Recommended Guidelines for Responsible Computing at the University of Delaware
(Draft – September 21, 1991)

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

• 1.Preface
• 2. Definition of Terms
• 3. Policy for Responsible Computing Use at The University of Delaware
• 4. User Responsibilities
• 5. System Administrator Responsibilities
• 6. Misuse of Computing and Information Resource Privileges
• 7. User Confidentiality and System Integrity
• 8. Penalties for Misuse of Computing and Information Resource Privileges
• 9. Academic Honesty
• 10. Works Consulted

8. Penalties for Misuse of Computing and Information Resource Privileges

Abuse of computing privileges is subject to disciplinary action. If system administrators or staff in the Department of Public Safety have a preponderance of evidence that intentional or malicious misuse of computing resources has occurred, and if that evidence points to the computing activities or the computer files of an individual, they have the obligation to pursue any or all of the following steps to protect the user community:

• Notify the user’s project director, instructor, academic advisor, or administrative officer of the investigation.
• Refer the matter for processing through the University’s judicial system. If necessary, staff members from a central computing agency such as Computing and Network Services as well as faculty members with computing expertise may be called upon to advise the University judicial officers on the implications of the evidence presented and, in the event of a finding of guilt, of the seriousness of the offense.
• Suspend or restrict the user’s computing privileges during the investigation. A user may appeal such a suspension or restriction and petition for reinstatement of computing privileges through the University’s judicial system, through the grievance procedures outlined in the faculty collective bargaining agreement, or by petition to the Dean of Students.
• Inspect that user’s files, diskettes, and/or tapes. System administrators must be certain that the trail of evidence leads to the user’s computing activities or computing files before inspecting the user’s files.

Ordinarily, the administrative officer whose department is responsible for the computing system on which the alleged misuse occurred should initiate proceedings. As the case develops, other administrative officers may, by mutual agreement, assume the responsibility for prosecuting the case.

Disciplinary action may include the loss of computing privileges and other disciplinary sanctions up to and including F, discharge, dismissal, and legal action. In some cases, an abuser of the University’s computing resources may also be liable for civil or criminal prosecution.

It should be understood that nothing in these guidelines precludes enforcement under the laws and regulations of the State of Delaware, any municipality or county therein, and/or the United States of America. For example, if you are found guilty of committing a computer crime as outlined in Title 11 §932 – §936 of the Delaware Code, you could be subject to the penalties for a class B felony.

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