FAQ - BU Office of Technology

The FAQ's are intended to help educate and guide the computer user. They will respond to changing issues and needs for clarification and interpretations. It is very important to understand that the EXAMPLES and FAQ's do not and cannot cover all situations and that if there are any questions regarding what is acceptable behavior, they should be directed to the University administrators (vice presidents and computer administrators).

Is my campus email or files I have stored on University computers secure?

	Everyone needs to operate on the assumption that E-mail is not secure. A rule to follow is if it would bother you to have it on the front page of the local newspaper, you shouldn't send it through email. The same caution should be applied to stored files.

Is my email private?

	The University has the right to look at e-mail or the content of files, but it will do this only if there is reasonable cause and proper authorization is given. The University reserves the right to look at email and files if evidence indicates a violation of University rules and codes or local, state or federal laws. Appropriate authorization comes from the president, vice president and their designees.

Are my files stored on University computers private?

	Like email on the University computers and network, files on the University equipment belongs to the university and can be accessed if there is reasonable cause to do so and proper authorization is given. In addition, supervisors, in order to get material that is needed for the normal work functions, may access files. For example, supervisors can get files stored on subordinate's computers if needed as part of the normal job functions and if the person is not present. During normal administrative work of maintaining systems, backing up files and other necessary work, files may be seen.

Does the University monitor the content of what is sent over its network or posted on its computers?

	No, it does not monitor content. It does, however, reserve the right to remove or restrict material when applicable university policies or codes, or state, local or federal laws are violated. For example, the university, as necessary, may remove material that violates copyright laws or is potentially libelous.

Are there limitations to what I can say or post on the university computers and network?

	The university wishes to support the free exchange of ideas and freedom of expression. However, it does reserve the right to limit or restrict the distribution and posting of material directed at classes of people (hate speech) and other threatening or offensive material if it believes this is creating a hostile environment or is damaging to the university.

How do I report a violation of the computer policy?

If you believe that a violation has occurred, you should report it to the computer administrators (x4821 or x4099). You should gather as much information as you can to help in the investigations of the incident. The computer administrators will direct the complaint to other offices if needed.

In addition there may be situations where you should also report the incident to other offices For example:

If you believe there is a violation that threatens your safety or others, you should report it to the Campus Police (x4168).

If it involves work-related activities, your supervisor should be notified.

What are copyright violations?

	An increasingly common problem that comes with the widespread use of personal homepages is using materials that is copyrighted without the permission of the owner. It is important to remember that materials does not need to have the © notice on it to be copyrighted, and copyright protection extends beyond text to such things as photos, art and video. If the University is informed of copyright violations, it will act to remove the material in compliance with law.

What are the consequences of violating the computer policies?

	The consequences of violating computer policies can range from a warning to formal actions by the University's authorities to further action, which might lead to the legal system.

How will violations be handled?

	For violations which are less serious and do not have an immediate impact on the integrity of the systems of threaten others, the alleged offender will be requested to come to computing administrator's office so information can be gathered and the allegation discussed. If the situation is resolved, no further action is taken. For cases that are not resolved at this meeting or are more serious, violations will be handled like other violations of University codes, regulations, policies, rules and procedures. For students, this can involve the judicial procedures explained in the Student Handbook. For staff and faculty it may involve their supervisor or Human Relations.