User Support
Updated: January 07, 2008
Acceptable Use Policy
It is the policy of Salem State College (SSC) to maintain access for the college community to local, national and international sources of information and to provide an atmosphere that encourages access to knowledge and sharing of information. The College works to create an intellectual environment in which students, staff and faculty may feel free to create and to collaborate with colleagues both at Salem State College and at other institutions.
It is the policy of the College that information resources will be used by members of its community with respect for the public trust through which they have been provided and in accordance with policy and regulations established by the College and its operating units and in accordance with local, state, federal and international laws.
Salem State College provides network and computer services for currently enrolled students, faculty, administrators, support staff, and appropriately approved community members who contribute to the educational mission of the College. Since the SalemNet facilities are shared by many people, all users need to be aware of the policies for using information resources. Users have the responsibility to use the SalemNet facilities in an effective, efficient, ethical, and legal manner.
Security
Although SSC makes a reasonable effort to protect information from being accessed by anyone other than authorized individuals, SSC can not guarantee the confidentiality of any information stored on user's computers. Basic precautions such as secure, private passwords are the first and best line of defense. Up to date anti-virus programs run routinely provide another important level of security. Lastly, the installation of file-sharing applications is not permitted except for educational use. For more information on security, please review the Salem State Network Usage and Security Policy [PDF 47KB].
Privacy
The SalemNet records information about each user session, including the username associated with the session, the login and logout dates and times, and the amount and kind of computer resources used during the session. This information is used for the technical management of the system as well as to research and identify users who have violated accepted policy and/or applicable laws. The staff strives to ensure that the systems are maintained to protect the privacy of each user's files.
If the College has reasonable belief that system security has been compromised or it has been used for unauthorized activities, the College reserves the right to review all information on the system including routine backups. Only in extraordinary circumstances will a user's files be reviewed by an Information Technology System Administrator.
The Internet is not a secure medium; any files or printouts in public places are likely to be seen by others. Similarly, the transmission of information across the Internet is not secure unless some security protocol is implemented. The most common of these are VPN and SSL. SSL is a common secure transmission used by Internet commerce sites.
VPN (Virtual Private Network)
Use of the Salem State College VPN is for official and approved College business only. All information is monitored daily. Sharing of accounts and information such as passwords is forbidden and will result in suspension of login privileges. You are responsible for any misuse of your VPN account, even if the action was performed by a friend, family member, guest or other employee. You may not use your account to attempt to gain unauthorized access to another network or server. All machines that connect to the system are subject to the College Acceptable Use Policy as if their machine were located on campus at Salem State. By signing this acceptable use policy, you are agreeing to abide by the College's security rules and understand that VPN usage is and will be logged and monitored.
Other Networks
As a user of the SalemNet, you may be allowed to access other networks (and/or the computer systems attached to those networks). Each network or system has its own set of policies and procedures. Actions which are routinely allowed on one network/system may be controlled, or even forbidden, on other networks. It is the user's responsibility to abide by the policies and procedures of these other networks/systems. The fact that a user can perform a particular action does not imply that that action should be taken.
Computer Abuses
The use of the network is a privilege, not a right. Confirmation of inappropriate use of resources may result in suspension or termination of access, expulsion, termination of employment or other disciplinary action. Systems Administrators will, when necessary, work with the Department of Public Safety in the resolution of problems.
Examples of abuses include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Use of another person's password
- Unauthorized access to another person's computer account
- Using the system to access any other computer system without authorization
- Deleting or copying files from another person's computer account
- Taking advantage of another user's naiveté to gain access to his/her files
- Preventing someone from using his/her account by unauthorized access of the account or changing the password
- Sending intimidating or harassing messages or repeated unsolicited communications
- Sending mass-communications without proper authorization
- Abusing the networks to which SalemNet belongs
- Using the College's resources for personal financial gain or illegal activities
- Performing activities that interfere with the rights of others
- Distributing chain letters
- Downloading, copying and/or distribution of copyrighted material except what is permitted by law
- Installing any server – file, print, web, etc -- except where prior written permission has been granted
- Creating and/or disseminating computer viruses
Additional Resources
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