UWSP Network Policies


The use of computing and networking resources at the University of Wisconsin, Stevens Point (UWSP) is a privilege and carries with it the responsibility for making use of these resources in an efficient, ethical, and legal manner. UWSP computing and network services should be used in a manner consistent with the instructional, research, and administrative objectives of the University. All activities inconsistent with these objectives are considered to be inappropriate and may jeopardize continued use of computing facilities and networks.

Your Responsibilities as a User of UWSP Computing and Network Facilities

All users of computing and network facilities are responsible for respecting and adhering to the policies outlined in this document, and associated policy documents. These documents will evolve over time. It is your responsibility to review these policy documents on a regular basis.

This document presents general policies on use of computing facilities. Policy documents related to specific resources, such as e-mail, Web page creation, etc., may be found by returning to the Policies page. 

UW System Policy on Use of University Information Technology Resources

The UW System Policy on Use of University Information Technology Resources was approved and adopted at the ANNUAL MEETING of the BOARD OF REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN SYSTEM (UW-Milwaukee, Friday June 6, 1997:

Resolution 7461: That, upon recommendation of the President of the University of Wisconsin System, the Board of Regents adopts resolution I.1.a., the University of Wisconsin System Policy on Use of University Information Technology Resources. (http://www.uwsa.edu/bor/minutes/bor/1997/june.pdf) Policy Contents: From University of Wisconsin System Regent Policy Documents (http://www.uwsa.edu/bor/policies/rpd/rpd25-3.htm)

Responsible Use of Computing and Network Facilities

  • Respect University Regulations 
      Proper use of computing and network facilities respects all University regulations, contracts with University suppliers and other service providers. Any use of UWSP computing facilities for illegal purposes, or in support of illegal activities, is prohibited. Information Technology will report all known illegal activities to the appropriate campus, local, state, or federal offices.
  • Respect others' right to freedom from harassment or intimidation 
      Proper use of computing facilities respects individuals' rights to privacy and to freedom from intimidation, harassment, and unwarranted annoyance. Sending abusive statements, patently unwanted materials, for example, electronic "chain letters", "junk mail", to others is prohibited.
  • Respect security restrictions to systems and information
      Access to UWSP computing facilities is based on a logon ID and password. Each user is responsible for all actions taken while using their logon ID. Do not apply for a logon ID under false pretenses. Do not share your logon ID with any one else. Use of programs designed to decipher encrypted password files, or network traffic are prohibited. You should always "logout" when you leave a public lab, or you leave your office workstation unattended.
  • Forgery (or attempted forgery such as "e-mail address spoofing") of electronic mail messages is prohibited
      Respect copyright and other intellectual property rights.  Proper use of computing facilities respects intellectual property rights. Intellectual property rights begin with respect for intellectual labor and creativity. They include the right to acknowledgment, the right to privacy, and the right to determine the form, manner, and terms of publication and distribution. Copying programs, files, or passwords belonging to others or to the University may constitute plagiarism or theft. Software licensed by the University or merely used on University equipment must be used in accordance with proper vendor license agreements. The University may seek repayment of fines or damages from employees or students who violate licensing terms.
  • Use resources efficiently 
      Accept limitations or restrictions on computing resources, such as storage space, lab workstation use time limits, or limits on the amount of resources consumed, for example overuse of network bandwidth. Such restrictions are designed to ensure fair access for all users.
  • Commercial use 
      Do not use UWSP computing facilities for commercial purposes.  Unless authorized by campus policy, use of UWSP facilities for commercial purposes, such as marketing, reselling of computing facilities, product advertisement, or business transactions between commercial organizations, is prohibited. While advertising is prohibited, discussion of a product's relative advantages and disadvantages by users of the product is encouraged. Vendors may respond to questions about their products as long as the responses are not in the nature of advertising.
  • Lobbying 
      Use of UWSP computing facilities for political lobbying is prohibited. However, users have the right to express their personal concerns, or send requests, to their elected representatives via electronic mail or other University authorized messaging systems.
  • Network security 
      Unauthorized connections to the University network are prohibited. Unauthorized connections from remote networks are prohibited. Any deliberate action which damages or disrupts network services, or causes the malfunction of network services is prohibited. The willful introduction of computer viruses, or other destructive/disruptive programs into the University computing and network facilities, is prohibited. Users are also prohibited from using University computing and network facilities to create or distribute such programs.
  • Special network services 
      Seek authorization before providing special network services.  Departments, organizations, individual faculty, staff, or students must seek permission from Information Technology before they build and provide any special network services, such as e-mail, WEB, FTP, DNS/WINS/DHCP, or remote dial up service.

    • Investigation and Enforcement

    All instances of improper use and conduct will be investigated and actions may be taken to prevent their further occurrence.

    Upon request by the appropriate campus authority, designated Information Technology staff members may be directed to copy and examine files, network access logs, electronic mail boxes or other information on campus computing and network systems. Improper use computing and network services may lead to disciplinary actions, and future access to computing resources and network services may be limited or restricted. While Information Technology may suggest what actions could be taken to protect UWSP computing and network resources, Information Technology will ask that the appropriate University office determine what final disciplinary action should be taken.

    Student cases will be referred to the Student Rights and Responsibilities Office, in accord with the University of Wisconsin System Administrative Code.

    Revisions to the UWSP Computing and Network Use Policy will be reviewed by the UWSP University Technology Committee (UTC), the UWSP Chancellor and the Faculty Senate.  Final authority for UWSP computing and network acceptable use policies lies with the UWSP Chancellor and Faculty Senate. Until conflicts are resolved, questionable use should be considered "not acceptable."

    For editorial and content revisions, contact Randy Peelen, Coordinator, Internet/Intranet Information Resources Unit (I3RU).