Personal Websites

Introduction

1. This code is concerned with websites created by individual staff members in their personal capacities and not under the auspices of their Department and which are either stored on the University's server or on an external server to which a link has been created from the University's web pages.

Right to create personal websites

2. All members of staff may create personal websites on the University web server and may create links to such websites from the main University website (subject to the conditions of this code).
3. This code is designed to operate within the parameters of §14 of the Universities Act 1997 which guarantees the exercise of academic freedom within the law.

Removal of websites

4. The University reserves the right to remove personal websites (or links to externally located personal websites) when the staff member resigns or retires.

5. The University reserves the right to remove personal websites (or links to externally located personal websites) that:

   1. violate University policies.
   2. violate any laws.
   3. make accessible materials likely to damage the reputation and goodwill of the University.
   4. adversely impact on University computing or on network resources.
   5. the University considers may be defamatory or libelous.
   6. are otherwise in breach of this code.

   These provisions are not intended to curtail normal academic discourse as guaranteed by §14 of the Universities Act 1997.

6. Decisions regarding the removal of personal websites and/or links to externally located personal websites will be made by the IT Policy Committee. Where urgent action is required in relation to a personal website or associated links and it is not possible to consult the IT Policy Committee in the time available, then the Chairperson of the Committee or his/her nominee can decide on the action to be taken. The decision must be ratified by the Committee at the earliest opportunity. If the decision is not ratified, then the situation must be restored as closely as possible to that which existed before the action was taken.

Rules for personal websites

7. Personal websites are not to display the University crest or logo or other University copyright or trademarked materials, including the University designs or otherwise appear to be an official University web page.
8. Personal websites must not be used for commercial purposes in a way which conflicts with the Policy on Conflict of Commitment and Interest.
9. Personal websites must not violate civil or criminal law including, but not limited to, laws relating to copyright (the Copyright Act 2000) and intellectual property, defamation, the Data Protection Acts 1988?2003, the Equal Status Act 2000, the Criminal Damage Act 1991, the Prohibition of Incitement to Hatred Act 1989, the Child Trafficking and Pornography Act 1998.

Disclaimer

10. All personal websites created and placed on the University's web servers shall include the creator's name, and on each page the following statement: 'A disclaimer applies to this page'. The word 'disclaimer' in the statement shall be a link to the following .