User's Rights and Responsibilities

Members of the University community are granted access to Information Services resources in order to facilitate their campus-related academic, research, and employment activities. By using campus resources, users agree to abide by all relevant Bryant University policies and procedures, as well as all current federal, state, and local laws. These include but are not limited to University policies and procedures related to harassment, plagiarism, commercial use, security, and unethical conduct, as well as laws prohibiting theft, copyright and licensing infringement, unlawful intrusions, and data privacy laws.

Users are responsible for:

• Reviewing, understanding, and complying with all policies, procedures and laws related to access, acceptable use, and security of University Information Services resources;
• Asking systems administrators or data custodians for clarification on access and acceptable use issues not specifically addressed in University policies, rules, guidelines, and procedures; and
• Reporting possible policy violations to the appropriate entities.

Liability for Personal Communications

Users of University Information Services resources are responsible for the content of their personal communications. The University accepts no responsibility or liability for any personal or unauthorized use of its resources by users.

Privacy and Security Awareness

Users should be aware that although the University takes reasonable security measures to protect the security of its computing resources and accounts assigned to individuals, the University does not guarantee absolute security and privacy. Users should follow the appropriate security procedures to assist in keeping systems and accounts secure.

The University assigns responsibility for protecting its resources and data to system administrators, who treat the contents of individually assigned accounts and personal communications as private and do not examine or disclose the contents except:

• As required for system maintenance including security measures;
• When there exists reason to believe an individual is violating the law or University policy; and/or
• As permitted by applicable policy or law.

Consequences of Violations

Access privileges to the University's Information Services resources will not be denied without cause. If in the course of an investigation it appears necessary to protect the integrity, security, or continued operation of its computers and networks or to protect itself from liability, Bryant may temporarily deny access to those resources. Alleged policy violations will be referred to appropriate University investigative and disciplinary units. For example, alleged violations by students may be directed to the Vice President for Academic Affairs' office. The University may also refer suspected violations of law to appropriate law enforcement agencies. Depending on the nature and severity of the offense, policy violations may result in loss of access privileges, University disciplinary action, and/or criminal prosecution.