Acceptable Use Policy

Computer and Network Systems and Communications Devices

Introduction
Providing an efficient and reliable computing and networking service, as well as access to communications devices, to  staff, students and alumni depends on the cooperation of all users. It is therefore important that you are aware of your responsibilities. By using any of the University’s computers (including equipment which you connect to the University’s network), networks (including by means of remote access) or communications devices in any manner, you agree to comply with of this Policy.

Acceptable Use
You must use these resources in a responsible manner and you must respect the integrity of computer systems, communication devices, networks and data to which you have access, and follow any rules and guidelines (including those set out in this Policy) relating to their use. By way of example, in order to comply with this Policy, you must not:

1. engage in activities which are liable to cause a disruption or denial of service to other users;
2. other than in the course of performing your duties, use computer or network resources to access or distribute inappropriate material, including material that is in any way pornographic, offensive, obscene, abusive, racist, libellous, defamatory or threatening;
3. use computer or network resources for any activities which contravene the laws of the State, or the destination country in the case of data being transmitted abroad;
4. use computer or network resources for commercial activities which are not a part of your work/studies in UCC;
5. infringe the copyright, patent or other intellectual property rights of any person;
6. share user IDs or usernames, transfer them to other users, or divulge your passwords to other users;
7. access, modify, or interfere with computer material, data, displays, or storage media belonging to the University or another user, except with their permission; 
8. connect unauthorised equipment to the networks or public data networks.

Monitoring
Network traffic is monitored in circumstances where there is reason to suspect that this Policy is being breached and also for the purposes of back-up and problem solving. You must therefore be aware that such monitoring may occur.

Further Guidelines

1. Where you knowingly access chargeable services (e.g. commercial online databases) you and/or your department will be liable for any charges incurred.
2. If you process (or intend processing) personal data about others on a computer, you may need to comply with the provisions of the Data Protection Acts, 1988 and 2003, and any subsequent legislation. 
3. This Acceptable Use Policy is reviewed from time to time and any new or amended Acceptable Use Policy introduced by the University must be observed by all users.
4. The attention of all network users is drawn to the fact that attempts at ‘hacking’ across networks may result in criminal prosecution here or elsewhere.
5. Knowingly sending SPAM (unsolicited bulk e-mail) is a breach of this Policy.
6. If any breach of this Policy is observed, then disciplinary action up to and including dismissal in the case of staff or expulsion in the case of students, may be taken in accordance with the University's disciplinary procedures for staff and students.

You are obliged to take all reasonable steps to ensure that your use of the University’s network does not result in viruses or other destructive programs being introduced to the network.

Approved by the I.T. Policy Committee   -  19th December 2005