Access to AU's computer facilities (networks, laboratory computer systems, residence hall systems, including software licensed by the University or its agents for use on University systems) is a privilege, not a right. Many members of the University community use these facilities, relying on their availability to accomplish their work and assignments, and to store important and confidential data, including software or computer programs. It is prohibited, and ethically wrong, for individuals to access or attempt to access or view any account for which they do not have specific authorization; actions which intentionally disrupt, delay, endanger or expose another person's work or University operations are also prohibited. Individuals engaging in such actions will be prosecuted under the internal rules of the American University and applicable criminal statutes of the District of Columbia and the United States. Individuals harmed by such actions may also bring civil charges against the person(s) responsible.

Obvious examples of prohibited actions include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. intentionally providing computer access to unauthorized people (by loaning your account to another person, disclosing someone else's password to a third party, etc.);
2. disrupting access to a computer system, network, or files (by crashing a public system, releasing viruses, altering or attempting to learn others passwords, tying up computer resources, printers or operating systems, using University computer systems for illegal activities, etc.);
3. accessing or changing others' files without permission;
4. purposefully wasting resources.

Computing accounts are provided for AU work only. No commercial activity is permitted unless approved in writing in advance by the Executive Director of Information Technology.

There is always the possibility of a system crash, network outage, or some other interruption of your work, which may result in loss of your data, files, or software. Please take steps to minimize your risk by frequently backing up your work. If you have special needs, OIT may be able to help you work out any necessary extra procedures.

You should be aware that electronic mail and messages sent through computer networks, including the Internet, may not remain confidential while in transit or on the destination computer system.

Your data on University computing systems may be copied to backup devices periodically. e-operations makes reasonable efforts to maintain confidentiality, but if you wish to take further steps, you are advised to encrypt your data. Although you may use encryption software, you are responsible for remembering your encryption keys. Once your data is encrypted, the e-operations unit will be unable to help you recover it should you forget or lose the key.

"Respect for intellectual labor and creativity is vital to academic discourse and enterprise. This principal applies to works of all authors and publishers in all media. It encompasses respect for the right to acknowledgement, right to privacy, and right to determine the 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, may be grounds for sanctions against members of the academic community."