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Context

51�ԹϺ���’s computing and information technology resources are dedicated to the support of the university’s mission and its core themes to promote student learning and success, advance and support research scholarship and creative activity, and foster inclusion and community engagement. While advancing the mission and core themes, 51�ԹϺ��� respects, upholds, and endeavors to safeguard the principles of academic freedom, freedom of expression, and freedom of inquiry. 51�ԹϺ���’s commitment to the principles of academic freedom and freedom of expression includes electronic information.

The use of computing and information technology resources in a manner consistent with the mission and ideals of the university and with the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) Computing Resources Policy requires adherence to legal statutes, approved policies, and responsible behavior, including:

• using only assigned account(s) or account information
• respecting the privacy and rights of other computer users
• protecting the integrity of the physical environments in which information technology equipment resides
• complying with all pertinent software license and contractual agreements, and
• obeying all 51�ԹϺ��� and NSHE regulations, state and federal laws.

51�ԹϺ��� seeks to create an atmosphere of privacy with respect to information and 51�ԹϺ��� information technology resources. 51�ԹϺ��� acknowledges its responsibilities to respect and advance free academic inquiry, free expression, reasonable expectations of privacy, due process, equal protection of the law, and legitimate claims of ownership of intellectual property. Such responsibilities are balanced with the acknowledgement that users should be aware that they should have no expectation of privacy in connection with the use of 51�ԹϺ��� resources beyond the explicit provisions of university policy and applicable federal and state law (e.g., NRS Chapter 239, Public Records). 51�ԹϺ��� is a public institution, and because the university must be able to respond to lawful requests and ensure the integrity and continuity of its operations, use of the university's information resources cannot be completely private.

Information on university computers and equipment may be subject to legal discovery and disclosed:

• In response to lawfully executed court ordered warrants or subpoenas
• As a result of the Nevada Public Records Act (i.e. public records request)
• In response to federal “Freedom of Information Act” requests
• In litigation involving the university and/or university employees
• In criminal investigations or investigations of student or employee misconduct
• In university investigations in accordance with NSHE or university policy.

When warranted, university staff are asked to assist in investigations and discovery and have direct responsibility for investigating and responding to some alleged offenses and incidents involving computing resources.

Policy

• asking another person for individual account passwords or attempting to obtain such passwords by any means
• using resources without authorization
• sharing university accounts with other persons without authorization
• accessing files, databases, data or processes without authorization
• using former system and access privileges without authorization after association with the university has ended.

• accessing, attempting to access, or copying someone else’s electronic mail, data, programs, or other files without authorization
• divulging sensitive, personal information without a valid business or academic reason
• developing or using programs that may cause problems or disrupt services for other users
• misrepresenting another user’s identity in any electronic communication (e.g., forging an e-mail address)
• using electronic resources for deceiving, harassing or stalking other individuals
• sending threats, “hoax” messages, chain letters, or phishing
• intercepting, monitoring, or retrieving any network communication without authorization.

• sharing passwords
• purposefully propagating computer malware such as computer viruses, worms or Trojan Horses, except under secure conditions for research or teaching purposes
• preventing others from accessing an authorized service
• degrading or attempting to degrade performance or deny service
• corrupting information
• altering or destroying information without authorization
• making university systems and resources available to those not affiliated with the university
• installing hacking or vulnerability tools in university systems without authorization
• circumventing or attempting to circumvent security mechanisms without authorization.

• uploading, downloading, distributing or possessing material deemed illegal under US and state laws, such as child pornography or classified information
• using university computing or network resources for advertising, partisan political activities or commercial purposes (see the exception for “51�ԹϺ��� Student elections, which are governed by CSUN policy” in Section II.1. “Partisan Political Activity” and the definition of political activity from the NAC 284.770, both referenced in the Related Documents section)
• making unauthorized copies of licensed software
• downloading, using or distributing illegally obtained media (e.g., software, music, movies) using the campus network, whether on a 51�ԹϺ���-issued computer or not
• accessing, storing or transmitting sensitive, personal information without a valid business or academic reason, or outside the parameters of limited personal use
• transmitting sensitive, personal information without using appropriate security protocols (NRS 603A).

1. the use does not interfere with an employee’s duties
2. the cost and value related to use is nominal
3. the use does not create the appearance of impropriety or 51�ԹϺ��� endorsement
4. the use is otherwise consistent with this policy.

Refer to the Office of Information Technology’s Policies and Procedures web page at for additional information, including how to request an exception to this policy.