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Responsible and Ethical Use of Computing Resources
The following are highlights of the University's
Policy on Responsible and Ethical Use of Computing Resources. This policy is available in
its entirety at http://help.wfu.edu.
The information presented in the highlights below should not be construed
as all-inclusive. Consequently, all computer users should utilize
the Student Handbook or visit http://help.wfu.edu
and review all policies in detail. All users must comply fully with
these policies.
Highlights:
- University computing resources are for instructional and research use by the students, faculty, and staff of Wake Forest University.
- All ethical standards that apply to other University activities (WFU standards as well as local, state, and federal laws) apply equally to the use of computing resources. Abusive activities, cheating, stealing, making false or deceiving statements, disguising one’s identity through e-mail, plagiarism, vandalism, and harassment are violations of University codes of conduct and will not be tolerated nor will violations of copyright and intellectual property laws. All such activities will be prosecuted and discipline will be applied using procedures and
authorities as outlined in the Honor Code, the Social Rules and Responsibilities, and Responsible and Ethical Use of Computing Policies. In addition, Information Systems staff may, at their discretion, deny system and network access to violators during the process of an
investigation.
- All individuals, including members of the Information Systems staff, should respect the privacy of other authorized users. Thus all should respect the rights of other users to security of files, confidentiality of data, and ownership of their own work. Nonetheless, systems
monitoring may occur during investigations. At such times, systems will be monitored in accordance with the Ethical Use of Computing Policy.
- Information Systems may, in consultation with the Committee on Information Technology, change or amend this policy from time to time. As with matters of law and ethics, ignorance of the rules does not excuse violations. Therefore, review policies periodically by visiting and reading policy pages at help.wfu.edu.
To report problems or policy violations contact the Help Desk. Members of the Wake Forest University community have a responsibility, under University codes of conduct, to report suspected violations to Information Systems for immediate investigation.
Common Violations
- Sending harassing e-mail messages . Harassment is harassment, whether or not it’s done electronically.
- Misrepresenting your identity . Even if just for the sake of a practical joke or to help a friend or colleague, posing as someone else or intentionally hiding your identity is a violation of state laws.
- Sharing your computing user name and password with someone else . Your Wake Forest computing account provides access to powerful resources that others - even friends - might use for illegal activities. You are liable if you gave them access to your account.
- Downloading or exchanging copyrighted material such as media files (including MP3s and movie files) . For more
information see the Copyright & Plagiarism tab.
- Plagiarism . The abundant resources available through the Internet make it possible to do considerable research online. Never use
information from the Internet - whether direct quotes, paraphrases, or ideas - without citing the source appropriately. Don’t jeopardize your future at Wake Forest by attempting to pass off someone else’s work as your own.
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