Internet Policies and Copyright Information

Network Access Policy and Contract

Computer facilities are provided to students and faculty at Dallas Baptist University to enrich the learning and teaching experience. This service can only operate successfully if users act responsibly when using these facilities. Unreasonable behavior will disrupt the work of other users. To help users understand their responsibilities to each other and to the University, this policy describes students’ proper use of computer facilities, including resident access to the DBU network. Use of Dallas Baptist University computer facilities is a privilege granted by the University. All students, staff, and faculty are responsible for seeing that these computer facilities are used in an effective, efficient, ethical, and lawful manner. Any violation of these policies can result in disconnection from the DBU network and disciplinary action. DBU staff may monitor e-mail and internet access to the Dallas Baptist University computer network at any time.

Setup and Authorized Use

Each semester, a student must register with the Information Technology division to have access to the DBU network.

The Information Technology (IT) division can offer assistance in purchasing, installing, or configuring a student's computer with the staff resources available at that time. If assistance is needed in any of these areas, phone support will be available.

If a problem with an internet connection is suspected, a member of the Information Technology staff will test the connection in a timely manner to verify a working connection. The DBU user is responsible for his/her actions while using campus computer network services including the internet and e-mail. No other individual is allowed to use a student’s registered DBU internet connection. The person to whom an account is assigned will be held responsible for activities that take place on that account.

Use of the DBU network, including access to the Internet, is a privilege, not a right, which may be revoked at any time for misuse. Examples of misuse include, but are not limited to, the following: any attempt to “hack” or otherwise break into or disrupt service; a deliberate act which jeopardizes the integrity of any computer equipment, systems, programs, or any other stored information, including the deliberate propagation of computer viruses; the placing of unlawful information on a system; and the use of fraudulent, harassing, racist, obscene, or pornographic messages. Such materials are not to be sent, received, printed, requested, or stored.

Copyright Information

Dallas Baptist University prohibits all users of DBU network resources from violating applicable copyright laws and encourages the use of freely available resources as an alternative to copyright infringement.

Copyright infringement is the act of exercising, without permission or legal authority, one or more of the exclusive rights granted to the copyright owner under section 106 of the Copyright Act (Title 17 of the United States Code). These rights include the right to reproduce or distribute a copyrighted work. In the file-sharing context, downloading or uploading substantial parts of a copyrighted work without authority constitutes an infringement.

Penalties for copyright infringement include civil and criminal penalties. In general, anyone found liable for civil copyright infringement may be ordered to pay either actual damages or "statutory" damages affixed at not less than $750 and not more than $30,000 per work infringed. For "willful" infringement, a court may award up to $150,000 per work infringed. A court can, in its discretion, also assess costs and attorneys' fees. For details, see Title 17, United States Code, Sections 504, 505.

For more information regarding U.S. Copyright Law, please visit Copyright Clearance Center.

Computer Use Responsibility

Dallas Baptist University's Information Technology division provides Information Technology equipment and resources in order to assist the University's Faculty, Staff, and Students in completing required tasks and assignments. Information Technology equipment and resources may include, but are not limited to: DBU network access, technology equipment, systems, software, databases, and various platforms. All personnel granted access to various Information Technology equipment and resources are to adhere to and abide by the following policies and guidelines stated herein. Failure to adhere to the policies stated herein may result in disciplinary action. Users found in violation of the policies stated herein, are to be reported to the Information Technology division. Dallas Baptist University is not liable for a student's or employee's personal online activities. Students and employees are advised to use discretion when utilizing the DBU network for personal online activities.

Penalties for Misuse

Students who are suspected of violating policies regarding computing equipment will be confidentially reported to the appropriate faculty, supervisors, Academic Computer Lab staff, Department Chair, and the Dean, and may be referred to the Vice President of Student Affairs. Disciplinary action will be taken in accordance with the provisions of the DBU Student Handbook and this access policy. Any violation of these policies can and may result in disconnection from the DBU network.

Activities Specifically Prohibited Include, but are not Limited to, the Following:

Electronic Mail Policy

The DBU e-mail system is limited to staff, administration, faculty, and enrolled students. All students are required to have a DBU e-mail account. Its misuse can result in the loss of access to e-mail and/or other resources. Violations of this policy will be dealt with in the same manner as violations of other University policies and may result in a disciplinary review. In such a review, the full range of disciplinary sanctions is available including the loss of information system usage privileges, dismissal from the University, and legal action. Violation of some of the policies may constitute a criminal offense(s). The purpose of the e-mail policy is to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of communication if used appropriately.

The following policies and guidelines are intended to promote responsible use of e-mail:

• All e-mail should relate to University matters. Limited personal communication is permissible, but items such as chain letters, fund raisers, commercial use, and mass national efforts are not allowed.
• The DBU campus e-mail system, or any other form of DBU electronic communication (i.e. Blackboard, class discussion, Wimba Virtual Classroom), may not be utilized as an avenue to advertise the selling of goods or soliciting of donations from students, faculty, staff, or members of the University community.
• Fraudulent, harassing, obscene, or pornographic messages and materials are not to be sent, received, printed, requested, or stored.
• Any communication that violates DBU policies and/or local, state, or federal laws and regulations is prohibited.
• The content, confidentiality, and maintenance of an electronic mailbox are the responsibility of the person to whom the e-mail account is assigned.
• Each person is responsible for eliminating from the file messages no longer needed. Accounts accumulating excess e-mail will be reviewed and addressed by the Vice-President for Financial Affairs.
• Be aware of forged mail. If a person has acquired another individual’s password, forged mail could be sent. Also, e-mail that originates from outside DBU may not be subject to strict security. If a message appears out of character for the sender, it may be a forgery, and you should contact the sender by another means for verification.
• Although students have individual access passwords to voice-mail, e-mail, and computer network systems, these systems are accessible at all times to and by the University and may be subject to periodic, unannounced inspections for University business purposes. Backup copies of e-mail and voice-mail may be maintained by the University and may be reviewed for business, legal, and/or other reasons.