Computer and Network Services
Information Systems Resources Use Policies
The School of Pharmacy's information systems resources, including computers, computer accounts, printers, networks, software, electronic mail (e-mail), and Web pages are provided for students, faculty, and staff in support of the mission and programs of the school. Other users are not authorized. Access to these computer resources is a privilege, not a right. All users are responsible for seeing that the information systems resources are used in an effective, ethical, and lawful manner and in accordance with university policies as well as the policies listed below.
Policies
The information systems owned of the School of Pharmacy are to be used for university or school-related instructional, research, administrative and service activities only. Equipment and/or software Information systems resources may not be removed without permission from the Dean of the School of Pharmacy or a representative designated by the Dean.
Only School of Pharmacy faculty, students, and staff are authorized to use the school's information systems resources. Computer accounts, passwords, and other types of authorization are assigned to specific users and should not be shared with others. Users should protect themselves and prevent unauthorized access to their accounts by changing their password periodically, and by keeping the password secret. Should prohibited activity be alleged or detected, the School of Pharmacy will pursue the owner of the computer account initiating the activity. An authorized user who provides a password to an unauthorized user will be held responsible for that person's actions.
The school of Pharmacy reserves the right to view or scan any file, e-mail or software stored on or transmitted through the School's information systems resources, and will do so periodically to verify that software and hardware are working correctly, to look for particular kinds of data or software (such as a computer virus), or to audit the use of School resources. To the extent practical in the electronic environment and in a public setting, a user's privacy will be respected. Nevertheless, that privacy is subject to the Maryland Access to Public Records Act, other applicable state and federal laws, and the needs of the School to meet its administrative, business, and legal responsibilities and to verify compliance with School and University policies. Data on School information systems resources may be copied to backup devices. The School of Pharmacy considers information stored on computer systems and networks essentially private. However, there are times when access to computer files, e-mail, and software may be necessary. The school reserves the right to view or scan any files, data, e-mail and software stored on school or university for compelling security reasons; for unauthorized use or alleged unauthorized use; and when required by state or federal law.
The School of Pharmacy also reserves the right to view and scan computer files, e-mail, and software when the information or files in question are public or collegial in nature.E-mail and messages transmitted through computer networks, including the Internet, may not always remain secure and confidential. Please keep this in mind when sending sensitive communications. Data intended to remain confidential, e.g. exams, personnel files, patient data, and preliminary research data, should be saved and stored on external storage devices such as floppy disks or removable cartridges.
E-mail should not be used to transfer large data files and documents. The school and university limit the size of e-mail and attachments to one megabyte or less.
The School of Pharmacy's computer information systems resources may not be used for illegal purposes. in any manner that violates institutional policies or local, state or federal laws. Examples include unauthorized copying or distribution of copyrighted materials; accepting or using data or software which has been obtained illegally; harassing system users or others; accessing or disseminating obscene materials; damaging computer hardware, software, or data; and disrupting or monitoring electronic communications without authorization.
Federal law protects the privacy of users of wire and electronic communications. The Annotated Code of Maryland, Article 27 - Crimes and Punishments, Sections 45A and 146 also protect the rights of users of School information systems resources. Invasions of privacy, including accessing or viewing information stored under the account of another user without specific authorization, is ethically wrong and any attempt to do so is prohibited.
School information systems resources may not be used for commercial activity, including advertising, promotion or commerce that is unrelated to the mission and programs of the school.
Special support software may be installed by the School of Pharmacy on school computer systems information systems resources in order to support resource usage accounting, security, network management, hardware and software inventory, etc.
All users are responsible for showing restraint when sharing the School of Pharmacy's information systems resources. Avoid waste by regularly deleting old files. Print essential documents only, and refrain from over-using interactive network utilities such as those on the Internet. Please be courteous and use common sense with these limited resources.
Special Policies Relating to Student Laptops
Data loss from a student laptop or computer failure of a student laptop is not an acceptable excuse for missing a class assignment or failing to complete a class assignment.
Student laptops are equipped with specific, School-standard software that is supported by the School. The School of Pharmacy is not responsible for personal files or, additional software loaded onto computers or additional hardware devices used with student laptops. Adding programs or hardware to a computer increases the chances that school-supported programs will not perform properly.
Problems caused by corrupt operating systems, school supported-software, and hard drives may require formatting the hard drive and re-installing the software. Routine backups (to media other than the computer hard drive) will help decrease the possibility of losing important data and files. Users are responsible for re-installing any additional software loaded onto computers, as well as restoring altered configurations and personal files.
Students
Students with laptop computer problems should contact Computer Services, extension 6-4488 or bring it to Pharmacy Learning Center Room 129 for initial reviews. Computer Services will evaluate the situation and inform the school's vendor liaison. Students can contact the help line at 6-4488 for information on the status of their machine. All equipment dropped off for repair must be accompanied by a completed work order request form. If no one is in Room 129, laptops should not be left in Room 129.
Computer Services will work closely with the laptop vendor to ensure that students have access to computing tools. There may be times during repairs or when replacing a defective laptops, that a student may not have access to their laptop. Students are encouraged to routinely back up data files to external media such as floppy disks or removable cartridges in order to be able to continue working on class assignments using other school or university computing resources.
Faculty and Staff
Faculty and staff computer problems should be reported to Computer Services (6-4488). Problems will be addressed in as efficient a manner as possible. Priority will be given to those with non-functioning computers.
Separation from the School of Pharmacy
Expired computer accounts, associated files and e-mail will be deleted within two weeks of a user's separation from the School of Pharmacy unless a written request and justification are received by Computer Services and the request is approved by the Dean or a representative designated by the Dean.