Computer Use Policy

BYU-Idaho owns, operates, and maintains a private computing network for purpose of meeting the goals of its mission statement. Although the network connects with public networks it is not for public use. Patron access is restricted to authorized faculty, staff, students, and other patrons who have been approved by appropriate computing administrators. Exceptions to this policy are restricted computer resources that have been explicitly identified for public use. Patrons who are not students or employees must receive written authorization from the Computer and Technology Council (CTC) for approval.

The network and computing resources at BYU-Idaho empower students and employees with many capabilities. With these benefits come responsibilities and obligations that are expected of those who use these college provided resources. Patrons are expected to use resources in an ethical manner and in accordance with the guidelines found in the BYU-Idaho Honor Code. Patrons shall:

• Use resources for authorized purposes
• Protect individual user accounts and passwords and not share them with others.
• Access information that is owned by themselves, or information which they have been given explicit authorized access.
• Use copyrighted material in accordance with copyright law, respect the intellectual property of others, and abide by the provisions of applicable license agreements.
• Abide by Internet usage guidelines (RFC 1281), which are available through the Internet.

Patrons shall not:

• Use another person's files, system, user account, password, software, or data without permission.
• Use computer programs to decode passwords or access control information.
• Attempt to circumvent or subvert system security measures.
• Knowingly engage in any activity that causes harm to systems or to any information stored thereon, such as creating or propagating viruses, disrupting services, or damaging files.
• Use systems for personal or political purposes.
• Make or use illegal copies of copyrighted software, or store or transmit such copies on BYU-Idaho systems.
• Use mail or message services to harass, intimidate, or annoy another person. (See Electronic Mail Policy.)
• Waste computing resources, such as, but not limited to, computing power, storage space, and printing paper.
• Use the network in a manner not authorized by BYU-Idaho to gain commercial or personal profit or advantage.
• Engage in any other activity that does not comply with the Honor Code, with the principles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, or would injure the reputation of BYU-Idaho.

BYU-Idaho considers any violation of this policy to be serious. BYU-Idaho reserves the right to copy and/or examine any files or information that resides on the network or on BYU-Idaho property that is related to inappropriate use of its resources. Violators are subject to disciplinary actions as prescribed by BYU-Idaho Policy and may also be prosecuted under applicable local, state, or federal civil or criminal law.