In support of its mission of teaching, research, and public service,
the William Paterson University provides access to computing and
information resources for students, faculty, and staff, within institutional
priorities and financial capabilities. The Policy for Responsible
Computing at the William Paterson University contains the governing
philosophy for describing faculty, student, and staff rights and
responsibilities associated with use of the University's computing
resources. It spells out the general principles regarding appropriate
use of equipment, software, and networks. By adopting this policy,
the University recognizes that all members of the community are also
bound by local, state, and federal laws relating to copyrights, security,
and other statutes existing and future regarding electronic media.
All members of the University community who use the University's
computing and information resources must act responsibly. These responsibilities
include respect for the rights of other computing users, respect
for the integrity of the physical facilities and controls, and compliance
with all pertinent license and contractual agreements. It is the
policy of the William Paterson University that all members of its
community act in accordance with these responsibilities, relevant
laws and contractual obligations, and the highest standard of ethics.
University computing facilities and accounts are to be used for
the University-related activities for which they are assigned. University
computing resources are not to be used for commercial purposes or
non-University-related activities without written authorization from
the University. In these cases, the University will require payment
of appropriate fees. This policy applies equally to all University-owned
or University-leased computers.
Access to the University's computing facilities is a privilege granted
to University students, faculty, and staff. Access to University
information resources may be granted by the stewards of that information
based on the steward's judgement of the following factors: University
policies, relevant laws and contractual obligations, the requestor's
need to know, the information's sensitivity, and the risk of damage
to or loss by the University.
The University reserves the right to limit, restrict, or extend
computing privileges and access to its information resources. Data
stewards--whether departments, units, faculty, students, or staff
may allow individuals other than University faculty, staff, and students
access to information for which they are responsible, so long as
such access does not violate any license or contractual agreement;
University policy; or any relevant laws.
All users are responsible to protect systems from abuses that disrupt
or threaten appropriate use of computing resources, including those
at the University and those on networks to which the University's
systems are connected. Access to information resources without proper
authorization from the data steward, unauthorized use of University
computing facilities, and intentional corruption or misuse
of information technology resources are direct violations of
the University's standards for conduct as outlined in this document,
and the University Policy Manual, current edition, and the Student
Handbook and may also be considered civil or criminal offenses.
