Network policies

Introduction

CalArts Network, the campus-wide computer network system at California Institute of the Arts, is intended to serve and foster the Institute's artistic and academic mission while supporting its administrative needs. This policy governs use of networked computing resources and related equipment including local area networks and connections to larger networks, specifically, but not limited to, the Internet. Although statements on the use of hardware and software that are generally applicable across the Institute are included in this document, its primary concern is with accounts issued on CalArts Network servers for access to the CalArts Network. Specific policies with regard to the use of hardware and software vary across the Institute and should be covered by policies governing the individual laboratory or facility.

Censorship

CalArts honors and respects the privacy and the artistic and academic freedom of its members and strives to permit maximum freedom of use consistent with current Institute policy and state and federal laws. Refer to the Statement on Academic and Artistic Freedom.

Appropriate access and use

Access to CalArts Network resources, whether local or remote, by CalArts faculty, staff, and students requires that individual users act responsibly and courteously, respecting the rights of other users, the integrity of the information systems, and all related resources. Complaints regarding misuse of CalArts Network resources will be directed to those responsible for taking appropriate disciplinary actions. The Network Manager or the appropriate laboratory manager will handle some infractions informally. Other violations will be documented and referred to the Office of Student Affairs or the appropriate CalArts administrative authority. Penalties range from reprimand, to loss of account, to referral to Institute, state and/or federal authorities for further action.

Misuse of a CalArts Network account includes unauthorized access to system files and files of other users, attempting to disrupt the integrity of the system(s), and use of accounts belonging to other people. Misuse also includes violation of federal or state law, violation of Institute regulations or policies, such as abusive or harassing behavior in language or image, and deliberately wasting or overloading computer resources.

Attempts to access unauthorized machines via the computer network, to decrypt encrypted materials, or to obtain privileges to which the user is not entitled is prohibited per Public Law 98-473, Chapter XXI. Manipulation of files, access to unauthorized parts of CalArts Network supported computers, attempts to circumvent data protection schemes, to discover security loopholes, or possession of software designed to accomplish these ends is prohibited.

Authorized access

Users may be assigned various accounts for individual use. Policies for use of accounts as well as length of time an account may be active may vary depending upon the issuing authority (Lab, Library, etc.) The user will follow the policies required for each server account. Passwords should be protected from discovery or use by others. If a password is made available to others, the account holder will still be held accountable for any actions that may arise from the use of that account by another.

Use of equipment

CalArts Network computing facilities and equipment are to be used primarily for Institute-related activities. All moves of or changes to equipment and software must be approved by the appropriate laboratory manager or by the network manager. Privately owned personal computers are the responsibility of the owner and not the Institute. Ownership and/or use of personal equipment through CalArts Network, whether on or off campus, does not exempt the user from compliance with the CalArts Network Computer Use Policy with regard to user accounts.

Policy on access points

Access points (any wireless communications hardware such as Apple AirPorts, Dlink and Linksys routers and switches, wireless network cards, switches and routers or software such as internet sharing) must be configured properly before they are attached to the CalArts Network. Access points may only be attached to the CalArts Network by faculty or staff.

Such devices must be physically brought to the Network Services before being attached to the network. The network manager will ensure that the following minimum configuration is in place: password protection, the highest data encryption available is enabled, and network services, such as DHCP, are disabled. The network manager must also be informed as to the final physical location of the device and the person who is responsible for the device. The person deploying the device is solely responsible for its functionality.

If any access point causes disruption of normal network activity, it will be removed from the network until such time as it is properly configured. The access point must be physically delivered to the network manager to have the configuration validated before it will be allowed back on the network.

Network access in dorms, studios and performance spaces

Only passive network devices such as hubs may be placed in dorms or studios. If a network device such as a switch, router or wireless access point (such as Apple AirPorts, Dlink and Linksys, etc.) is installed by a student in the dorms or studios and causes disruption of normal network activity, the network port to which the device is attached will be shutdown.

Ad-hoc computer-to-computer or other private networks may be set up, but only if all of the computers on the private network are disconnected from the CalArts network.

Use of software

The Institute has software licenses for the software available through CalArts Network. Additions, removal, or transfer of such software without authorization is prohibited per U.S. Code, Title 17, Section 106. Ownership or possession of illegal or damaging software, whether intentional or not, constitutes a violation of the Computer Use Policy. The Library and Information Resources systems administrator and the appropriate laboratory managers will support Institute-approved software.

Appropriate user behavior (netiquette)

Users of CalArts Network resources, including but not limited to electronic mail, bulletin boards, discussion groups, or Web pages, may not send or display messages or images that are libelous, patently offensive (as defined by the courts), or that intimidate, threaten, demean, or harass individuals or groups, or that would in any way imply Institute support of such behavior. Refer to the Institute Policy on Sexual Harassment and the Statement on Academic and Artistic Freedom.

Plagiarism

Users should be aware that plagiarism of electronic works (e.g., text, graphics, programs) might constitute a violation of copyright or other policies concerning the appropriation of another's work. Refer to the Statement on Academic and Artistic Freedom.

Rights and responsibilities of users and of the Institute

A user's directory, files, e-mail, or Web page are considered private property, and, therefore, confidential. Any attempt to access, monitor, read, copy, change, or delete files or e-mail without explicit permission of the owner is prohibited. Although users utilize individual passwords to access their accounts, the Institute cannot guarantee complete confidentiality in those transmissions. The Institute will not back-up individual user data stored on CalArts Network computer systems and bears no responsibility for the loss of user data due to system failure, user error or any other cause. Users are responsible for backing-up personal files, e-mail, etc. The Institute honors individual privacy, but reserves the right to monitor communications and/or usage when there is just cause, e.g., to remove or compress inappropriate or large files or to investigate user directories and files which may be causing or be affected by a system problem, may be suspected of unauthorized use or misuse, or may be corrupted or damaged. Users should be aware as well that files might be subject to search under court order if such files are suspected of containing information that could be used as evidence in a court of law.

Reasonable use of system resources

CalArts Network resources are limited. Users should not, therefore, consume unreasonable amounts of disk space or time. Space and time on CalArts Network systems will be fairly distributed among users, but may fall under system-imposed quotas. Users may request additional space for legitimate Institute-related use subject to verification by the Network Manager or the appropriate lab manager. Printing is limited to one original copy, additional copies should be made on photocopying equipment available in Library and Information Resources and at other locations within the Schools. Dial-in users accessing CalArts Network should be especially aware of the limited number of phone lines and keep connect time to a reasonable minimum. The Institute has no wish to impose stringent limitations on space or time on the system(s) and urges reasonable use in order to avoid the necessity for such limitations.

World Wide Web home pages

Official Institute home page

The official Institute home page is maintained by the Office of Public Affairs. Updates to text, course descriptions, new faculty biographies, etc. should be approved by the provost, dean, director or appropriate authority and forwarded electronically (either by e-mail or by disk) to the Web Master for posting to the Web site.

School, division and departmental home pages

By publishing a School, division or departmental page, the author(s) agree to abide by the provisions of the CalArts Network Computer Use Policy, follow the Institute guidelines for linkage and navigational tools, maintain the page (keep it up-to-date), and link to the Institute home page when providing policy, core requirements, course listings, faculty profiles, or any other catalog information.

Once linked to the Institute home page, School, division, or departmental home pages may be periodically reviewed by the Office of Public Affairs to ensure that the page is still in compliance with Institute policy for linkage and navigational tools.

Faculty, staff, student home pages

By publishing a faculty, staff or student home page on a CalArts computer, the author(s) agree to abide by the provisions of the CalArts Network Computer Use Policy.

Updated 12.05.03