General Overview:

      Access to all computer systems, networks and electronic devices owned by Goodwin College imposes certain responsibilities and obligations to all faculty, staff and students (heretofore referred to as “users”). This policy will outline the acceptable usage for all computers and peripherals, network resources, telephones and all other electronic devices owned and maintained by Goodwin College.  Users failing to adhere to this policy may face disciplinary actions by Goodwin College and/or local and federal law enforcement agencies.  

 1.                  Hardware and Software:

a.       Users are not allowed to add, remove, reconfigure or deface any computer or electronic hardware.

b.      Users are not allowed to add, remove or reconfigure any software installed on the computer systems owned and maintained by Goodwin College.

c.       Users shall not use, install, or download any games or gaming websites on any Goodwin College-owned equipment.

 2.                  Network Resources:

a.       Users are to use computers, networks, and resources for conducting day-to-day business operations for Goodwin College or educational purposes relating to the education of students at Goodwin College.

b.      Network resources are not to be abused in anyway for personal usage, profit-making or illegal activities.

c.       Users are not allowed to use network resources to infringe on other users' privacy, rights and materials. This includes, but is not limited to, the following:

1.                  Trying to gain access to unauthorized resources.

2.                  Copying or modifying others' work.

3.                  Copying or modifying others' work with the intent to pass it off as your own.

4.                  Harassing, threatening, or demoralizing others.

5.                  Taking, modifying or viewing any personal information of others for any reason other than business-related.

3.                  Internet Usage: 

The Internet is a very powerful tool when used properly.  However, abuse of the Internet is very common and must be monitored for and controlled to protect Goodwin College from malicious attacks. Goodwin College reserves the right to monitor any Internet activity including, but not limited to, E-mail, web browsing and downloading on any computers owned by Goodwin College.

a.       Users shall not access the Internet for the purpose of downloading or distributing unlawful offensive materials. This includes, but is not limited to, pornographic images, videos or sounds, copyrighted material of any kind, malicious software of any type.

b.      Users shall not use the Internet to harass, threaten, stalk, or otherwise violate anyone’s rights.  This is NOT limited to Goodwin College’s users only.

c.       Users shall not knowingly unleash programs such as trojans, worms, or download viruses that may cause damage, disrupt, disturb, or violate anyone's rights or damage or disrupt Goodwin College’s network.

d.      Users shall not use the computers for sending or receiving bulk e-mail or creating mass mailing lists.

e.       Users shall not use unnecessary bandwidth for the purpose of downloading unnecessary files or use such programs that stream video or audio from the Internet to your computers. Such programs slow down the Internet for all users of Goodwin College’s network.

 4.                  Copyrights:

a.       Users shall not use Goodwin College’s computers or network to copy, download, modify, or distribute copyrighted materials.  This includes but is not limited to the following:

1.                  Music

2.                  Movies

3.                  Literature

4.                  Photographs

5.                  Software

5.                  Abuse of policy:

a.       Any abuse of this policy should be immediately reported to the Director of Information Technology.

b.      Abuse of this policy may result in disciplinary action by Goodwin College, local law enforcement, and/or federal law enforcement.

6.                  Policy Enforcement:

a.       The Director of Information Technology is authorized to take actions to implement and enforce the network usage policy and provide system integrity and security.

b.      The Director of Information Technology is authorized to suspend users' access rights if has reason to believe that said users have violated the network usage policy.