If there is a discrepancy between the electronic policy and the written copy held by the Policy owner, the written copy prevails.

Computer and network abuses are not taken lightly and will be reported to the appropriate University officers. Reasonable suspicion may result in the withdrawal of computing privileges pending investigation and corrective action.

All users can expect that their privacy will be respected and that CTS will not be examining their mail or files except when a complaint is being investigated.

Although CTS endeavors to preserve the security of passwords, change numbers and files, security could be breached through actions and means beyond CTS's reasonable control. You are accountable for the activities performed under your logon id and are urged, therefore, to safeguard your passwords, charge numbers and data.

Laurentian University's computing systems and networks are provided to support authorized research, education, administration, intellectual pursuits and related support service goals and objectives. Use of these facilities, including electronic communications, should be conducted in a professional and responsible manner. We support the following EDUCOM code.

Policy on Intellectual Rights

"Respect for intellectual labour and creativity is vital to academic discourse and enterprise. This principle applies to works of all authors and publishers in all media. It encompasses respect for the right to privacy, and right to determine form, manner, and terms of publication and distribution.

Because electronic information is volatile and easily reproduced, respect for the work and personal expression of others is especially critical in computer environments. Violations of authorial integrity, including plagiarism, invasion of privacy, unauthorized access, and trade secret and copyright violations, are ground for sanctions against members of the higher education community."

For application to users enrolled at LU, the following policy regarding academic offenses other than those covered under the definition of academic dishonesty:

• "It shall be considered an academic offense for a user, or a group of users, to be involved in acts which disrupt the University's ability to pursue its academic objectives. Such actions as deliberate disruption of classes and theft, misappropriation or destruction of instructional or research equipment or material (including library materials, computer time and/or files, and the like), shall be considered academic offenses."
  
  
• The ONet Membership Terms and Conditions were adopted by the ONet Networking corporation in February 1995. LU is a member of the ONet Networking corporation and Canarie (Ca*Net 3).

Laurentian University Privilege

LU attempts to the best of its ability to maintain a secure and constantly available system. Scheduled down times are announced but there will always be the chance of unforeseen system failures. LUL performs regular backups of mainframe systems but users are currently responsible for backing up PC-based files.

LU may control access to its information and the devices upon which it is stored and, if necessary, can routinely monitor and log usage data, such as network session connection times and end-points, CPU and disk utilization for each user, security audit trails, network loading, etc. This data may be reviewed for evidence of violation of law or policy, and other purposes.

A System Administrator may access others' files for the maintenance of networks and computer and storage systems, such as creating backup copies of media or may access accounts in the process of checking reported abuses. However, in all cases, all individuals' privileges and rights to privacy are to be preserved to the greatest extent possible.

Sanctions and punishments

LU will impose sanctions and punishments on users who violate the policies of the university. Depending on the severity of the offence the following may be imposed:

• Suspension of user's rights to access network for 13 weeks (equal to one semester)
  
  
• Termination of access to network permanently

• Obtain and/or use others' passwords without their knowledge and consent.
  
  
• Aid or abet unauthorized use of Laurentian's computing and networking facilities.
  
  
• Attempt to gain access to files and resources to which you have not been granted permission.
  
  
• Intentionally develop or use any unauthorized mechanism to avoid charges levied by the University for computing services.
  
  
• Try to "crash", or unnecessarily retard, the network or computing systems.
  
  
• Make copies of others' files without their knowledge and consent.
  
  
• Use the system for non-academic purposes which interfere with the prime goals and objectives listed in the opening paragraph. (For example, playing games on a workstation when another student needs it to do course work).
  
  
• Print or plot posters and banners under academic accounts.
  
  
• Steal, vandalize or obstruct the use of computing equipment, facilities, or documentation.
  
  
• Use University computing facilities for inappropriate and unapproved personal and/or corporate gain. For example, the sale of the results of computer runs made or of a computer program developed under a University computer charge number; marketing and selling.
  
  
• Unauthorized copying of any application, network or system software products which are on University owned systems.
  
  
• Misuse electronic mail and communications networks. For example, using the network for commercial purposes; sending obscene and/or harassing prejudicial messages.
  
  
• Use any software obtained illegally or not properly licensed for our systems.