University Technology Services: Computer Use Policy

University Technology Services computing facilities are available to all University of Saint Francis students, staff and faculty and governed by the complete information security policies. The University of Saint Francis is committed to protecting USF employees, students, donors, and other stakeholders from illegal or damaging actions by individuals, either knowingly or unknowingly.

Computer systems including, but not limited to, computer equipment, software, storage media, network accounts, e-mail, web browsing, and data residing on these systems are the property of the University of Saint Francis. These systems are to be used for institutional purposes in serving the interests of our university community. The university strives to maintain an environment free of harassment and sensitive to the diversity of its students.

The university, therefore, prohibits the use of computers and e-mail in ways that are disruptive or offensive to others and/or harmful to morale.

Unacceptable and prohibited activities include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Revealing your USF username and password to others (family members included)
  • Using someone else’s account
  • Using USF systems for commercial purposes
  • Using  the   USF   network   as   a   means   to   gain   unauthorized   access   to   other systems/networks
  • Use of illegal or unlicensed software
  • Unauthorized network monitoring
  • Copying and/or distributing commercial software without proper licensing
  • Knowingly creating, executing, forwarding, or introducing any computer code designed to self-replicate, damage, or otherwise impede the performance of any computer, network device, or software
  • Violations of the rights of any person or company protected by copyright, trade secret, patent, or other intellectual property, or similar laws or regulation
  • Using a University computing asset to actively engage in procuring or transmitting material that is in violation of sexual harassment or hostile workplace policies and laws
  • Making fraudulent offers of products, items, or services originating from a USF account

Students should use copies of software, music and video files that have been legally obtained and licensed through services such as iTunes, Rhapsody and other legal services.  University Technology Services (UTS) receives reports from its internet service provider when there are occurrences of suspected illegal downloading and UTS will investigate all reports of suspected offenses.