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University policy on ethical behavior

The University's new Policy on Ethical Behavior with Respect to the Electronic Information Environment, promulgated by the Office of the President, is effective as of July 13, 1993.

The University by its very nature values openness and promotes access to a wide range of information. Campus information systems have been designed to be as open as possible, and as such the University insists on responsible use of these systems. The use of computers, electronic information, and computer networks is essential for research, instruction, and administration within the academic community. Because the electronic environment is easily disrupted and electronic information is readily reproduced, respect for the work and rights of others is especially important.

Any intentional behavior with respect to the electronic environment that interferes with the missions or activities of the University or members of the University community will be regarded as unethical and may lead to disciplinary action under standard University rules for misconduct and existing judicial, disciplinary or personnel processes. In particular, the University publication Policies and Procedures, the Handbook for Faculty and Academic Administrators, and the University's Human Resources Policy Manual include several policies defining the principles and standards of ethical conduct whose violation with respect to the electronic environment is exemplified below. Foremost among these are the University's General Code of Conduct, Code of Academic Integrity, Policy on the Confidentiality of Student Records and Information, Policy Regarding Faculty Misconduct in Research, Patent Policy, and Audit Policy.

The following activities are examples, but not an exhaustive list, of unethical behaviors with respect to the electronic environment:

1. intentionally damaging or destroying the integrity of electronic information;
2. intentionally compromising the privacy of electronic networks or information systems;
3. intentionally disrupting the use of electronic networks or information systems;
4. intentionally infringing upon the intellectual property rights of others in computer programs or electronic information, including plagiarism and unauthorized use or reproduction; or
5. wasting resources (human or electronic) through such actions.