Human Resources

Staff Handbook

Computers/Electronic Mail

All staff shares a responsibility for the ongoing integrity of Texas A&M University/Kingsville's computer data and computer security system. Access to computer files is restricted to job-related need only.

Texas A&M University-Kingsville has numerous licenses to utilize the computer software. The license agreements contain restrictions concerning the software use, duplication, and federal copyright protection. Any employee who uses Texas A&M University-Kingsville computer resources assumes the responsibilities listed below:

All users of Information Resources must possess a valid Texas A&M University-Kingsville Identification card.
Only software that has been authorized and purchased by Texas A&M University-Kingsville should be loaded or used on any university computer. The installation of personal or other software is not permitted without prior approval from Computer Information Services.
Company or vendor software and manuals should not be duplicated or reproduced in any manner, except in accordance with the signed licensing agreement. Each vendor has slightly different rules.
Texas A&M University-Kingsville software is not to be altered in any manner, including, but not limited to, decompiling, disassembling, cross-compiling, reverse engineering or creating derivative works.
Computer equipment, software, or documentation should not be removed from the university premises without approval from the employee’s supervisor and the property manager.
Any diskette that will be put on a PC should be checked for viruses beforehand. Any diskette that will be put on a PC in a general purpose computer lab must be checked for viruses beforehand. Authorized users are, however, authorized to install a copy of the University's virus software (McAffee) on their home computer.
Upon termination of employment, all computer hardware, software, and manuals should be returned to the employee’s supervisor.
Texas A&M University-Kingsville computers are not to be modified in any manner without approval from the employee’s supervisor and/or Computing and Information Services (CIS).
Computer equipment hardware, may not to be added to the Network without the written approval of CIS.

Violations of University computer policy that may result in disciplinary action include, but not limited to:

Privacy:

Attempting to access another users computer files without permission.

Supplying or attempting to supply false or misleading information or

Identification in order to access another users accounts.

Intentionally or knowingly giving out your password or other confidential information concerning the University's information resources without authorization.

Theft:

Using subterfuge to avoid being charged for the use of information resources.

Deliberate, unauthorized use of another users account.

Abusing specific information resources.

Removing information resources (hardware, software, data, etc.) without authorization.

Copying or attempting to copy data or software without authorization.

Redistributing software from university information resources without proper authorization.

Vandalism:

Forwarding files (viruses) that will do damage to another users account or system.

Tampering with the operation of the computer systems.

Damaging university hardware, software, or files.

Miscellaneous:

Unauthorized and time-consuming recreational game playing.

Unauthorized use of university information resources for personal financial gain.

Sending chain letters or unauthorized mass mailings.

Negligence in the protection of your passwords.

Texas A&M University-Kingsville utilizes systems where employees receive and send messages through computer mail including email. Although it is not the normal practice of the University to do so, Texas A&M University-Kingsville maintains the ability to access any messages left on or transmitted over the system. Monitoring of messages may take place in situations which management deems such action necessary. Examples include, but are not limited to: Harassment of employees via E-mail or distribution of confidential information over email.

This page last updated 21 December, 2004

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