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Residential Computing Appropriate Use Policy 2008-2009

In support of UC Berkeley's mission of teaching, research, and public service, Residential Computing (ResComp) provides access to information resources, including computer networks and computer equipment to students living in the residence halls. Appropriate use of computing resources should always be legal and ethical, reflect academic honesty, uphold community standards, and prevent the overconsumption of shared resources such as network bandwidth. Appropriate use should demonstrate respect for intellectual property, ownership of data, system security mechanisms, and individual's right to privacy and to freedom from intimidation and harassment.

Residential Computing supports freedom of expression and an open environment to pursue scholarly inquiry. The open sharing of information is encouraged, supported, and protected. Residential Computing does not limit access to information due to its content when such information meets the standard of legality.

Students who connect to UC Berkeley's residential network must abide by the Appropriate Use Policy described here, as well as various campus computing policies such as the Computer Use Policy, Electronic Mail Policy, and Minimum Security Standards for Networked Devices (see http://technology.berkeley.edu/policy/itpolicy/). Students must also adhere to all relevant State and Federal laws, regulations, and contractual obligations. The use of Berkeley's technology resources is a privilege which may be revoked if users fail to comply with these policies.

You are responsible for:

Registering for your connection. Every computing device ('computer') that connects to the residential network must be properly registered with Residential Computing and be properly configured for the network.

All network activity originating from your computer. Every bit of information that comes from your computer, whether you generate it or not, is your responsibility.

Protecting the privacy of your accounts. Don't ever release your personal account information to friends, relatives, roommates, etc. Likewise, don't ever use a computer account that you are not authorized to use or obtain a password for a computer account not assigned to you.

Ensuring the security and integrity of your computer system. Your computer must meet the campus Minimum Security Standards for Networked Devices. We have established the Be Secure website at http://rescomp.berkeley.edu/besecure/ to guide you through this process. In cases where a computer does not meet these standards, is compromised ('hacked into'), or is infected with a virus, we may temporarily disconnect your computer from the campus network to prevent an extension of the attack. Every effort will be made to inform you when such action is taken. You will be expected to follow instructions from Residential Computing staff for securing your machine so that it can be reconnected to the network as quickly as possible.

Obeying copyright laws. Sharing copyrighted material without permission is against the law. Popular file-sharing applications make it easy to download and upload copyrighted music, movies, and software applications. Be aware that if you illegally share copyrighted material with others you will be subject to disciplinary and/or legal action.

Using network bandwidth responsibly. Bandwidth is a shared resource. The residence halls are capped at 60 Megabits per second for all users. When a few residents use more than their fair share of bandwidth, they degrade network performance for everyone else and increase bandwidth costs for the network.

Examples of misuse include, but are not limited to:

Using electronic mail to harass others.

Using the campus network to gain unauthorized access to any computer systems or accounts.

Violating copyright laws by sharing copyrighted material (songs, movies, software, etc.) with others without the explicit permission of the copyright holder.

Using excessive bandwidth. 'Excessive use' in the residence halls is defined as bandwidth consumption greater than 12 Gigabytes per week.

Attempting to bypass security systems.

Knowingly performing an act that will interfere with the normal operation of computers, terminals, peripherals, or networks.

Using ResComp resources for commercial purposes.

Sending chain letters, advertisements, or solicitations of any type. Sending mass mailings to individuals who have not expressly agreed to be contacted in this manner.

Masking the identity of an account or machine. Assuming the identity of another network user without their permission.

Posting materials that violate existing laws or the University's codes of conduct.

Attempting to monitor or tamper with another resident's electronic communications, or reading, copying, changing, or deleting another resident's files or software without the explicit agreement of the owner.

Modifying network wiring.

Using IP addresses not specifically assigned by ResComp. Each member of the residential network is allowed only one IP address and may connect only one computer to the network at a time (with the exception of faculty and family housing).

Failing to take standard precautions for securing your computer, including but not limited to installing up-to-date security patches, setting strong administrator passwords, installing and keeping antivirus software up-to-date, running a personal firewall, and disabling unnecessary services such as DDNS.

Knowingly running or installing on any computer system or network, or giving to another user, a program intended to damage or to place an excessive load on a computer system or network. This includes but is not limited to programs known as computer viruses, Trojan horses, and worms.

Connecting DHCP servers to the public network.

Maliciously using tools designed to check for computer system or network security vulnerabilities (commonly known as port scanning).

Wasteful use of ResComp and/or computing resources, failure to comply with ResComp instructions for configuring equipment, and repeatedly engaging in activities that generate complaints to ResComp.

Configuring or connecting equipment in such a way as to create a loop in the network.

Initiating or allowing the occurrence of a level of network activity that causes serious degradation in the performance of the network.

Policy Enforcement and Possible Penalties

Minor infractions of these policies are generally resolved by Residential Computing staff. Repeated minor infractions or misconduct that is more serious will be referred to Residential and Family Living's conduct process and/or the Office of Student Conduct. Cases that involve violation of the law may be referred to the UC Police Department as well.

Misuse of computing, networking, or information resources may result in the loss of computing privileges, as well as other disciplinary action under Residential and Student Service Program guidelines, University regulations, and criminal prosecution under applicable statutes. Illegal reproduction of material protected by US Copyright Law is subject to civil damages and criminal penalties including fines and imprisonment.

In order to protect network integrity Residential Computing reserves the right to temporarily disable the network connection of any device that we (or campus network management) identify as:

a threat to the security of the network or devices on it
the cause of a problem with the operation of the network or devices on it

ResComp staff will attempt to give advanced warning in these situations, but can not guarantee any notification prior to disabling a network connection. ResComp staff will notify the device owner after disabling a connection and will inform the owner of the nature of the problem.

Information technologies change rapidly and updates to these policies may be made throughout the year. Residential Computing will widely disseminate announcements of any policy changes that take affect during the academic year, but it is the responsibility of the user to remain informed of the policies posted at http://rescomp.berkeley.edu/about/policy. Anyone connected to the residential network is expected to abide by these policies at all times.

Network Security & Privacy

In an attempt to increase the overall security of the campus network, the Systems and Network Security (SNS at http://security.berkeley.edu) department monitors network data to and from your In-Room Connection. They perform this monitoring in order to try to protect users from viruses, hackers, and other malicious attempts to compromise the security of UC Berkeley's computing infrastructure. Please note that this is UC Berkeley campus-wide policy and is not conducted by Residential Computing or our employees.

Privacy Statement

We encourage our users to be aware of privacy concerns on the network. Visit our privacy policy at http://rescomp.berkeley.edu/about/privacy.

Liability Release

You must accept this liability release before an RCC is authorized to physically touch your computer:

By accepting technical support from Residential Computing staff, I expressly waive all claims against Residential Computing and its agents for any damages to my computer system or data that are incidental to the technical support rendered by Residential Computing. I understand that technical support I receive from Residential Computing may void manufacturer warranties and I understand that Residential Computing offers no verbal or written warranty, either expressed or implied, regarding the success of this technical support. I understand that I have the right not to accept support from Residential Computing staff and to seek technical assistance elsewhere.

If you have questions about our policies, please call the ResComp helpdesk at (510) 642-HELP [4357] for assistance.