Network and Computer Acceptable Use Policy

This document defines the policy for the acceptable use of Northwest University’s computing resources by employees, students, and Campus Housing residents (collectively, “user” or “users”). The following guidelines are intended to supplement existing laws, agreements, and regulations.

Privacy

All Northwest University users will preserve the privacy information belonging to other individuals that is stored using Northwest University computing resources. Users agree not to acquire, modify, distribute, or delete any information belonging to another individual without explicit permission. All users recognize that Northwest University is subject to the Family Educational Rights and Protection Act (FERPA) Buckley Amendment regulations regarding student records.

Private Gain

Northwest University users agree not to utilize computing resources owned, leased, or maintained by Northwest University for private financial gain, except for personal compensation from Northwest University or with authorization by the Northwest University Board of Directors, University Administration, or the Information Technology Leadership Team (“ITLT”).

Damage

All Northwest University users agree to exercise careful and responsible actions when handling computing devices and assume full responsibility for any loss, damage, or destruction of such devices that is caused by negligence, misuse, abuse, or carelessness. Users will not cause intentional damage to computer systems including altering software configurations, records, or accounts.

Inappropriate Behavior

Northwest University users agree not to take any actions that constitute inappropriate behavior including, but not limited to, the following:

• Utilizing another user’s account and password;
• Creating, accessing, or transmitting material considered sexually explicit or pornographic;
• Unauthorized distribution of copyrighted material, including unauthorized peer-to-peer file sharing. (Violators may be subject to civil and criminal liabilities. Penalties for violation of federal copyright laws can be found in the Federal Student Aid Handbook.);
• Intentionally infecting the network or connected devices with malicious code (e.g., malware, spyware, viruses, etc.);
• Connecting networking equipment including but not limited to servers, routers, and wireless access points to the campus network without written authorization from the Information Technology Office;
• Inappropriate, offensive, harassing, or abusive language to other users in or outside Northwest University;
• Tampering with or modifying equipment made available for use;
• Obtaining additional resources not authorized to the individual user or unauthorized access to systems.

Users connected with such activity will be referred to the office of the Dean of Students for disciplinary action which may include limited or revoked access to technology resources. All illegal activities will be reported to the proper authorities and pursued under the laws of the State of Washington.

Personal Responsibility

Each Northwest University user is expected to use sound judgement to protect his or her user account credentials, device(s), and personal resources (e.g., financial accounts) based on general best practices and guidance sent periodically from the Information Technology Office.

• Personal devices connected to the Northwest University network or used to view or store University data should be protected with operating system and software updates, and antivirus or anti-malware software as appropriate. Devices should require a password/passcode for use.
• Users should be wary of scams that come through email – even if sent by another Northwest University user’s compromised account – and forward any such messages to help@northwestu.edu.
• Users should notify the Information Technology Office as soon as possible if they believe their Northwest University account, credentials, or data has been compromised, lost, or breached.

Termination

All electronic access accounts remain the property of Northwest University and are subject to termination upon graduation, withdrawal from courses, leaving the University’s employ, or as directed by the Board of Directors, University Administration, or ITLT. Primary data backup is the user’s responsibility as Northwest University assumes no liability for loss via intentional or unintentional means.

Licenses and Restrictions

Northwest University users must abide by patent and/or copyright restrictions that relate to the use of computer facilities, products, files, programs, or documentation. Users may not copy or modify licensed software, files, and/or accompanying materials without the expressed consent of the licensor. Users may not use any computing resources belonging Northwest University for the purpose of violating any software license agreement or any applicable local, state, or federal laws. All privately-owned software loaded on any Northwest University system must be installed by the Information Technology Office and a copy of the licensing agreement placed on file.

Amendment

Modifications and corrections, exceptions, or changes to this policy may be made by the Board of Directors, University Administration, or the Information Technology Leadership Team.

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Send an email to network@northwestu.edu if you have any questions about this policy.