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Computer Ethics Policy
The following document pertaining to the ethical use of computers and information was taken from Iowa State University.
The following statement of Software and Intellectual Rights was
developed through EDUCOM, a non-profit consortium of colleges and
universities committed
to the use and management of information technology in higher
education.
"Respect for intellectual labor and creativity is vital to academic
discourse and enterprise. This principle applies to works of all
authors and publishers in all
media. It encompasses respect for the right to acknowledgment, right to
privacy, and right to determine the form, manner, and terms of
publication and
distribution.
"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."
The above statement provides a guide for the ethical use of
computer facilities whether one is using a microcomputer, minicomputer,
mainframe computer or
supercomputer, or computer network, and whether the computer files,
programs, or data are stored on floppy disk, hard disk, magnetic tape,
or other storage
media. Computer facilities and files owned by tape, or other storage
media. Computer facilities and files owned by others should be used or
accessed only with
the owner's permission.
Viewing or using another person's computer files, programs or data
without authorized permission is unethical behavior and an invasion of
that person's
privacy. Such behavior, if used for personal gain, is plagiarism.
Ethical standards apply even when material appears to be legally
unprotected. Improper use of
copyrighted material may be illegal.
The following guidelines govern ethical computer use here at Southwest Texas Junior College:
# Unauthorized access to restricted databases is unethical.
# Use of computer facilities by an individual must be
authorized by the owner or administrative unit. Prior permission to use
another user's computer account or
user-id must be acquired from the owner of the account, who is
responsible for its use. Changing another person's password is
considered a form of harassment
and is unethical behavior.
# Users are responsible for their use of computer hardware,
accounts and user-ids. These should be used only for the stated
purpose; e.g., instructional class
accounts must be used only to support the given courses. University
computer facilities are not to be used for private monetary gain unless
specifically
authorized for such use.
# Users must not browse, access, copy or change private files
without authorization, or change public files without authorization.
Users must not attempt to
modify the computer systems or software in any unauthorized manner. The
use of invasive software, such as "worms" and "viruses" destructive to
computer
systems is unethical and illegal. Copyrighted software must only be
used in accordance with its license or purchase agreement. Users do not
have the right to
receive and/or use unauthorized copies of software, or make
unauthorized copies of software for themselves or others.
# College computing facilities are a valuable resource for
College use and they should be conserved. Users should properly utilize
these resources to minimize
any unnecessary impact of their work on others, for example, users
should avoid excessive game playing.
# SWTJC policies regarding the appropriate use of college
facilities and the ethics of personal behavior apply to the use of all
forms of electronic communication. In addition, users of any electronic
communication facilities, such as electronic mail, networks, bulletin
boards, and newsgroups, are obligated to comply with the
restrictions and acceptable practices established for those specific
facilities. Certain types of communications are expressly forbidden.
This includes the random
mailing of messages; the sending of obscene, harassing, or threatening
material; or the use of the facilities for commercial or political
purposes.
# Hardware, software, manuals, supplies, etc., must not be removed from computing sites without proper authorization.
# Abuse or misuse of any computer hardware or software will be regarded as illegal and/or unethical behavior.
Violations of the College code of Computer Ethics are treated
like any other ethical violation as outlined in the Student Handbook
and applicable faculty and
staff handbooks. Violators may also be billed for illegal use of the
computer systems and may be prosecuted for statutory violations
according to State and
Federal Law.
The original document is under Copyright (c) 1992 by Iowa State University
Permission to reproduce all or part of this document for
noncommercial purposes is granted, provided the author and Iowa State
University are given credit. To
copy otherwise requires specific permission.
I have read and understand this policy and accept the terms of agreement.
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