G-22-0 Acceptable Use of Information Technology Resources

This acceptable use policy (AUP) governs the use of computers, networks and services by all persons at Central Oregon Community College (COCC). COCC computers, networks and services provide access to information resources on and off campus, as well as the ability to communicate with others worldwide. Such open access is a privilege and requires that individual users act responsibly. Users must respect the rights of others, respect the integrity of systems and related physical resources, and observe all relevant laws, regulations, and contractual obligations.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF USE

COCC technology resources are intended for academic and college-related business functions. Any for-profit use of these resources is prohibited. When accessing remote/hosted systems, users are responsible for obeying the policies set forth herein as well as the policies of other organizations. Misuse of COCC computing, networking, or information resources may result in the immediate loss of computing and/or network access. Any violation of this policy or local, state, or federal laws may be referred to appropriate COCC offices and/or, as appropriate, law enforcement authorities. COCC may monitor and record usage to enforce its policies and may use information gained in this way in disciplinary and criminal proceedings.

FUNCTIONALITY AND AVAILABILITY

You must ensure that your actions and the computers you own, or that are assigned for your use, do not negatively impact the functionality and availability of COCC computers, networks and services. You must not circumvent or alter protections or other restrictions. You may not use COCC resources to gain unauthorized access to college services or other services for which you are not authorized. COCC reserves the right to limit access to its computers and networks and remove or limit access to material posted or distributed on COCC-owned computers or networks.

USER ACCOUNTS

Users do not own accounts on COCC computers and networks but are granted the privilege of exclusive use. Each account granted on a COCC system is the responsibility of the individual who applies for the account. You may not share your accounts and/or passwords with others, and you must keep account passwords confidential. You may not attempt to view or use another person's account, computer files, programs, or data without authorization. Groups seeking accounts must select an individual with responsibility for group accounts, and those users must abide by this policy. Misuse may result in the immediate loss of computing and/or network access.

INFORMATION SECURITY

You are responsible and accountable for all use and security of the information technology resources you own or use, including but not limited to computer accounts, passwords, personal computers, electronic data, and network access. COCC cannot guarantee that messages or files are private or secure. Employees may only maintain files on COCC-owned resources that are necessary for COCC business purposes (see G-23-0 Network Technology Resources).

PERSONAL INFORMATION

Be cautious about making information about yourself and others available on the Internet. COCC cannot protect you from invasions of privacy, phishing attempts, identity theft, and other possible dangers that could result from your distribution of personal information.

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

Users must adhere strictly to all applicable software licensing agreements and copyright laws. No one may inspect, modify, distribute, or copy proprietary data, directories, programs, files, disks, or software without proper authorization. Software not purchased by COCC is not supported.

PUBLICATION

Any information you distribute through COCC information technology resources is a form of publishing, thus, COCC publishing standards apply. Any online communications or publications attributed to COCC, explicitly or implicitly, even with disclaimers, represent you and COCC, and appropriate language and behavior is warranted. Based on your affiliation with COCC as a student or state employee, your online activity may be subject to other COCC or State of Oregon policies, including but not limited to, employment policies, state ethics laws, and information security policies that may restrict the disclosure of confidential or proprietary information or the use or affiliation of state resources in personal endeavors and/or social media.

If you have questions about acceptable use of information technology resources, please contact COCC Information Security (infosec@cocc.edu).

Effective date 2/3/2023.