Internet Policies

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Persons may not use University computing facilities to violate state or federal laws.

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

• Students, staff and faculty must register their computer on the UWNet network using a campus NetID and password.  Guests of University Housing will be asked to provide registration information when they first access the UWNet 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.

UWNet 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.

Retransmission or propagation of the UWNet 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. UWNet 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 UWNet 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.

All addresses on the UWNet network are assigned via the DHCP protocol.  Static IP addresses are not available.

UWNet 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.

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.