Appropriate Use Policies

Policy Statement

As a UW-Madison student, staff, faculty or guest, ResNet provides you an opportunity to enhance your educational experience.  It is your responsibility to use these resources in a manner that complies with all University of Wisconsin-Madison, University Housing, local, state and federal laws, regulations and policies.  Use of ResNet indicates your acceptance of the Guidelines for Appropriate Use of University Information Technology and the Guidelines for Appropriate Use of ResNet Network Resources.

If you are found in violation of any campus network policy, your network connection may be terminated without warning. You will be subject to any applicable University, University Housing and/or criminal sanctions. You may appeal any action through standard disciplinary channels.

The University is an academic institution and as such, ResNet is not to be considered a commercial Internet Service Provider.  ResNet is a shared resource, and when users connect to ResNet, they become part of a larger community. Access to ResNet is a privilege that may be revoked if used inappropriately.  As a member of the ResNet community, users are expected to adhere to the following policies.

Policy for Appropriate Use of University of Wisconsin-Madison Information Technology Resources

This section is a copy of the campus appropriate use policy that can be found at http://www.cio.wisc.edu/policies/appropriateuse.aspx:

Access to electronic mail, the Internet, databases, computers and other information technology (IT) resources is essential to the mission of the UW-Madison (to create, integrate, transfer and apply knowledge), and the achievement of excellence requires their effective use by all members of the University community. Use of information technology must be consistent with the University's mission and with its role as a public agency. Each member of the University community is expected to protect the integrity of these resources and to know and adhere to University rules, regulations and guidelines for their appropriate use. Regulations that govern personal conduct and use of University facilities* also apply to the use of IT resources. In addition, the following policy applies more specifically to use of IT resources:

1. General Guidelines
   Access to University IT resources is a privilege granted to members of the University community which carries with it the responsibility to use them for University related activities, exercising common sense and civility.


2. Individual Responsibility
   Authorization for use of IT facilities is provided to each individual for his or her own use. No person may use an authorization which belongs to someone else. In many cases the University has obtained access to these resources exclusively for the use of members of the University community.


3. Security
   The protection of University IT resources depends heavily on each user's careful handling of "keys" to these resources, since any account can serve as an entry point for theft, damage or unauthorized use. Users must protect the confidentiality of their personal identification codes and passwords and are expected to exercise reasonable care to insure that others cannot use their accounts.


4. Intellectual Property
   Illegal downloading, distribution, copying of copyrighted materials or other activities that violate copyright law are strictly prohibited.


5. "Hacking"
   Persons may not obtain or use--or attempt to obtain or use--passwords, IP addresses or other network codes that have not been assigned to them as individuals or authorized for their use as University employees. Persons may not obtain--or attempt to obtain--unauthorized access to computer accounts, software, files, or any other University IT resources.


6. Malicious Activity
   Persons may not alter or intentionally damage software or data belonging to someone else or interfere with another person's authorized access to IT resources. Users may not intentionally disrupt or damage University computers or networks in any way.


7. Impersonation and Anonymity
   Users of University IT resources may not send electronic messages with the sender's identity forged or send anonymous messages unless the recipient has agreed to receive anonymous messages.


8. Commercial, Political and Non-University Activities
   Persons may not use University IT resources to sell or solicit sales for any goods, services or contributions unless such use conforms to UW-Madison rules and regulations governing the use of University resources. University employees may not use these resources to support the nomination of any person for political office or to influence a vote in any election or referendum. No one may use University IT resources to represent the interests of any non-University group or organization unless authorized by an appropriate University department.


9. De Minimis Usage
   In the interest of making the use of IT resources a natural part of the day-to-day learning and work of all members of the University community, incidental personal use is tolerated. However, one should use non-University sources of e-mail, Internet access, and other IT services for activities of an extensive nature that are not related to University purposes.


10. State and Federal Laws
    Persons may not use University computing facilities to violate state or federal laws.

* as published in the University of Wisconsin System Administrative Code and UW-Madison policies. For example, disruption of University activities, damage to facilities, physical threat, theft or harassment as described in UWS 17 and 18; student academic misconduct in UWS 14; selling, peddling and soliciting in UWS 18; and ethical standards for use of facilities by faculty and staff in UWS 8.

Violation of University rules governing appropriate use of IT resources may result in loss of access privileges, University disciplinary action, and/or criminal prosecution.

Policy for Appropriate Use of ResNet Network Resources

These additional guidelines apply to the use of a ResNet network connection (wired or wireless) in the Division of University Housing.

1. Individual Responsibility for Network Security

   ResNet users are expected to take reasonable steps to ensure that their computer systems do not create a security risk when connected to the ResNet network. This would include but would not be limited to the following steps:

   • Students, staff and faculty must register their computer on the ResNet network using a campus NetID and password.  Guests of University Housing will be asked to provide registration information when they first access the ResNet network.
   • Run anti-virus software with current virus definitions.
   • Keep operating systems current with the latest patches and service packs offered by the vendor.
   • It is recommended that individual computers are protected by a personal firewall.
   • It is recommended that users perform regular scans for malware using anti-spyware software.
   • Exercise caution when opening e-mail. Never open e-mail attachments without first determining the reliability of the sender. Scan attachments using anti-virus software.
   • Exercise caution when opening instant messages. Never download unsolicited files offered from an unknown sender.

   University Housing reserves the right to suspend ResNet access to preserve the integrity of the network.

2. Bandwidth Usage Policy (Note that as of 2/11/08 the Bandwidth Usage Policy has been suspended)

   This policy limits you to 10 Gigabytes (upload and download combined) of off-campus Internet traffic in any 168 hour period (7 days) measured in 30 minute intervals. If you reach 8GB of bandwidth usage in a 168 hour period, a warning e-mail will be sent to your official University email account. This warning should give you time to modify your activity so that you do not exceed the limit. Below are the steps that will typically be followed for residents who exceed the 10GB bandwidth limit. When deemed necessary, specific steps in this procedure may be modified or eliminated, depending on the nature of the case.

   1st Offense
   Your connection speed for off-campus Internet traffic will be temporarily reduced. This limit does not apply to any on-campus traffic, such as WiscMail e-mail or connecting to other campus computers. Your full connection speed will be restored after your 168 hour average bandwidth usage has dropped below 8GB, however, your connection will be limited for a minimum of 12 hours.

   2nd Offense
   Your connection speed for off-campus Internet traffic will be reduced for 14 days.

   3rd Offense
   Your connection speed for off-campus Internet traffic will be reduced for 28 days.

   4th Offense
   Your ResNet connection speed will be permanently reduced. You may appeal this decision by meeting with Residence Life/University Apartments staff.

3. Copyright Laws

   ResNet is to be used in accordance with all Copyright laws. This includes, but is not limited to; refraining from using your computer in a way that would violate any Copyright laws, such as operating or distributing pirated software or downloading or distributing copyrighted MP3 files without the owner’s permission.  The Digital Millennium Copyright Act of 1998 states that the unauthorized copying of copyrighted works is a criminal offense.

4. Propagation of ResNet Signal

   Retransmission or propagation of the ResNet network connection through the use of switches, hubs, routers or wireless access points is allowed for personal use within a resident's room or apartment. ResNet or DoIT Help Desk staffs do not provide technical support for these devices. Any troubleshooting of a user’s network connection will require that their computer be plugged directly into the data jack. Any device placed on the ResNet network must be secure and properly configured, and the person who registers the device will be solely responsible for any violation of campus network policies resulting from the use of the device. Any device that causes network-related problems or denies service to other users may be disconnected from the network without prior warning.

5. IP Addresses

   All addresses on the ResNet network are assigned via the DHCP protocol.  Static IP addresses are not available.  If you have a device that is not capable of properly receiving an address through the DHCP protocol you may only connect it to the ResNet network if it is placed behind a properly configured and secure personal router.

6. Tampering

   ResNet services, equipment, wiring and/or jacks may not be tampered with or modified.  Many rooms have steel conduit running along the ceilings or other areas. This conduit houses the wires for your data, video and voice connections. It is very important that you do not hang any objects from these pipes. The conduit is not designed to carry weight and could pull away from the wall, damaging the wires inside. Because of the necessities of wiring for high-speed communication, damaged wires cannot be repaired and instead must be replaced. You will be charged the full cost for replacement of damaged wires, averaging $1,000. Be careful when working around the wall plates in your room. If your wall plates are damaged, you will be charged the full cost of replacement, averaging $75.

7. Housing Community Guidelines

   In addition to the guidelines adopted for the entire University, as a member of your house, hall or apartment community, Information Technology (such as e-mail, listserves and web pages) may be used for community building and/or as a means to communicate.  You are expected to follow community guidelines that are established for your house, hall or apartment unit.

   Reporting Network Abuses

   If you receive harassing e-mail or witness other violations of any campus network policy, you may report the abuse to the DoIT Help Desk at (608) 264-4357 or via the web at http://www.doit.wisc.edu/security/report_incident/ If you fear for your physical safety as a result of electronic harassment, contact the police immediately.

   If You File a Formal Complaint

   Please include all evidence and background in your report. All submitted reports are taken seriously and cannot be retracted at a later date. Timing is critical so reports should be submitted as soon as possible. For additional information, visit the Campus Network Security web site at:  http://www.doit.wisc.edu/security/.