Acceptable Use of Online Resources

University computing resources (including networks, applications and end user devices such as computers and conferencing devices) are made available to the university community and affiliated individuals to facilitate the mission of the university: instruction, research and public service. Regents’ Policy provides that the essential purpose of the University of Alaska is to engage in the pursuit of truth, the advancement of learning and the dissemination of knowledge. To manage computing resources to accomplish these ends, users and administrators must distinguish among limited-public forums, wherein content is restricted to certain topics ( e.g., university business), private communication, and public forums. All use of computing resources must comply with applicable law, Regents’ Policy and University Regulation, and must not disrupt the functioning of the University. As a result, some uses which are prohibited or restricted include the following:

• Obtaining or distributing copyrighted materials without authorization, e.g. illegal downloading of music, movies and/or software.
• Activities which disrupt the workplace, e.g. sending, replying to, or forwarding unsolicited bulk e-mail (spam, chain mail, etc), or unauthorized use which consumes large amounts of computing or network resources.
• Use of list serves or mailing lists created for university business in a manner inconsistent with or disruptive of University business.
• Threatening or harassing communications.
• Accessing or attempting to access or alter electronic resources without authorization.
• Commercial use or use for personal financial gain, e.g., using University email as a contact for a business.
• Partisan political activity, e.g., sending email supporting a political party or group.

For additional information on appropriate use and user rights, please refer to Regents' Policy and University Regulation 02.07 on Information Resources, Regents’ Policy and University Regulation 04.10.030 on Conflicts of Interest, and/or the Student Code of Conduct found in Regents Policy 09.02.02. To access Regents Policy and University Regulation, visit Regents' Policy & University Regulation. University employees may also want to refer to the Alaska Executive Branch Ethics Act The Alaska Executive Branch Ethics Act (PDF).

If you have questions about appropriate use of online resources, please contact your campus IT director or the UA system Chief Information Technology Officer. If you have questions about appropriate use of other university resources, please contact your campus designated ethics representative or the UA Office of General Counsel.