Recommended Guidelines for Responsible Computing at the University of Delaware - Misuse of Computing and Information Resource Privileges - The Research Center on Computing & Society

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Prepared by staff in Computing and Network Services,
University of Delaware

6. Misuse of Computing and Information Resource Privileges

The University characterizes misuse of computing and information resources and privileges as unethical and unacceptable and as just cause for taking disciplinary action. Misuse of computing and information resources and privileges includes, but is not restricted to, the following:

Attempting to modify or remove computer equipment, software, or peripherals without proper authorization
Accessing computers, computer software, computer data or information, or networks without proper authorization, regardless of whether the computer, software, data, information, or network in question is owned by the University (That is, if you abuse the networks to which the University belongs or the computers at other sites connected to those networks, the University will treat this matter as an abuse of your University of Delaware computing privileges.)
Circumventing or attempting to circumvent normal resource limits, lagoon procedures, and security regulations
Using computing facilities, computer accounts, or computer data for purposes other than those for which they were intended or authorized
Sending fraudulent computer mail, breaking into another user’s electronic mailbox, or reading someone else’s electronic mail without his or her permission
Sending any fraudulent electronic transmission, including but not limited to fraudulent requests for confidential information, fraudulent submission of electronic purchase requisitions or journal vouchers, and fraudulent electronic authorization of purchase requisitions or journal vouchers
Violating any software license agreement or copyright, including copying or redistributing copyrighted computer software, data, or reports without proper, recorded authorization
Violating the property rights of copyright holders who are in possession of computer-generated data, reports, or software
Harassing or threatening other users or interfering with their access to the University’s computing facilities
Taking advantage of another user’s naivetÈ or negligence to gain access to any computer account, data, software, or file other than your own
Encroaching on others’ use of the University’s computers (e.g., disrupting others’ computer use by excessive game playing; sending frivolous or excessive messages, either locally or off-campus; printing excess copies of documents, files, data, or programs; modifying system facilities, operating systems, or disk partitions; attempting to crash or tie up a University computer; damaging or vandalizing University computing facilities, equipment, software, or computer files)
Disclosing or removing proprietary information, software, printed output or magnetic media without the explicit permission of the owner
Reading other users’ data, information, files, or programs on a display screen, as printed output, or via electronic means, without the owner’s explicit permission.

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