Purpose

Albion College grants permission to residential students for the academic and non-commercial use of the Albion College Residential Network Service (ResNet) in support of the educational mission of the College.

Implied Consent

This policy governs the relationship of Albion College and its ResNet users. ResNet use is also governed by the Merit Acceptable Use Policy (available at http://www.merit.edu/mn/about/policies.html), Albion College Acceptable Use Policy for Use of Information Technology Resources and the Albion College Student Handbook. Use of ResNet constitutes acknowledgment of the effect of those policies as well as this ResNet Acceptable Use Policy. ResNet users are responsible for informing themselves of changes in these policies as they occur.

In addition, all users of information networks generally are subject to an array of laws and regulations - local, state, federal and even international - which are rapidly developing as technology evolves. Each student is solely responsible for his/her lawful use of ResNet and for staying abreast of changes in laws applicable to information network users. Albion College does not undertake to provide comprehensive legal guidance to its users. However, these federal and state statutes are of particular importance to information network users:

· Federal Copyright Law prohibits the unauthorized copying of copyrighted materials, including, but not limited to electronic text, graphic files, commercial software, and audio and video files.

· Federal Wire Fraud Law prohibits the use of interstate communications systems for illegal or fraudulent purposes.

· Federal Computer Fraud and Abuse Law prohibits the unauthorized access to, or modification of information contained in national defense, banking or financial computers.

· Federal Child Pornography Law prohibits the creation, possession or distribution of graphic or computer graphic depictions of minors engaged in sexual activity.

· Michigan Computer Crime Law prohibits inappropriate access to computers and use of computers to commit crimes.

Open Expression

Albion College recognizes an individual's rights to freedom of thought, inquiry and expression specifically as they extend to the electronic information environment. Albion College respects the privacy of its students and considers personal information to be confidential. Furthermore, the privacy of student records is protected by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974. The College cannot ensure the total privacy or security of electronic documents, including but not limited to that information transmitted by electronic mail. Accidental access or access to electronic documents by hackers must always be considered as a possible risk. Albion College will take reasonable precautions to protect the privacy of electronic documents and will not endeavor to access student documents or messages except when necessary to:

· Comply with College policies.

· Comply with local, Michigan or federal laws.

· Protect the integrity of the College's information technology resources and/or the rights and property of the College.

· Allow the Department of Information Technology to perform system administration activities.

Waiver

When the restrictions of this policy interfere with the educational, research or service missions of the College, students may request a written waiver. Requests for waivers should be directed to the vice president for information technology (e-mail at infotech@albion.edu).

General Standards

Students are responsible for any use of their ResNet connections and may not extend or re-transmit ResNet services or wiring. Moreover, students may not use ResNet to provide Internet access or accounts to anyone outside the College community.

Students should further understand the following:

· Students are expected to use the College network in a manner that is safe, legal and does not interfere with the operation of the network (see Albion College Acceptable Use Policy for Use of Information Technology Resources for details).

· Albion College provides ResNet as a service to its students, but does not undertake to provide continuous or uninterrupted network service. Interruptions may occur in connection with maintenance or network infrastructure problems. Albion College, at its discretion, may discontinue the service or any feature of it, limit its availability or reconfigure the network.

· Albion College does not represent that the network will support all hardware and software configurations.

· ResNet users connect to the network at their sole risk. Albion College will not be responsible for damage to or loss of hardware, software or data stored in computers located on College property or connected to the network. Users are advised to insure against loss or damage resulting from connection to ResNet and use of network resources, as well as from breaches of computer security, fluctuations in electric power supply, fire, theft and other causes.

· Students should take appropriate measures in configuring and using their own computers to ensure security and backup of important data.

· ResNet users are restricted from all activities and behaviors prohibited by the Albion College Acceptable Use Policy for Use of Information Technology Resources.