KU ResNet Responsible Use Agreement

The University of Kansas provides electronic information resources to residence hall occupants as part of their living arrangements and by agreement. These resources may be used only in support of the education, research, and public service mission of the University and may not be used for commercial or other for-profit purposes. Incidental personal use of electronic information resources is permitted within certain parameters, outlined under "Responsibilities of Users." In addition to course-related and incidental personal purposes, such as email, residents of student housing and other on-campus housing may use electronic information resources for recreational computing as long as such use doesn't infringe on the rights of other users.

As a user of electronic information resources and in consideration of the University's providing me electronic access and services, I agree to abide by the following:

• All devices connecting to the IT ResNet network must be registered before use and must register through the RINGS (ResNet Integrated Next Generation Solution - http://www.resnet.ku.edu/RINGS/) registration system. I will not attempt to circumvent registration procedures on any device or otherwise attempt to gain unauthorized access. This is not responsible use of information resources and may be a crime under state law.


• By using my KU Online ID, I acknowledge that access to information resources is granted with the understanding that resources will be used in an ethical and lawful manner. Users must have proper authorization prior to using any University computer or network facility. Attempting to circumvent login procedures on any computer system or otherwise attempting to gain unauthorized access where you are not allowed is not responsible use of information resources and is a crime under state law.


• I am responsible for all activity that occurs using information resources assigned to me and shall respect the intended use of such resources.


• I am responsible for using resources appropriately to maintain the privacy, confidentiality, and integrity of the electronic information resources.


• Users of the University's information resources are responsible for protecting their user ID, password, and system from unauthorized use. I will not knowingly give out, loan, share, or otherwise allow anyone else to use the privileges granted to me by ResNet and the University of Kansas.


• The University encourages civil discourse, tolerance, and respect for all peoples, as outlined in the Chancellor's Ten Points for A Great University, http://www.chancellor.ku.edu/strategic/initiative_2001/Feb3tenpnt.html. Rude and harassing e-mail does not demonstrate this value.


• I will not use any University-provided computing resource to do something illegal, threatening, or deliberately destructive; not even as a joke.


• Sending email or other communications anonymously, or representing oneself as someone else, is not considered responsible use of information resources.


• All User devices shall be operated in such a manner that they do not in any way interfere with or compromise the performance, functionality, or integrity of the University network. Users may not attempt to implement their own network infrastructure. This includes, but is not limited to basic network devices such as hubs (hubs ARE allowed in specific locations depending on the infrastructure of the building to see a list of locations where hubs are allowed, please see http://www.resnet.ku.edu/faqs.shtml#8), switches, routers, network firewalls, and wireless access points. Users must not offer network infrastructure services such as Dynamic Host Control Protocol and Domain Name Servers or alternative methods of access to KU IT resources such as modems and Virtual Private Networks (VPNs). IT ResNet reserves the right to disconnect any unauthorized network device at any time if it is found to interfere with the technical operations of the University or interferes with the access of other users.


• No ResNet student device shall act as a server.


• Bandwidth is a shared resource. When a few residents use more than their fair share of bandwidth, they degrade network performance for everyone else and increase bandwidth costs for the network. Because information resources are a shared resource that should be utilized for legitimate purposes, I agree not to send spam, chain letters, mail bombs, or engage in other activities that would infringe on the rights and/or productivity of other users. I understand that continued use of more than a fair share of bandwidth will result in: a warning and/or deactivation of network access.


• IT ResNet reserves the right to disconnect any wireless access point at any time.


• I agree to respect the rights of copyright owners, and, when appropriate, obtain permission from owners before using or copying protected material, including, but not limited to, music, movies, software, documents, images, and multimedia objects.


• If the University of Kansas receives notice of a copyright violation (illegal downloading or uploading of copyrighted material including music, movies, games, software, etc.) tied to the IP address registered in your name, you will receive an email and written notice that your access to the ResNet Network has been temporarily suspended for 5 business days, during which time you may appeal if you believe the copyright infringement notice was received in error. You have 5 business days from the date of notice to provide written documentation supporting your appeal to the Office of the Vice Provost for Student Success, describing the nature of the error. If your appeal is denied, your ResNet service will be permanently deactivated. The ResNet fee is primarily a connection fee and not a usage fee. If your service is permanently terminated, there will be no subsequent refund of the ResNet activation fee, regardless of when the violation occurred.


• Users are encouraged to educate themselves about the Digital Millennium Copyright Act and KU's approach to digital file sharing at http://www.dmca.ku.edu .


• Residents receiving University information resources may not use them for commercial purposes.


• Users are encouraged to educate themselves on the state laws, Board of Regents and University policy on political use of information resources. A summary of these policies can be found here .


• Users should understand that other examples of misuse include, but are not limited to: attempting to defeat or circumvent any security measures, controls, accounts, or record-keeping systems; intentionally altering, misappropriating, dismantling, disfiguring, disabling, or destroying any computing information and/or services.


• In relation to room telephone lines I agree to not use demon dialers, war dialers or other similar software or hardware devices to attempt theft of service or toll fraud or any of the practices commonly known as "phreaking". You may not use authorization codes or PIN's other than those issued to you.


• In relation to room cable TV services I agree not to route this or other video services to other users.


• I agree to the responsible use of the University's network, software, and equipment and I understand there are consequences that may result if I do not do so.

Suspension of individual privileges

The University may suspend or permanently revoke the delivery of services to any individual for violation of this policy, for reasons relating to others' physical or emotional safety and well being, safety of University property, or maintenance of security and integrity of the information systems.

In-room connections may be disconnected as part of an investigation of a potential misuse of network resources or for failure to respond to email notices from University staff. This may occur even during the period of final exams.

Users should also be aware there can be additional consequences under federal or state law, particularly law relating to copyright violation.

Violators may also be subject to disciplinary action as required by other applicable University rules, regulations, handbooks, procedures, or policies. In addition, violators may be subject to civil suit or state and federal laws, statutes, or regulations.

Investigations of violations will follow the due process guidelines of the Office of the Vice Provost for Information Services , the Office of the Provost , the Office of the Vice Provost for Student Success , and the Department of Human Resources & Equal Opportunity . Inquiries concerning procedures should be referred to the appropriate office. Assistance is also available from the University Ombudsman http://www.ku.edu/~ombuds/ and University Counsel http://www.ku.edu/~counsel/.

For more detailed information regarding the responsible use of resources, questions may be directed to the Office of the Vice Provost for Information Services (785-864-4999), or by sending e-mail to vpinfo@ku.edu.

Campus Responsible Use Documents