Appropriate Use of CCAD Computers and Telecommunication Systems

Columbus College of Art & Design provides a wide variety of computing and networking facilities in order to promote and support academic pursuits as well as the administrative and residential needs of our students, faculty, and staff. Library & Information Technology identifies, maintains, and supports the computing and networking needs of the college.

The use of Columbus College of Art & Design computing and networking resources is a privilege, not a right, and is granted under the conditions of appropriate use as stated in this policy. By using CCAD’s network, computing facilities, resources, and accounts, users agree to comply with this Appropriate Use Policy. Users are required to abide by all applicable license agreements and federal, Ohio, and all other applicable laws.

The College reserves the right to immediately take any action it deems necessary, including disconnection of devices and/or suspension of users or services, to maintain the stability, security, and operational effectiveness of computing and networking facilities.

This policy applies to all individuals using CCAD Library & Information Technology resources regardless of affiliation, location, or device ownership.

CCAD reserves the right to search, inspect and review any and all communication transmitted through or stored on the College’s communications systems, including any communications records of any kind the College stores with authorized third-party vendors. Although there should be no legal expectation of privacy in CCAD-provided resources, CCAD does seek to protect the privacy interests of its community members and, therefore, such steps are taken only by specifically authorized employees in Library & Information Technology and only as approved by the President or their designee in specific instances including, for example, when necessary to respond to court orders or subpoenas, to assist in troubleshooting and resolving systems problems, and in connection with authorized investigations.

Appropriate Use

• Use resources responsibly and efficiently. Do not engage in conduct that unreasonably wastes such resources.

• Communications that are abusive, defamatory, or disparaging of others are prohibited. Do not publish, post, transmit or otherwise make available content that is obscene or legally objectionable. Users should be aware, however, that the college cannot protect individuals against the existence or receipt of material that may be offensive to them.

• Do not provide, assist in, or use CCAD’s systems and network to gain unauthorized or inappropriate access to Columbus College of Art & Design computing resources or systems at remote sites. This includes the use of any tool or methodology meant to “crack” into computer systems or networks, bypass implemented network security controls, introduce self-replicating code or actions meant to degrade performance or deny access for legitimate use by others.

• Do not attempt to interfere with, interrupt, or obstruct the ability of others to use CCAD's computing facilities, software, and network services. This includes, but is not limited to, disconnecting cables in classroom and lab environments/common areas, introducing additional software or devices in common areas or classrooms, or using devices that interfere with the normal operation of the wired/wireless network (e.g. wired/wireless routers, personal wireless access points or wireless printers) without the express written permission of Library & Information Technology management.

• Users shall not use college equipment, software, or systems to tamper with or break into other computer systems on the network. Students found misusing systems are subject to disciplinary action.

Individual Responsibilities

• Protect your data and the institution’s data.

  • Do not share your password with ANYONE or allow anyone else to use your account(s). Do not use anyone else’s account.

  • Be vigilant in identifying various types of phishing attacks to gain access to your information.

  • Store confidential and/or sensitive data on appropriate college sanctioned services only.

• Keep personally owned devices connecting to and/or accessing college resources up-to-date with current operating system and software patches, as well as appropriate up-to-date security measures.

• Do not utilize CCAD computing resources, including personally owned computers connected to CCAD’s network, for non-college related commercial activity.

• Do not forge, maliciously disguise or misrepresent your personal identity. This policy does not prohibit users from engaging in anonymous communications, providing that such communications do not otherwise violate the Appropriate Use Policy.

Reports of suspected violations to the Acceptable Use Policy may be made to the Help Desk by calling 614-222-6174 or helpdesk@ccad.edu. Library & IT will make every attempt to respond to reports of AUP violations within one business day.

*portions of the policy were adapted, with permission, from Bucknell University’s AUP.