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Policies and Guidelines

Use of Student Residence Computer Networks

Audience:

All persons attaching computer systems to University student residence computer networks

Definition:

Addendum covering students living in residence halls.

Policy Statement:

Student residence computer networks are shared, finite resources installed by the University to promote scholarship and learning for all students. Accidental or intentional disruption of a residence network will deprive others of access to important University resources. Persons attaching computers to University student residence networks must comply with Northwestern University Policy: Use of Computers, Systems, and Networks. In addition, computers attached to student residence networks must adhere to the following:

Computer, System, or Network Use

  • Domain names. A non-northwestern.edu domain name may not point at a host within the resnet address space, unless that domain is being used by a recognized student organization, and the registration is handled by IT.
  • Responsibility for content. The content of any files or services made available to others over the network is the sole responsibility of the person with ownership of, and/or administrative authority over, the computer providing the service. It is this person's responsibility to be aware of all applicable Federal laws, State laws and University policies. This person will be liable for any violations of Federal laws, State laws, or University policies.
  • Network-intensive applications. Any person operating a network-intensive application or a defective computer, either of which overloads networks, will be notified and steps will be taken to protect the overall University network. This may include disconnecting the offending computer system from the network until the problem is resolved. If the condition is an imminent hazard to the University network or disrupts the activities of others, then the offending computer system or the subnet to which it is attached may be disconnected without prior notice. This latter course of action may affect many other persons connected to the network.
  • Responsibility for security. Any person attaching a computer to the residence networks is responsible for the security of the computer system and for any intentional or unintentional activities from or to that network connection.

Under no circumstances may you give others access to any computer, system or network that you do not administer.

Computer, System, or Network Administration

Violation or disregard of this policy may result in disconnection from the network and, if serious enough to warrant disciplinary action, shall be referred to the appropriate office of the University. Illegal activities shall be reported to the appropriate authorities.

Original Issue Date:

August 1999

Revision Dates:

July 2003

Last Updated: 16 July 2007