Acceptable Use of Information Technology Resources Policy

Definitions:

The following are definitions for key terms used in this policy:

For other definitions, please see Electronic Information Security Definitions.

Purpose/Reason for This Policy:

This Policy applies to all Queen's faculty, staff and students, as well as to contractors or agents engaged by a department or employee, or any individual using Queen's IT Resources, whether on-campus or remotely.

Policy Statement:

The use of Queen's University information technology (IT) resources must be consistent with the academic mission of the University. These IT resources are provided to support the teaching, learning, research and administrative activities of the Queen's community. As a member or guest of the Queen's community, you may have access to valuable internal and external networks and resources, and Sensitive Information, and you are expected to use these resources in a responsible, ethical, and legal manner. Your actions should not adversely affect the ability of others to use these resources, or compromise the security and privacy of sensitive information.

Responsibilities:

You will use Queen's IT resources for the academic and administrative purposes for which they are intended. You will:

1. use only those IT Resources that you have been authorized to use, unless those resources are intended to be generally available to the Queen's community; and
2. not use IT Resources for commercial activities unless such activities have been authorized in writing by the University, and do not adversely impact other users, or introduce risk to the security of personal or confidential information or the Queen's IT infrastructure.

You will not adversely affect the ability of others to use IT resources within or external to Queen's, or compromise the integrity or reliability of those IT resources. You will:

1. ensure that your personal computer or workstation is maintained in accordance with Electronic Information Security Guidelines; and
2. not use Queen's IT resources in a manner that interferes with the normal operation of IT resources within or external to Queen's, or hinders or encroaches on the ability of others to use those resources

You will not compromise the security and privacy of sensitive information. You will:

1. keep your user authentication credentials, such as user accounts and passwords or similar authentication credentials, secure, such that they cannot be used by others;
2. choose secure passwords for your user accounts;
3. preserve the confidentiality of any University information to which you have access in the course of your employment or academic activities at Queen's;
4. preserve the privacy of any personal or confidential information about or belonging to other individuals, to which you have access in the course of your employment or academic activities; and
5. take the necessary precautions to prevent theft or unauthorized use of computers, storage devices, and information.

You will use IT resources in a manner which is consistent with all University policies and does not cause damage to the University. You will:

1. maintain familiarity with Queen's Information Security Policies, Standards and Guidelines, and seek clarification from ITServices about any elements that are unclear; and
2. adhere to the terms of any contractual agreements or arrangements between Queen's University and external service providers or organizations, and use such resources for the intended academic and/or administrative purposes only.

You will not violate the rights of others or contravene the laws of Canada and/or the Province of Ontario in your use of IT resources. You will:

Failure to comply with these responsibilities will be considered a violation of this policy.

Contact Officer:  Information Systems Security Manager - ITServices
Related Policies, Procedures and Guidelines:  Electronic Information Security Policy, Network and Systems Security Policy, Various related Standards, Procedures and Guidelines