This page describes proper and improper use of information technology at Gallaudet University. The information on this page was expanded from the section 2.22 Use of Information Technology Resources policy in the Gallaudet University Administration and Operations Manual.
What is Information Technology at Gallaudet University?
- Databases retained on a computer system, such as Peoplesoft, Microsoft SQL, etc
- Electronic Mail Network, including webmail (http://mail.gallaudet.edu/)
- World Wide Web sites (http://gallaudet.edu/ and all its linked pages)
- Data, wireless and voice networks and network connections
- Computer laboratory equipment
- University owned or leased personal computers, laptops, mobile devices (aka pagers), servers, network control devices, printers, facsimile machines, modems, and telephone equipment
- Individually owned or leased personal computers, laptops, mobile devices (aka pagers), servers, network control devices, printers, facsimile machines, modems and telephone equipment, that are connected to the Gallaudet University computer network through any means (network or wireless connection, telephone)
Who may use Gallaudet Information Technology Resources?
- Gallaudet University students
- Gallaudet University faculty
- Gallaudet University staff, including certain contractors and consultants
- Members of the Gallaudet University Board of Trustees
- Laurent Clerc National Deaf Education Center students
- Laurent Clerc National Deaf Education Center teachers
- Laurent Clerc National Deaf Education Center staff
- Others, upon recommendation of an appropriate administrative officer to the Director of Information Technology Services. The individual or sponsor must pay an annual fee.
What activities are permitted?
Gallaudet University information technology resources exist to support the mission and goals of the University. Appropriate uses of the system include:
- Academics and research
- Academic Support
- Institutional data management and support
- Financial and operations support
- Routine electronic mail communication
- Routine Internet use, including World Wide Web browsing, file transfers, instant messaging, telecommunications (including the use of video relay), and multimedia applications
What activities are prohibited?
- Activities that compromise or threaten the functioning of the University's network, database systems, telecommunication systems, or security measures
- Activities that constitute misuse or inappropriate use of Gallaudet University information technology resources
- Activities that constitute illegal activity on Gallaudet University information technology resources
- Activities that conflict with University policies or local, state, county, or international law
- Sharing or giving your password to other users
Monitoring and Enforcement
Gallaudet University Information Technology Services actively monitors network and network resource usage 24 hours per day, seven days per week. Most monitoring activities are routine, and allow ITS staff to detect, diagnose, and fix the normal day-to-day problems associated with operating a complex network. Monitoring also ensures that the network is used for its intended purpose-academics and academic support-and safeguards the University against legal risk.
When Information Technology Services, or another appropriate unit of the University, believes that information technology resources are being:
- misused,
- inappropriately used,
- illegally used,
- used in a way that compromises or threatens the functioning of the system, or
- used in conflict with University policies or local, state, county, or international law,
Gallaudet University reserves the right to investigate, and to take whatever action is necessary to maintain system integrity and security.
The University may review individual IT records to the extent necessary to assess the problem and determine responsibility. The University also reserves the right to delete files, programs, network connections, and/or user accounts.
Both network and individual user logs may be examined. This includes the logs of personal computers or servers that are attached to the University network, whether they are owned by the University or by other parties.
Abuse of information technology privileges may result in appropriate disciplinary action. In many cases, the user will be given a warning. Cases involving Gallaudet University students may be referred to the Office of the Dean of Student Affairs for judicial program review. Similarly, cases involving Laurent Clerc National Deaf Education Center students may be referred to the appropriate Demonstration School program managers for disciplinary action.
ITS may suspend or revoke user e-mail or network privileges. In cases of illegal activity, the University may refer the matter to law enforcement authorities.
Finally, the University reserves the right to respond to legally-mandated requests for information technology records. . For example, if a law enforcement agency is investigating allegations of copying and distribution of copyrighted material, and serves a court-approved search warrant upon the University, the University is obligated to permit the search.
