Workplace Technologies Research Inc provides computing and networking resources to employees. Use of these resources is a privilege granted to employees use as a work tools only.

These policies, which apply to all users of WTRI's computing and information resources, consist of the following elements:

General Use
Network Use Policy
Anti-Virus Software Policy
Administrative Systems Use Policy
Web Policy

Computing and Telecommunications staff members are available to answer questions regarding computer and network use. Feel free to contact them at 822-2564 or sterling@WTRI.com.

Violations and Consequences

WTRI will take reasonable and necessary steps to preserve the security of its computer and network resources. Doing so maintains a respectful community in which our computing and information resources may be utilized as intended. Users are expected to maintain this community by abiding by computing policies and reporting violations of these policies immediately.  Complaints of potential policy violations should be reported to Computing and Telecommunication Services, 822-2564 or e-mail to sterling@WTRI.com.

Violations of the Policy alleged to have been committed may be referred to the your supervisor, the Director of Human Resources, or another appropriate WTRI Officer.

Activities that in any way conflict with these policies can result in sanctions, corresponding to the severity of the action and ranging from a written reprimand to termination of employment and/or referral to the appropriate legal authorities.  

WTRI reserves the right to access electronic communication or data (e.g., email, computer files) as it deems necessary.  While WTRI rarely does this, at times it may be compelled to do so in the enforcement of WTRI policies and ethics, or by an external law enforcement agency.

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General Use Policy

Workplace Technologies Research Inc employees, staff and interns are responsible for legal and ethical use of computers and the network.

Activities considered to be in conflict with this policy include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Spreading viruses or causing disruptions on the network.

• Unauthorized access to restricted computers, data, or programs.

• Sharing a password or account(s). Account holders are responsible and will be held accountable for all activity occurring on their accounts.

• Creating, modifying, executing or re-transmitting any computer program or instructions intended to gain unauthorized access to, or make unauthorized use of, any computer facilities or software.

• Violating copyright laws or software license agreements.

• Installing software, including freeware, shareware, public-domain or commercial software on any WTRI-owned computer equipment without appropriate authority.

• Using computers or networks with the intent to compromise any other computers or networks or to commit crimes or other unethical acts.

• Using computers or networks for unauthorized non-WTRI-related commercial or for-profit activity.

• Sending or forwarding electronic mail for unauthorized purposes (i.e., spam).  This includes but is not limited to unsolicited and unsanctioned mass mailings.  WTRI officials authorized to send or approve mass electronic mailings are the President or Vice President.

• Viewing, printing, storage, display, or playing of sounds of any sexually explicit or potentially offensive materials in a way that may create an offensive working environment.

• Excessive use of paper, toner, disk space, or other resources.

• Monopolizing systems so that others are prevented from use.

• Overloading computers or networks with excessive data.

• Activities in violation of faculty and staff employment handbooks or conduct policies.

• Using email or other electronic methods for purposes of harassment.

• Activities which violate local, state, or federal laws.

• Removing any WTRI owned computer software or hardware from the workplace without written permission of the appropriate administrator.

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Network Use Policy

This policy applies to all persons connecting personally-owned computer systems to the Workplace Technologies Research Inc network.

The WTRI network includes shared, finite resources installed by WTRI to promote scholarship and learning for all students. Disruption of the network will deprive others of access to important WTRI resources.

Responsibilities for Personally Owned Computers

To comply with the WTRI General Computer Use Policy (http://share.WTRI.com/wtri/index.html) and WTRI Network Use Policy:

• Maintain a valid, regularly updated anti-virus program.

• Maintain effective security practices on the personally owned computer system to avoid intentional or unintentional activities from or to any network connection. Included, but not limited to, are attempts to monitor other network connections, hijack connections, spread viruses, spyware, or any other activity which may impact the overall security of the network.

• Obtain authorization prior to operating a server on the WTRI network. Contact Computing and Telecommunication Services for technical guidance and restrictions.

WTRI's Responsibility for the Network

WTRI commits to:

• Ensure wherever possible reliable and continuous connections to the WTRI network. (System notices for unexpected network events are found at http://share.WTRI.com)

• Provide timely responses to requests for assistance in the event of a connection failure

• Terminate connections at any time if there is a reasonable and necessary requirement to do so to maintain network service to WTRI.

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Anti-Virus Software Policy

This policy is in effect beginning July 2007.

Anyone who connects a personally owned computer to the WTRI network is required to install and regularly update a reliable anti-virus program.  The owner is also responsible for the security of the personally owned computer.  Failure to assume responsibility for either security or anti-virus protection can result in network interruptions since an unprotected computer is vulnerable to intrusion by anyone in the world.  Such intrusion is typically without the owner's knowledge.  

• WTRI will provide staff, interns and employees with anti-virus software free of charge for personal computers used at work.  
• This software subscription must be renewed each year.  Instructions to download and install the software are available from Computer and Telecommunications Services.  
• If the individual already has purchased a reliable anti-virus software program, it must continue to be updated regularly.

Specific Consequences for Non-compliance with This Policy

1st Incident

• If a computer is found to contain a virus, the computer will be temporarily removed from the network and the owner will be notified via email and/or telephone.  
• The computer will need to be “cleaned” prior to accessing the WTRI network.  If the user is able to clean the computer, the user will then need to provide evidence of the cleaning prior to reconnection to the network.  
• Interns may enlist the help of  Computer and Telecommunications Services to clean the computer.  
• Employees and staff should consult  Computer and Telecommunications Services for direction.

2nd Incident

• If a second incident of a virus infection occurs, the computer will be temporarily removed from the network and the owner will be notified via email and/or telephone.
• The owner will be charged $50 before the computer can be reconnected to the network.  If the WTRI Computer and Telecommunications Services determines that the infected machine had been infected even though appropriate steps were taken to protect it, e.g., latest virus definitions were on the computer, a charge would not apply.  
• The computer will need to be “cleaned” prior to accessing the WTRI network.  If the user is able to clean the computer, the user will then need to provide evidence of the cleaning prior to reconnection to the network.
• Interns may enlist the help of  Computer and Telecommunications Services to clean the computer.  
• Employees and staff should consult  Computer and Telecommunications Services for direction.

3rd Incident

• If a third incident of a virus infection occurs, the computer will be permanently removed from the WTRI network and the owner will be notified via email and/or telephone.

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Administrative Systems Policy

Workplace Technologies Research Inc’s administrative computing systems collect and store sensitive data on employees, staff, interns and clients that is needed for the normal operations of WTRI.  WTRI employees, including interns, must assume responsibility for legal and ethical computer, data, and network use.  This data may include but is not limited to:

Activities considered to be in conflict with this policy include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Unauthorized change, deletion, corruption, or removal of WTRI data from WTRI systems.
• Sharing or using this information for any purpose other than WTRI business.
• Sharing directories and/or files on your computer with others without appropriate authorization or security measures.
• Distributing information that violates WTRI FERPA Policy.
• Transport of restricted or sensitive data via portable media (e.g., flash memory, laptop computer, personal digital assistant) without prior authorization from a WTRI vice president in coordination with Computer and Telecommunications Services.

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WTRI Web Policy

The WTRI web site contains information for and about the WTRI community and is a major means of communication, publication and collaboration in support of the mission of WTRI.  WTRI maintains the right to temporarily disable access to any Web page under review for possible policy violations as well as web pages containing inaccurate information reflecting upon the integrity of WTRI.

• Any member of the WTRI community posting information on the web must abide by U.S. and international copyright and licensing laws. 
  
• Copyrighted material reproduced on the web site must have prior written permission of the copyright holder.

• All published information will include identification of the owner, date modified or created, and contact information.
• Commercial use of WTRI web pages is prohibited.
• Owner(s) of published information are responsible for the accuracy and maintenance of content.

WTRI is not responsible for the content of individual home pages, links from these pages, or material accessed via those links.