Responsible Use of Information Technology Policy
Harrisburg University offers comprehensive academic programs that emphasize science and technology. Access to information technology is essential to the pursuit and achievement of the university’s instructional, research, administrative and service missions. As such, the use of information technology is a privilege and all members of the university community are expected to be responsible and ethical users of information technology. This policy applies to all technology acquired by or on behalf of Harrisburg University (wherever used) and all technology (however acquired) used on any Harrisburg University resources.
This policy:
- Promotes the responsible and ethical use of computing, information resources, and/or communication systems, collectively known as “information technology” but hereafter known as “IT.”
- Defines the rights, responsibilities, and standards of conduct for Harrisburg University, its faculty, administrators, staff, students, and other authorized users with regard to the use of IT.
- Explains the appropriate procedures for enforcing any and all misuse of the university’s IT resources and outlines appropriate disciplinary procedures for violating these rules.
- It is the responsibility of the university faculty, administrators, staff, or student workers to communicate this policy and its contents to any and all users of IT at, or in affiliation with, Harrisburg University. Not being aware of any part of this policy does not excuse the individual from being responsible for its contents.
- Harrisburg University is responsible for the following:
- Maintaining user accountability requirements including user identification and authentication, account administration, and password integrity.
- Making every effort to protect the privacy of users and confidentiality of data.
- Ensuring fair access to IT with regards to diversity.
- Developing and implementing security policies and standards.
- All Harrisburg University IT users are responsible for the following:
- Acting in a responsible, ethical, and legal manner in the use of IT. As such, this use of IT implies consent with any and all applicable university policies and regulations.
- Using IT for authorized university business only. Excessive use of any IT resource for personal use is prohibited.
- Safeguarding data including personal information and passwords.
- Recognizing the limitations to privacy afforded by electronic services.
- Respecting other users and their expectation of privacy, confidentiality, and freedom of expression.
- Taking precautions to prevent the initial occurrence and/or spread of computer viruses. Therefore, network connected resources must utilize university-approved anti-virus software.
- Avoiding any unauthorized or illegal use of IT. This includes but is not limited to the transmission of abusive or threatening material, spam, or communications prohibited by state or federal laws.
- Using IT in compliance with applicable license and purchasing agreements. Each user is individually responsible for reading, understanding, and adhering to all licenses, notices, and agreements in connection with IT which he or she uses.
- Harrisburg University reserves the right to capture, preserve, and/or inspect any information transmitted through, stored in its computers, or used on any IT resource without notice but especially when:
- There is reasonable cause a user has violated this policy.
- A user or an account appears to be engaged in unusual activity.
- It is necessary to protect the integrity, security, or functionality of Harrisburg University’s IT resources.
- It is necessary to protect the Harrisburg University from liability.
- It is permitted or required by law.
- Any user who violates any part of this policy may be subject to the following:
- Suspension or revocation of the user’s computer account and/or suspension or revocation of access to the university’s IT resources.
- Disciplinary action as described in Harrisburg University’s Student Handbook which may include suspension, dismissal, or expulsion from the university.
- Disciplinary procedures outlined in Harrisburg University’s Faculty Handbook or any other documents outlining conduct for faculty, staff, administration, or student employees which may include termination of employment or other disciplinary action.
- Civil or criminal prosecution under federal and/or state law. Noncompliance with certain provisions of this policy may incur penalties under such laws which may include fines, orders of restitution, and imprisonment.
- Re-instatement of computer privileges shall be examined on a case-by-case basis.
Harrisburg University reserves the right to update and/or amend this document to reflect university policy changes and/or state or federal law.
