616 Acceptable Use Policy

Centre College provides computing and networking services for Centre students, faculty, and staff. Any member of the Centre College community may request and maintain a network account. Computer and networking services are provided to users in accordance with principles of free speech and free and open access to information and communication. Nevertheless, a Centre College network account is a privilege, and the following usage guidelines have been established for this system.

1. Users are expected to act ethically, responsibly, and legally or risk forfeiture of their network accounts. Unacceptable conduct may include:
   • Maliciously interfering with normal ability of others to use computer and network resources
   • Masquerading as another user
   • Violating the privacy of others' files and accounts
   • Violating software copyright and/or licensing agreements
   • Abusing computing facilities at other sites through network connections from Centre College
2. Use of a Centre College network account must comply with all federal, Kentucky, and other applicable law; all applicable contracts and licenses; and College policies as articulated in the Student, Faculty and Staff handbooks. These laws, contracts, licenses, and policies include the laws pertaining to defamation, privacy, civil rights, copyright, trademark, obscenity, and child pornography; the Electronic Communications Privacy Act and the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act, which prohibit "hacking," "cracking," and similar activities; and the College's sexual misconduct policy.
3. Centre College respects the privacy of all electronic communications. However, the College cannot guarantee confidentiality. Due to limitations in technology, electronic mail messages and stored data are inherently insecure. In order to maintain, repair, or develop the campus network, ITS staff will have reasonable access to the information in files and messages when necessary. Such access will be governed by the normal expectations of professional conduct.
4. When there is an indication that a misuse of computing facilities has occurred, the Director of Information Technology Services is authorized to investigate the incident and take appropriate action, including referring the issue to other College authorities.