In support of its mission of teaching, research, and public service, Franklin & Marshall provides access to computing and information resources for students, faculty, professional staff, and registered guests. Access to the College's computing facilities is a privilege granted to College students, faculty, and staff. The College recognizes that local, state, and federal laws that relate to copyright, security, and intellectual property bind all members of the College community and their guests. The College reserves the right to limit or restrict computing privileges and access to its information resources.
Obligations:
Those who use the College's computing and information resources must act responsibly. Every user is responsible for the integrity of these resources. All users must respect the rights of other computing users, respect the integrity of the physical facilities and controls, and respect all pertinent license and contractual agreements. It is the policy of Franklin & Marshall that we act in accordance with these responsibilities, relevant laws and contractual obligations, and the highest standard of ethics.
College computing facilities and accounts are to be used for the College-related activities for which they are designed. The college provides each member of the academic community ample file and web space to disseminate legal content. Under no circumstances shall these resources be used to distribute copyrighted material whether it be images, music, software, movies, or any other digital content. The use of the College network, file, or web services to offer goods or services of a commercial nature is strictly forbidden.
As part of our ongoing efforts to create a safe and secure network, all computers will be required to be registerd on the campus network. As part of this process your computer will be scanned for known vulnerabilities. If your system is found to be susceptible to internet viruses and related malicious software you will be asked to install patches to your operating system and/or update your virus definition files before you can use the College network.
You will not be able to read your email or perform any other network activity until the registration/scanning process is complete.
As per the Colleges policy on responsible computing, you are responsible for the state and behavior of your personal computer. Accordingly, every member of the College community and their guests have agreed not to use the network in any way that diminishes the effectiveness of the network or interferes with the reasonable and private use of those systems by others.
Consequently, it is College policy that any computer that adversely affects the College network (both the hard wired and wireless component) or attempts to circumvent College security measures will be isolated from the network without advance notice.
It is important to note that many, if not most, virus infections are the result of Internet downloads via KaZaA, Gnutella, eDonkey, Morpheus, Limewire, Acquisition, Poisoned, and other peer-to-peer (P2P) file-sharing programs. Limiting your use of file sharing applications, using recommended anti-virus software, and keeping your system up to date with appropriate patches will make your computing experience less stressful and more successful.Members of the college community who choose to connect their personal computers to the campus network are responsible for the usage of their computer. KaZaA, Gnutella, eDonkey, Morpheus, Limewire, Acquisition, Poisoned, and other peer-to-peer (P2P) file-sharing programs can transmit files on your computer to others in violation of copyright laws, with or without your knowledge. If these programs are on your computer, you will be held responsible for any copyright violations that may result.
The problem of P2P file sharing is a significant problem on many campuses since it can interfere with the use of campus computer networks for academic purposes. Although P2P technologies are themselves not illegal, such technologies are used overwhelmingly for the unauthorized downloading and uploading of copyrighted works, primarily music but also movies, software, and other copyrighted material.
Popular peer-to-peer file sharing programs contain spyware that can record computer usage, deliver advertising and other unsolicited files, and allow others access to your files and resources. You are also vulnerable to Trojan horses and other malicious code every time you download a file. It is important to note that many, if not most, virus infections are the result of internet downloads via applications like those named above. Limiting your exposure to peer to peer file sharing, using recommended anti-virus software, and keeping your system current with appropriate software updates will make your computing experience less stressful and more successful.
Impersonation, anonymity, spoofing, and any other methods of hiding ones true identify in order to mislead, harass, or avoid detection is prohibited. Those that violate such policy are subject to the full range of sanctions set forth in the Student Handbook, the Employee Policy Guide as well as local, state, and federal laws.
Agreement:
I agree to the user obligations described above and agree not to use the College's computer systems or the network in any way that diminishes the effectiveness of the network (examples: using a system to "attack" another, harnessing a disproportionate amount of our internet connection for P2P applications) or interferes with the reasonable and private use of those systems by others. I acknowledge the right of Franklin & Marshall, and its designated staff, to inspect, when necessary as a function of responsible system management, all files stored on the College's computing facilities.
I understand that upon violation of the terms of this agreement the College, through Computing Services, retains the right to deny future computing privileges. I understand that I may also be subject to further disciplinary action by the College, as well as legal action by the owners and licensers of proprietary software for violation of copyright laws and license agreements.
Responsible Computing Policy Update: April 2008