Acceptable Use
Policy for Information Technology
Resources
General Guidelines|Distributing
Information from the WWW|Obscene Images &
Discriminatory Information|Inappropriate
Material|Computer
Trespass|Computer
Software & Copyrighted
Material|Legal
Aspects Associated with Information
Technology Resources
This document establishes
guidelines for appropriate use of
information technology managed by
University of Missouri Extension.
General Guidelines
The public nature of the Internet
dictates that users conduct activities
in a polite and professional manner.
WWW documents and e-mail messages that
you prepare or transmit are a
reflection of 1) yourself, 2)
University of Missouri Extension, and
3) the University of Missouri.
Inappropriate material affects not
only your image but the image of
your colleagues.
Distributing Information from the
WWW
Volumes of information on every
conceivable topic are available on the
WWW. Much of this information is
inaccurate and lacks the
research-based credibility necessary
for distribution by University
of Missouri Extension specialists and
county staff. Specialists are
responsible for evaluating resources
found on the web before distributing
information to clientele. Specialists
who are asked for information outside
their subject-matter area should
direct these requests to the
appropriate specialist. Secretaries
and office managers should direct
questions to the appropriate
specialists. Secretaries and office
managers may distribute University
of Missouri Extension-based
information, such as guidesheets and
OSEDA demographic data, to meet
citizens' needs.
Obscene Images and Discriminatory
Information
The Internet offers access to all
forms of network-accessible
information, including images and mail
groups that are commonly judged as
obscene. Printing, downloading and/or
displaying these images or messages in
any manner is inappropriate and can
result in the loss of computing
privileges and immediate probation for
unacceptable professional behavior.
University of Missouri Extension
specifically prohibits: 1) the
transmission of information that
promotes discrimination on the basis
of race, color, national origin, sex,
religion, age, disability or status as
a Vietnam-era veteran; 2) origination
or forwarding of hate mail,
discriminatory remarks and other
antisocial behaviors via e-mail; 3)
use of the network to access or
process pornographic material,
inappropriate text files, or files
dangerous to the integrity of the
local area network; and direct
hypertext links to such materials.
Inappropriate Material for WWW
Documents
Faculty, staff and county extension councils may create WWW
documents. Web pages may not duplicate
copyrighted material, disclose
confidential or personal information
(such as social security numbers or
program participation), or promote 1)
personal political beliefs (including
lobbying), 2) commercial or for-profit
business interests, 3) discrimination,
or 4) any unlawful activity. Direct
hypertext links to such sources also
is prohibited. Web pages containing
links to business resources should
contain a disclaimer in the footer:
"Links are provided as a
resource, and do not imply endorsement
of products or services."
Computer Trespass
Law prohibits unauthorized access
and use of computer systems.
Individuals are responsible for any
use of accounts by others to whom
access has been given. Passwords
should be changed periodically to
prevent unauthorized use. E-mail may
be sent only from personal e-mail
accounts.
Computer Software and Copyrighted
Materials
To protect intellectual property
rights and the continued availability
of Internet access, computer software,
images and other materials protected
under copyright laws will not be
installed on University of Missouri Extension computers, transmitted via
the Internet, or stored on any
computer or server without the express
written permission of the copyright
owner, unless the original software is
clearly identified as shareware or in
the public domain.
Legal Aspects
Associated With the Use of Information
Technology Resources
Information technology system
operators are to refrain from any
illegal use of electronic resources
regulated by international, national
and state laws.
Electronic system users are to
refrain from performing any act that
will impair the operations of the
information technology resources of
the University and the systems of
recipients receiving the information.
Such acts include, but are not limited
to, injecting computer viruses and
sending excessively large mailings,
large print jobs, batch programs,
"junk mail" (including chain
letters and other unsolicited mail),
etc.
University of Missouri Extension
information technology resources are
for official use only. ![spacer image](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090115230039im_/http://extension.missouri.edu/standards/trans_space.gif)
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