Computing Resources Policy

Purpose

This policy outlines the acceptable use of ��logo��’s computing resources to ensure a secure, respectful, and legally compliant digital environment that supports the academic and administrative mission of the university.

Scope

This policy applies to all users of Moravian computing resources, including students, faculty, staff, contractors, volunteers, and visitors.

Policy Statement

Note: Logging in to or otherwise connecting to the campus network implies acceptance of this ��logo�� and Moravian Theological Seminary policy. ��logo�� and Moravian Theological Seminary is referred to in this policy as the institution.

The institution's computing equipment and network resources are dedicated to Moravian business to enhance and support the educational mission of ��logo��. These resources include all computers, workstations and multi-user computer systems along with local area networks and wireless networks as well as connections to other computer networks via the Internet. All students, faculty and staff are responsible for using the institution's computing resources in a safe, effective, ethical, and lawful manner.

Use of the institution's computer equipment and peripherals is a privilege that is available to users for occasional use on personal, important issues provided such use does not interfere with the job responsibilities of the individual or others. Students' personally-owned computers, storage devices, and other peripherals are not included in the above statement. However, any data transmitted over institutional assets or connections made through institutional assets are included. The institution has the right to inspect information stored on its system at any time, for any reason, and users cannot and should not have any expectation of privacy with regard to any data, documents, electronic mail messages, or other computer files created or stored on computers within or connected to the institution's network. All Internet data composed, transmitted, or received through the institution's computer system is considered part of the institution's records, and as such, subject at any time to disclosure to institutional officials, law enforcement, or third parties.

The institution reserves the right to monitor user activities on all institutional computer systems and to monitor communications utilizing the institution's network to ensure compliance with institutional policy and with federal, state, and local law. Monitoring shall be performed only by individuals specifically authorized by the vice president for human resources and will collect only the minimum data necessary to meet institutional requirements. Data collected through monitoring shall be made accessible only to individuals authorized by the vice president for human resources. These individuals are responsible for maintaining its confidentiality.

The intent of this Acceptable Use Policy is to give an overview of acceptable and unacceptable uses of the institution's computing resources without exhaustively enumerating all such uses and misuses. This statement is intended as an addition to existing policies concerning academic honesty and the use of facilities.

The predominant goal of this policy is to safeguard the institution's computing resources, promote honesty, respect for individuals, and respect for both physical and intellectual property. All expectations regarding academic honesty and professional ethics extend to assignments completed in electronic form. It is never permitted to use another person's computer authorization for any purpose or to provide one's own authorization to another person. It is never permitted to access someone else's work without explicit permission. It is not permitted to engage in any activity that would harass others or impede their work. All members of the campus community are required to adhere to all copyright laws. As part of the Internet community, students connecting their computers to the institution's network are required to take reasonable precautions against viruses, spyware, and adware.

While the institution makes every effort to maintain the security of its systems, it should be noted that there is no guarantee of privacy of electronically stored information or electronic mail. Users of institution-operated computing resources should be aware that IT actively monitors and scans its network for unauthorized network devices and services such as network switches and wireless access points, but the University makes no representation or warranty that the system is secure or that privacy of stored or transmitted information can be assured.

Standards of ethics and behavior while computing should follow standards of ethics and behavior as outlined in other institutional handbooks and policy documents. Disciplinary procedures for violations may result in curtailment of network privileges and otherwise will follow standard institutional procedures. The items below constitute examples of acceptable and unacceptable use.

Acceptable Use

Use consistent with the mission of the institution.
Use for purposes of, or in support of, education and research.
Use related to administrative and other support activities considered consistent with the mission of the institution.
Personal communications, as long as these do not interfere with the mission of the institution or overload system or network resources.

Unacceptable Use

Use of institutional computers or networks that violates federal, state, or local laws or statutes.
Providing, assisting in, or gaining unauthorized or inappropriate access to the institution's computing resources.
Use of institutional computers or networks for unauthorized or inappropriate access to systems, software or data at other sites.
Installing on the network unauthorized network devices and network services such as wireless access points, Internet address resolution servers, hubs, routers, and switches.
Use of institutional systems or networks to copy, store, display, prepare derivative works of, or distribute copyrighted material in any medium without the express permission of the copyright owner, except as otherwise allowed under copyright law.
Installation of software on institution-owned computers that is not either in the public domain, or for which legal licensing has not been acquired by the individual user, or by the institution, either by IT or another department.
Activities that interfere with the ability of others to use institutional computing resources or other network connected services effectively.
Activities that result in the loss of another person's work or unauthorized access to another person's work.
Connecting one's personal computer to the institution's network without active and current anti-virus, anti-spyware, and adware protection.
Distribution of obscene, abusive, or threatening messages via electronic media such as e-mail or instant messaging.
Distribution of chain letters or broadcasting to lists of individuals in such a manner that might cause congestion of the network.
Use of institutional computers or networks for commercial use or profit-making enterprise, except as specifically agreed to with the institution.
Use inconsistent with the acceptable use policies of PenTeleData. These policies are available on the website of PenTeleData.

Accountability

Violations of this policy may result in disciplinary action as outlined in the Student Code of Conduct, Employee Handbook, or applicable contractual agreements. The Office of Information Technology, in coordination with Human Resources, Student Life, or other relevant departments, is responsible for investigating and responding to violations.

Policy Owner

This policy is maintained by the Office of Information Technology. Questions may be directed to ithelp@moravian.edu.

Records

Effective Date: August 2025
Approved By: University Council
Last Reviewed: July 2025
Next Review Due: July 2026

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