Revised
ITC proposal for an OU Network Policy.
Submitted
to Faculty Senate, October 5, 2005.
Network Policy
The
University’s computer systems and networks are shared resources used by many
individuals to carry out the University’s mission of teaching, research, and
service. Use of these resources must be
ethical,
accord with principles of academic
honesty
and academic freedom,
respect the rights of other users, demonstrate respect for intellectual
property and ownership of data, respect system security mechanisms, and promote
an environment free from intimidation and harassment.
By
using University computer systems and networks, users agree to abide by approved University information
technology policies*
and
to
comply
with applicable
state
and federal laws.
This policy outlines services and responsibilities of
individual users, academic and administrative units, and Information Technology
(IT).
I. CONTROL, RESPONSIBILITY, AND
ACCOUNTABILITY: IT has responsibility for maintaining the reliability,
accessibility, and security of the network.
A.
The
network should be accessible to all authorized users for the utilization of
standard services.
B.
University organizations have a right to maintain locally-administered networks that connect to the
University network, provided they conform to University network policies. IT will work with LAN administrators to support this policy.
C.
IT has responsibility to approve the design, deployment, and management of
campus wireless networks. A network-wide approach must be taken to minimize
interference, secure the wireless networks, and ensure the integrity of the
campus computing systems connected to these networks
D.
IT will maintain a support structure for resolving user concerns.
E.
Users have the responsibility to observe University policy and are accountable
for their actions. No user shall willfully violate any university, state or
federal rules governing the operation of the network or the dissemination of
information through it.
II.
RELIABILITY AND PERFORMANCE: Network performance should be highly reliable to support the work of the University, subject to administrative, physical and fiscal constraints.
IT will work
with the internet service provider to maintain network performance up to professional standards.
III.
SECURITY: IT has the responsibility to
protect the network
from access by unauthorized persons
or groups.
IV.
ACCESSIBILITY: All members of the University community
must
have appropriate
access
to the University
network and services,
without
regard to disability, physical
location,
or platform, within administrative, physical,
and fiscal constraints. The content of materials accessed
via the network by legitimate users shall not be abridged or censored,
except as required by law.
*For approved University policies, see http://www.ou.edu/committees/itc/policy.