. For further explanation of this rule see below:

Procedures Regarding Offensive Behavior in Computer Facilities

• The computer facilities at UNLV are solely intended to support the academic computer needs of all students. Offensive behavior by some can create an environment that detracts from the ability of others to fully utilize the facilities. Loudness or otherwise creating a disturbance is behavior incompatible with the proper function of the facilities. People persisting in engaging in such impermissible behavior will be asked to leave.
• The computer facilities at UNLV exist to assist students in their academic work. This includes both formal assignments and informal supplemental learning and research. The use of the computer facilities for non-academic purposes is prohibited. While offensive behavior is impermissible, using material, for academic purposes, that others might find offensive is protected by both the First Amendment and the NSHE Computing Resources Policy. However, as UNLV is a university community, the spirit of civility requires that all computer facilities users show respect and consideration for the sensibilities of others.
• Students who are planning to work with material that others might find offensive or that may violate Title IX, including but not limited to vulgar language, explicit sexual material or material from hate groups – should attempt, whenever possible, to use computers whose screens are least likely to be viewed by passersby. If a student is offended by material displayed prominently on a computer screen, he or she should inform the facilities staff who will resolve the problem based on procedures established by Instructional Technology Services. We all share the goal of keeping the UNLV computer facilities an environment where all students feel free to work. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated.

In compliance with Title IX, the University of Nevada, Las Vegas prohibits discrimination in employment as well as in all programs and activities on the basis of sex. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (20 U.S.C. § 1681) is an all-encompassing federal mandate prohibiting discrimination based on the gender of students and employees of educational institutions receiving federal financial assistance. Sex discrimination includes sexual harassment and sexual violence. Educational institutions that receive federal financial assistance are covered by Title IX. If only one of the institution’s programs or activities receives federal funding, all of the programs within the institution must comply with Title IX regulations. In compliance with Title IX, the University of Nevada, Las Vegas prohibits discrimination in employment as well as in all programs and activities on the basis of sex

www.it.unlv.edu/policies/student-email-policy

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
This policy clarifies the requirements for email communications with students via their official [name]@unlv.nevada.edu accounts. 

Official email communications are intended to meet student, faculty, and staff academic and administrative needs within the campus community. Unless otherwise prohibited by law, the university and its faculty may communicate with students officially by email and will expect that such email messages will be received and read in a timely manner.

Official UNLV email accounts are created for all admitted students. The addresses are all in the form of [name]@unlv.nevada.edu. These accounts must be activated by the students through the Office of Information Technology Help Desk or online.

If a student wishes to have email redirected from their UNLV official email to another email address, they may do so but at their own risk. The university is not responsible for the handling of email by outside vendors or departmental/unit servers, none of which are considered official student email accounts. Having email redirected does not absolve a student from the responsibilities associated with official communication sent to his or her [name]@unlv.nevada.edu account.

Students are expected to check their email on a frequent basis in order to stay current with UNLV related administrative and course communications and to recognize that certain communications may be time-critical. Students must ensure that there is sufficient space in their accounts to allow for delivery of official email communications.

It is a violation of the UNLV Code of Student Conduct to use email to impersonate a university office, faculty/staff member, another student or any other person.

Email users should exercise extreme caution in using email to communicate confidential or sensitive matters, and should not assume that email is private or secure. It is also important that users are careful to send messages only to the intended recipients.

Faculty will determine how electronic forms of communication will be used in their classes, and will specify their requirements in the course syllabus. Such use by students and faculty shall be consistent with this policy.

CONTACTS
IT Help Desk
702-895-0777
http://rebelmail.unlv.edu/

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