Computer Use Policy

Each user of Bates College information systems has two basic rights: (1) the right to privacy with respect to the information stored in their user account, hard drive, or on diskette, as well as their computer output; and (2) the right to a fair share of the system resources. Users who violate the rights of others, either by accessing information to which they have no right, or by using an excessive amount of system resources, are acting in an unethical manner. Information and Library Services reserves the right to take whatever actions are necessary to prevent a user from violating the rights of other users.

To assure each user privacy and a fair share of system resources, all users must comply with Information and Library Services policies. Since Information and Library Services cannot anticipate every possible way in which users might intentionally or unintentionally violate the rights of other users, the guidelines listed below are illustrative, not exhaustive. Any activity that results in loss of privacy or unreasonable reduction in system performance for other users is unethical. Cases involving unethical behavior will be referred to the Office of the Dean of Students, the Dean of the Faculty, or the Human Resources Office, as appropriate.

1. Each user is issued a user account and should always log into the computer under that account. Using any other account is an invasion of the privacy of the individual issued that account. The right to use the Bates College computing facilities is nontransferable: a user should not allow another individual to use his or her account. Each user is held responsible for the computing activities that occur under his or her account, so users should make special efforts to preserve the security of their passwords.
2. All files and computer output belong to someone. They should be assumed to be private and confidential unless the owner has explicitly made them available to others. A user should not alter, manipulate, or inspect the contents of another user's file area without the user's knowledge and explicit permission. Similarly, a user should not alter or manipulate the contents of a public library or directory unless the owner has specifically authorized the user to do so. Users should also take steps to protect their data.
3. Because electronic information is volatile and easily reproduced, respect for the work and personal expression of others is especially critical in computer environments. Violations of authorial integrity including plagiarism, invasion of privacy, unauthorized access, and trade secret and copyright violations may be grounds for sanctions against members of the academic community. (From Using Software published by EDUCOM, used with permission.)
   
   For example, a user who presents the work of another user as his or her own by simply submitting a duplicate listing of a homework assignment is committing plagiarism. A user who exploits flaws in system or instructor software to obtain answers to an assignment or examination or who manipulates the contents of a file containing grades or other records of course performance is being academically dishonest. For more information, see the Bates College Statement on Plagiarism and a Guide to Source Acknowledgments.
4. Users supplying information content, visible or sent to others over computer networks must follow the same rules of conduct that apply to supplying a message in any other medium.
5. Networks such as the World Wide Web have greatly expanded the capacity of Bates users to view and interact with computers all over the world. A user should not use the Bates College computing facilities to go beyond normal Internet connections to gain unauthorized access to other computers off campus. Users should notify Information and Library Services staff of any off-campus computing arrangements they have that may have an impact on Bates computing resources. Unauthorized access to, and use of, other computers may result in criminal and/or civil action.
6. A user should not alter the normal functioning of the computing system. This applies to attempts to reallocate storage space, to change the priority levels at which programs run, or to gain unauthorized access to other user accounts, passwords, or system directories. It also applies to attempts to degrade system performance, to "crash" the computer, to disconnect other users from the computer, or to send unsolicited messages and "junk" mail to other users of the system. These restrictions apply to all Bates computers, including public microcomputers. More generally, all users have a responsibility to avoid running programs that are wasteful of system resources, especially when doing so noticeably reduces the performance of the system for other users.
7. A user should not attempt to reserve access to the computer in a public area for his or her own use, and should log out in all locations when the computer is not in use. Generally a user should not use more than one port or microcomputer at a time.
8. Game and other recreational programs have the lowest priority on the system. Anyone using a computer in a public lab for game or conference must relinquish it to another user upon request. Modems may not be used for games, which includes muds and irc. Modems are a limited resource, and may only be used for educational purposes.
9. A user should not abuse or mistreat Information and Library Services equipment. All users should become thoroughly familiar with the proper operating procedure for a given device before attempting to use it. High-speed printers, plotters, multimedia equipment, scanners and similar equipment are quite delicate and easily damaged through careless or rough use. A user is held responsible for any damage to equipment caused by his or her own carelessness.
10. Information and Library Services provides documentation online and in the Library. A user should not remove documentation from any of these locations. Documentation may also be purchased from Information and Library Services, the Bookstore, and through other commercial channels.
11. Bates College computing systems are available to the Bates community to further the educational goals of the College. Bates College does not permit use of its computing resources to support commercial enterprises of account holders. A user in doubt about a particular case should contact the Information and Library Services Management Team.

System Administration

1. Information and Library Services staff charged with the responsibility for maintenance of the integrity and security of the College's computing systems are permitted to copy or move user files for routine backups and preservation. They are authorized to investigate possible abuse of computer systems, and to take appropriate action. Users can expect that staff will not inspect the contents of their files without proper justification and authorization.
2. Bates College IP addresses are issued and authorized by Information and Library Services staff. They are available for use only by the person to whom they have been issued for uses authorized by Information and Library Services.
3. Most software is protected by copyright law unless it has been placed in the public domain. It is illegal to duplicate or distribute software or its documentation without the permission of the copyright owner. Software acquired by Bates College is licensed to the College. The licenses restrict how and where the software may be used by members of the College community, and Information and Library Services manages the system in order to minimize the number of copies of software needed to support College work. Consult Bates College Information and Library Services for information about the content of particular license agreements.

The guidelines discussed above are intended to insure that each user's rights to privacy and fair share of system resources are protected. Users are requested to inform Information and Library Services staff if they suspect that their rights are being violated.

Revised—July 18, 2002