Guidelines and Policies
lct.msu.edu/guidelines-policies
It is your responsibility to read, understand, and comply with university policy, and to use MSU’s security resources – tools and support organizations that assist faculty staff, students, schools, and departments – to help ensure the safe and secure operation of the network and conduct of university business.
Acceptable Use of Computing Systems
msu.edu/au
The privilege of use of computing systems and software, as well as internal and external data networks, is important to all members of the university community. The preservation of that privilege for the full community requires that each individual faculty member, staff member, and student comply with institutional and external standards for appropriate use. View MSU’s statement of acceptable use at
msu.edu/au.
Abuse
Users are expected to abide by other computer system or network acceptable use policies for any computer system at Michigan State University or at any other institution which has an applicable usage policy. Users are also expected to abide by any and all other policies and regulations at MSU, and any applicable federal, state, and local laws or ordinances, to the extent that any computer or network systems belonging to Michigan State University are used.
You may report a violation of MSU’s Acceptable Use standards or other related incidents via e-mail to abuse@msu.edu.
Bulk E-mail
Communications are increasingly conducted by way of e-mail and other electronic means. Because the marginal cost of distributing e-mail is very small (for the sending party) and e-mail travels very quickly, e-mail is seen to hold great potential for cost savings and operational efficiencies. Guidelines apply to members of the MSU community (students, faculty, staff, affiliates, university offices, and programs). The purposes of these guidelines are to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of electronic communication, and to minimize the amount of undesired e-mail that members of the MSU community receive from other members of the MSU community. The June 2009 Administrative Ruling of Appropriate Use of MSU E-mail Services by Internal Users on MSUnet is posted at lct.msu.edu/guidelines-policies.
MSU Statement On Using Copyrighted Materials
copyright.lib.msu.edu
The Digital and Multimedia Center (DMC) at the MSU Library assists in obtaining permissions from rights holders for MSU faculty who need to use materials in a course or other work-related project. Requests for permissions may be submitted using an online permission request form available at copyright.lib.msu.edu.
Copyright and Patent Policy
oip.msu.edu
Handbooks from the MSU Technologies (formerly Office of Intellectual Property) are available at oip.msu.edu.
DMCA Procedures
When MSU receives a complaint that someone is in violation of the Digital Millenium Copyright Act (DMCA), generally by sharing files on a computer that is connected to the MSU network, MSU is required by Federal law to contact the individual and ensure that all activity has been stopped. For more information, visit campusdownloading.com.
RIAA Letters
The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) has announced a new strategy in its efforts to stop illegal music downloading. The RIAA will notify alleged violators that they will be sued and give them the option to pay a settlement sum before a lawsuit is filed. Alleged violators who do not settle will face a lawsuit and the risk of a substantial court judgment or a costlier settlement. It is in your interest to understand what the RIAA is doing.
Statement on Using Copyrighted Materials
Copyright is a form of protection provided by the laws of the United States (title 17, U.S. Code) to the authors of “original works of authorship,” including literary, dramatic, musical, artistic, and certain other intellectual works. Civil and criminal remedies may be imposed for violations of an author’s copyright interests. MSU is committed to obeying copyright law. Questions regarding copyrights can be directed to the office of the Associate Vice President for Research and Graduate Studies at (517) 432-4499 or the Office of General Counsel at (517) 353-3530.
Managing Sensitive Data
computing.msu.edu/msd
In order to operate, MSU must handle information. This information includes data on students, employees, alumni, donors, clients, patients, patrons, partners, and other affiliates.
As part of data stewardship and governance, the university has the responsibility to take all practical measures to protect the privacy and confidentiality of this information and manage sensitive data in a secure manner, while permitting the effective and efficient use of the data. The best effort of every member of the university workforce is required to satisfy these dual data management objectives.
Web Accessibility Policy
webaccess.msu.edu
Michigan State University is committed to facilitating access to university instruction, communication, research, and business processes, while enhancing community building for the broadest possible audience. It is this commitment that led to a policy on Web accessibility. Information on the policy, guidelines, and resources including a quick start guide, classes, and workshops, and required review form are available by visiting webaccess.msu.edu.
Visit lct.msu.edu/guidelines-policies for more information.
