Computer Account Application

Black River Technical College

Acceptable Use Policy

Rights and Responsibilities 

Computers and networks can provide access to resources on and off campus, as well as the ability to communicate with other users worldwide.  Such open access is a privilege, and requires that individual users act responsibly.  Users must respect the rights of other users, respect the integrity of the systems and related physical resources, and observe all relevant laws, regulations, and contractual obligations.  

Files may be subject to search under court order.  In addition, system administrators may access user files as required to protect the integrity of computer systems.  For example, following organizational guidelines, system administrators may access or examine files or accounts that are suspected of unauthorized use or misuse, or that have been corrupted or damaged. 

Existing Legal Context 

All existing laws (federal and state) and College regulations and policies apply, including not only those laws and regulations that are specific to computers and networks, but also those that may apply generally to personal conduct.  Misuse of computing, networking, or information resources may result in the loss of computing privileges.  Additionally, misuse can be prosecuted under applicable statutes.  Users may be held accountable for their conduct under any applicable College or campus policies, procedures, or collective bargaining agreements.  Complaints alleging misuse of our resources will be directed to those responsible for taking appropriate disciplinary action.  Illegal reproduction of software protected by U.S. Copyright Law is subject to civil damages and criminal penalties including fines and imprisonment. 

Examples of Misuse 

Examples of misuse include, but are not limited to, the activities in the following list: 

Ø      Using a computer account that you are not authorized to use.  Obtaining a password for a computer account without the consent of the account owner.

Ø      Using the Campus Network to gain unauthorized access to any computer systems.

Ø      Knowingly performing an act that will interfere with the normal operation of computers, terminals, peripherals, or networks.

Ø      Knowingly running or installing on any computer system or network, or giving to another user, a program intended to damage or to place excessive load on a computer system or network.  This includes but is not limited to programs known as computer viruses, Trojan horses, and worms.  Attempting to circumvent data protection schemes or uncover security loopholes.

Ø      Violating terms of applicable software licensing agreements or copyright laws.

Ø      Deliberately wasting computing resources.

Ø      Using electronic mail to harass others.

Ø      Masking the identity of an account or machine.

Ø      Posting on electronic bulletin boards materials that violate existing laws or the College’s codes of conduct.

Ø      Attempting to monitor or tamper with another user’s electronic communications, or reading, copying, changing or deleting another user’s files or software without the explicit agreement of the owner. 

General Warnings and Guidelines 

No system has unlimited resources, and we expect you to act responsibly when consuming resources on our system.  If you consume excessive resources on our system we may suspend your access at any time.  Excessive concurrent processes or processes which continue after you have logged off are prohibited. 

BRTC’s services may only be used for lawful purposes.  Transmission of any material in violation of any federal or state regulation is prohibited.  This includes copyrighted material, material legally judged to be threatening or obscene, or material protected by trade secret.  BRTC will cooperate fully with federal and state enforcement officials investigating unlawful behavior on our systems. 

The Internet does not welcome unsolicited E_MAIL, multiple postings of the same information in Usenet Newsgroups, advertising in most of the Usenet Newsgroups or general disrespect for other users.  BRTC has a policy of no-censorship, either from or to our systems, UNLESS, the information is illegal and clearly used for fraud.

Activities will not be considered misuse when authorized by appropriate College officials for security or performance testing. 

I have read the above acceptable use policy and agree to abide by it.

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Do not fill in this portion.  

Account ID:                                         @blackrivertech.org   

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AGREEMENT TO BRTC ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY

Signature:                                                                      SSN: _______________________________