Introduction

This document describes use and access issues for the ArtSci server including account eligibility; policies; acceptable use of ArtSci accounts; procedures to address inappropriate use; and policies for access to modem services via the Arts & Sciences modem banks. Also addressed are policies for using the Arts & Sciences Computing Labs and other resources. The intent of this document is to set common expectations for the responsible management of accounts and other computer resources by Arts & Sciences Computing clients, while referring to the established guidance of University policies, in particular the Washington University Computer Use Policy; and applicable local, state and federal laws. As a continuing practice, management of Arts & Sciences resources intend to provide an open, flexible computing environment with reliable services and appropriate security practices to suit the wide range of uses and needs of clients in the School of Arts & Sciences.

ArtSci Accounts

Eligibility

Students, faculty, and staff of Arts & Sciences are eligible for ArtSci accounts. Accounts are generated automatically for new Arts & Sciences undergraduate and graduate students as well as transfer students. Accounts for Arts & Sciences faculty and staff are created upon request. Requests for accounts by Arts & Sciences departments should be made via the Account Request Form .

Services

Capabilities of ArtSci accounts include sending and receiving electronic mail with a variety of mail clients; file transfers; development of Web pages; and various other programs and utilities. Policies described here include any and all use of the ArtSci server. These policies also apply to use of the Arts & Sciences modem bank for dial-up internet access and the Arts & Sciences Wireless Network.

Appropriate use

Use of ArtSci accounts is intended primarily for academic purposes including communication, dissemination of information, and support of the interaction among Arts & Sciences faculty, students, staff, and others within and outside the Washington University community. Additional educational uses include the creation of course, research, and departmental web sites; development of course-related discussion groups; development of specialized programs or data collections pertaining to Arts & Sciences courses or research; and transmission of materials for scholarly publication. Personal use in a minimal fashion is also acceptable in the following forms: personal communication for non-profit, social, co-curricular, or community service purposes; and participation in forums and discussions contributing to personal exploration, expertise, and growth.

Inappropriate use

Inappropriate uses of the ArtSci server include but are not limited to the initiation or propagation of chain letters, spam, flood, or bomb E-mail messages; sending repeated unwanted electronic communication; and harassment as defined by the Washington University Policy on Sexual Harassment. In addition, the use of ArtSci accounts for personal financial gain or for non-University business-related purposes is prohibited: this includes use of ArtSci accounts for the storage or distribution of commercial software packages and copyrighted material. ArtSci users may not initiate programs that intentionally interfere with the normal operation of the ArtSci server or other servers; this includes the running of password cracking programs, initiating, distributing, or running programs which damage, overload, or challenge the security of ArtSci or another system; and propagating computer viruses and similar programs. Additional inappropriate use includes unauthorized access to ArtSci accounts and violation of copyright or computer licensing agreements.

Expectations

ArtSci account holders are expected to act responsibly, respecting the privileges of other users and the integrity of the system. Passwords to ArtSci accounts are considered confidential and should not be shared with anyone. Account holders are assumed responsible for activity within their accounts.

Privacy

ArtSci account holders should expect that user files, email messages, and computing activities are not considered completely private. Any electronic information passes through a number of servers and network devices and is subject to interception at any point. In addition, erasing all traces of an email message or file is difficult if not impossible due to copies stored by system back-ups and email client software. And while normal system maintenance does not include checking the contents of individual user's inboxes, mail messages, or other files on ArtSci, it does include an overall system check for disk space usage and overly large files, etc. Any of these routine processes or closer examination of unusual activity, may reveal the contents of a file to system administrators.

Procedures

In the case of minor infractions of ArtSci policies, resolution is generally informal and initiated by a member of the Arts & Sciences Computing Staff. This communication may take the form of electronic mail or an in-person visit for discussion and education. Repeated minor infractions or more serious violations may result in temporary suspension of ArtSci access privileges. In addition, offenders will be referred to their sponsoring department, employer, Dean's office, the Judicial Administrator, or other appropriate University office for further action. An offense that violates local, state, or federal law may result in permanent loss of computing privileges and may be referred to law enforcement authorities.

ArtSci does have space quotas. The amount of space allowed per user depends on the user's current status in Arts and Sciences. Check with the help desk  to determine your allowed quota. Users consuming excessive storage space will be contacted on a case-by-case basis in a cooperative effort to reduce system load and storage requirements. Users consuming excessive computing cycles are subject to immediate action and process termination by system managers to ensure continued uptime of the server.

Modem access

Access to the Arts & Sciences modem bank is included as a benefit of most ArtSci accounts. Users of the modem bank are subject to minimal limitations to ensure maximum availability of modem lines to all account holders. Modem connections are subject to a 4-hour time limit: after four continuous hours of connection via modem, the modem session will be terminated. It can be re-initiated immediately without restriction but will be subject to the same termination after four connection hours. Idle connections are terminated after 30 minutes: this applies to connections where no activity has been detected for a continuous period of one half-hour. Idle time-outs do not affect users in the process of downloading data, running an active SSH session, or running remote programs on ArtSci.

Arts & Sciences Computing Labs

In general, use of Arts & Sciences Computing Labs should adhere to the same guidelines that apply to ArtSci accounts; appropriate use is academic in nature and includes communication, dissemination of information, and support of the interaction among Arts & Sciences faculty, students, staff and others within and outside the Washington University community. In addition, computer lab use should adhere to applicable established guidelines at Washington University; plus local, state, and federal laws. Minimal personal use of Arts & Sciences Computing Labs is expected, but priority use will be given to those with academic purposes. During heavy lab usage periods such as midterms and finals, clients using computers for non-academic activities may be asked to move to another lab or return to the lab at a less busy time.

Printing

Duplex printing services are provided at no cost to users of Arts & Sciences computer labs. Some common-sense guidelines apply that will help printing remain equitably available to all users. Please print only one copy of documents and use photocopying services available on campus to make copies. In addition, please restrict printing to academic materials and print only those materials needed. When possible, please use online documents such as web pages by accessing them via the network rather than printing them. When making multiple changes to your document, please make all changes at one time and take advantage of print preview, spell checking and other features of software so that printed drafts are kept to a minimum. In some Arts & Sciences Computing Labs, printers are co-located with lab consultants who will provide printouts and assist in utilizing the resources reasonably. Please use recycle bins located in Arts & Sciences Computing Labs for discarded documents. In specialized labs, including the Social Sciences Computing Facility, additional policies may be in effect. Please check with the lab manager for details.