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IT Department Helpdesk
1200 West University Ave
Mitchell, SD 57301
Phone: 605-995-2697
E-mail: helpdesk@dwu.edu
Web: http://www.dwu.edu/is/

Computer Policy

Policy on Acceptable Use of Information Technology Resources

Introduction
Purpose and Needs
 
Data Integrity
Security – passwords, system access, etc.
Backup and storage of data 

Administrative Issues

Support of computer systems
Access to and from outside computer systems
Relocating equipment 

Technology Selection
Purchasing
Installing software
Non-DWU computer systems and equipment 

Computer Access
University ownership and Rights to monitor
Acceptance of policy
Acceptable Usage of computing systems, services, and resources
(including e-mail, Internet, network services, staff services, etc.)

top of pageIntroduction  
 
Purpose and Needs 

The purpose of this Computer Use Policy is to help protect Dakota Wesleyan University (hereby referred to as ‘the university’) from liability and business interruptions due to inappropriate use of university computers, computer resources, and breaches of computer security. 

The computer use policy documents the user’s responsibility to safeguard computer equipment and information from accidental or deliberate unauthorized access, tampering, snooping, distribution, or destruction. It sets forth what is, and is not, appropriate use of university computer resources. Users are subject to disciplinary action for noncompliance with this policy. This policy does not purport to address every computer operating and security issue. It is your responsibility to use sound judgment. Should you identify an issue or situation that you are not certain how to handle, please contact the helpdesk.  

This policy covers the broad aspect of computer usage.  It is not intended to cover detailed aspects of every situation, but rather, provide the starting point to establish policy and acceptable procedures.  Any questions should be directed to the Manager of Information Technology for review.  Specific policies will be developed for additional needs and services as required.  All policies will be available for review through the Web site, and additionally are available in printed form if requested.  All users are obligated to abide by this policy. 

Downtime and equipment failures are costly to the university and do not promote an efficient learning environment.  The items within this policy will provide the basic standards for computer support personnel to assure consistent and reliable systems for your use.

top of pageData Integrity

Security – passwords, system access, etc.

  • Each user must use only his or her own unique logon account.
  • Each user is responsible for all access, charges, and any other intentional or  unintentional uses of his/her account.
  • Accounts are only available to current employees and students.
  • All full-time, part-time, and temporary employee accounts are authorized through the Human Resources department.
  • Work study accounts may be authorized by the division Vice-President or his/her designee.
  • All logon accounts are subject to required password changes and other security requirements to insure appropriate access. 

Backup and storage of data

  • File server data is backed up routinely for disaster recovery safeguards.
  • Each user is assigned private and public data storage on the file servers.
  • Each user is responsible for saving his/her data on the file servers.
  • Local hard drives are not backed up by Information Technology.
  • Workstation backups are not performed during upgrades. 

top of pageAdministrative Issues 

Support of computer systems

The Information Technology department supports all the computer systems owned by the university. 

Any problems requiring computer support are to be initiated by contacting the helpdesk (ext. 2697 or helpdesk@dwu.edu) and should provide the details necessary to initiate a resolution. 

Employees and students should not attempt to resolve hardware or operating system problems without the consent of Information Technology.

Access to and from outside computer systems

The university reserves the right to limit access to its computer and network systems. 
 
Access to secured external computer systems from within the university network must be coordinated through Information Technology.  This includes Internet, wireless, and modem connections. 

Access from outside sources in order to control or otherwise connect to a university computer system is not allowed unless authorized and coordinated with Information Technology. 

Relocating equipment 

All computers, printers, and any related equipment being relocated must be coordinated with Information Technology in advance. 

All computers, printers, and any related equipment needed in temporary locations must be coordinated with Information Technology in advance. (ex. finalization, registration, etc.) 

top of pageTechnology Selection

Purchasing 

The Information Technology department purchases ALL computers, printers, related hardware, and ALL licensed software.  Items not purchased through proper channels are subject to removal.

PRIOR to purchase, all classroom equipment requiring a computer should be coordinated through Information Technology to insure compatibility.

Demo and textbook software that does not require a license does not need to be purchased through Information Technology.  Support is not provided by Information Technology for such software.

Installing software 

The university retains the right to manage software installation on university-owned computers.

Licensed software owned by the university will only be installed on university-owned computer systems.

Information Technology installs ALL software on public and lab computers.

Ideally, all university-owned computers will have only university-owned software installed on them. However,

  • demo and textbook software not requiring special security access may be installed by the user on his/her university-owned computer provided copyright and licensing agreements are not violated
  • personally owned software must be pre-approved by Information Technology

All new software must undergo testing to determine if the software will perform to expectations and work with existing systems. This testing phase will be a minimum of two weeks after receipt of the software and needs to be scheduled in advance. 

The Information Technology stores ALL software licenses and media. Software that is not in proper inventory will not be supported and is subject to removal. 

The university retains the right to audit and correct any software violations with or without the user’s knowledge.

Non-DWU computer systems and equipment 

Personally owned equipment may be prevented access to university computer systems if it is determined that the presence of such equipment is interfering with the routine operations of the computer systems.

Information Technology support is limited to university-owned computer equipment and computer systems

Support for student computers are provided through the eConnections@DWU program 

top of pageComputer Access 

University ownership and rights to monitor

In short, the university owns the following:

  • All e-mail accounts
  • All trademarks and names referring to DWU
  • All computer systems
  • All computer related hardware
  • All computer software
  • All physical data media
  • All access to the computer systems

The university has the right

  • to revoke any owned items
  • to revoke access to any owned items
  • to monitor with or without notice any of the owned items
  • to change the policy concerning any of the owned items
  • to maintain or change any owned items
  • to dispose of any owned items in the best interest of the university 

Intellectual property rights are outlined in the respective policy. 

While it is not general practice to monitor content, the university retains the right to do so with or without notice, and retains the right to limit access to its computing resources. 

Acceptable usage of computing systems, services, and resource
(including e-mail, Internet, network services, etc.) 

No communication will be made on behalf of the university through e-mail or other similar computer-based means by anyone not authorized to do so. 

The university network and computer systems will not be used for any of the following activities:

Any activity that violates any university policy

Publicly viewing or distributing the following types of information:

  • adult-oriented and/or sexually offensive material (i.e. pornography)
  • racially offensive material
  • material that is illegal
  • material that is confidential
  • material that may cause harm or damage to people or computer systems

Violation of copyright law

Distributing chain mail or junk mail

Distributing e-mail to advertise or promote non-university related activities, unless authorized to do so by University Relations

Hosting a web site to advertise or promote non-university business activities, unless authorized by University Relations.

Knowingly or unknowingly distributing virus programs

Distributing material which can be considered libelous or detrimental to the university, its employees, or its students 

Acceptance of policy 

By logging into any university computer system or by utilizing any of the university computer infrastructures, users agree to abide by this policy. 

Official copies of this policy may be obtained from the Information Technology Department, the Human Resources Department, or from the Web at: http://helpdesk.dwu.edu

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Dakota Wesleyan University
1200 W. University Ave
Mitchell, SD 57301
800-333-8506
Copyright © DWU
Last updated: 7/16/07
605-995-2600