Division of Information Technology > Security >
Securities and Policies
Section 99
Acceptable student use policy for university computer and information technology systems.

Radford University's computers, networks and information systems exist to promote shared access to computing, communication, and information systems necessary to support the university's missions of teaching, research, and public service. Thus, all account holders of university information facilities have responsibility to use these systems in a respectful, ethical, professional, and legal manner.

Radford's Acceptable Use Policy applies to any individual using Radford University-owned or leased computers, networks, Internet connections, and communication systems transmitting either data, voice, or video information. Activities involving these systems shall be in accordance with University Standards of Student Conduct and other policies in the Student Handbook and relevant state, federal, and international laws.

All users of university information facilities are required to demonstrate respect for:
  • the privacy of others,
  • intellectual property rights (copyrights, trademarks, licenses, etc.) and ownership of information,
  • the operation and integrity of the various information systems,
  • individuals rights to be free of intimidation, harassment, and unwarranted annoyances, and
  • relevant state and federal laws relating to information technology.
While recognizing the respect for privacy, the university cannot guarantee confidentiality in the use of any university information system. Electronic records retained on university systems are subject to state and federal Privacy Acts as well as Freedom of Information Acts. World Wide Web information located in designated web directories will be considered public information if read access is granted.

Access to university information systems may be revoked for reasons including, but not limited to violations of the Acceptable Use Policy for Computers and Information Technology Systems Access may be revoked on a interim basic by the university system administrators in order to safeguard university rescues. Individuals responsible for abusing the university's Acceptable Use Policy for Information Technology Systems will be held accountable and may be subject to disciplinary action.

Section 99.1
Students are responsible for all activity that occurs in or through their account.

Students shall not share access to individual computer accounts.
Students shall keep passwords secret.

Section 99.2
Students may only access information that is their own, information to which they have been given explicit (documentable) authorization to access, or public information.

Section 99.3
Students shall abide by all relevant state and federal laws governing copyrights, trademarks, licensing terms for corporate software, ownership of information, and related material.

Section 99.4
Students shall not interfere or attempt to interfere in any way with the normal operation, integrity, validity, or security of any university or non-university information system(s).

  • Students shall abide by the regulations posted in computer laboratories and on university systems.
  • Students shall not attempt to guess or steal system passwords or use system accounts.
  • Students shall not use other computers or programs to decode passwords, access system control information, or monitor system or network communications.
  • Students shall not intentionally monopolize or waste resources such as Central Processing Unit (CPU) time, network bandwidth, disk storage, printers, paper, manuals, et cetera.
  • Students shall report possible security violations and/or problems to appropriate university systems administrators.
  • Student shall provide university officials with unencrypted files necessary for the investigation of alleged violations of university computing policies. Failure to cooperate with such investigations will result in suspension of computer privileges.
Section 99.5
Students may not use university systems to store or transmit or store obscene or pornographic material in violation of state and federal law.

Section 99.6
University systems may not be used for ongoing commercial or business enterprises.

Section 99.7
Students shall not use university systems to abuse, harass, defame, intimidate, or otherwise annoy an individual or individuals. Note: See Student Handbook, General University Policies, Section 17.2 Harrassment.