Computer Use

Computer Use

DHRM Policy 1.75 – Use of Electronic Communications and Social Media http://www.dhrm.virginia.gov/hrpolicy/pol175UseOfInternet.pdf
UMW Network Policy http://www.boarddocs.com/va/umw/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=8T7SVQ748F30
Policy 1.60 – Standards of Conduct http://www.dhrm.virginia.gov/hrpolicy/web/pol1_60.pdf
Virginia Information Technologies Agency Information Security Policy, Standards, and Guidelines http://www.vita.virginia.gov/library/default.aspx?id=537
Virginia Information Technologies Agency – Information Technology Standard Use of  Non-Commonwealth Computing Devices to Telework http://www.vita.virginia.gov/uploadedfiles/vita_main_public/library/sec511-00useofnoncovassetstotelework.pdf
Virginia Information Technologies Agency – Telework Resources https://www.vita.virginia.gov/resources/telework-resources/

The University’s computer network consists of a campus-wide, fiber-optic-based backbone, local area networks and many shared computers, as well as personal desktop computers.  In general, the equipment and systems should be used for business purposes, and personal use should be limited to minor occasions.

User Privileges

The Department of Information Technologies (DoIT) works to ensure that network privileges are properly maintained for all University users.  Users are subject to certain responsibilities and limitations and may have their network privileges suspended or revoked if they fail to meet them.  Information regarding these responsibilities and limitations is detailed in the University of Mary Washington Network and Computer Use Policy located on DoIT’s web site.

Of note, certain specified Internet uses, such as transmitting obscene, discriminatory or fraudulent material, are strictly forbidden at all times.

Code of Virginia

Restrictions on State Employee Access to Information, Code of Virginia §2.2-2827 Definitions. https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title2.2/chapter28/section2.2-2827/

For the purpose of this section:

  • Agency means any agency, authority, board, department, division, commission, institution, institution of higher education, bureau or like governmental entity of the Commonwealth, except the Department of State Police.
  • Information Infrastructure means telecommunications, cable and computer networks and includes the Internet, the World Wide Web, Usenet, bulletin board systems, online systems and telephone networks.
  • Sexually explicit content means (1) any description of or (2) any picture, photograph, drawing, motion picture film, digital image or similar visual representation depicting sexual bestiality, a lewd exhibition of nudity, as nudity is defined in §18.2-390, sexual excitement, sexual conduct or sadomasochistic abuse, as also defined in §18.2-390, coprophilia, urophilia or fetishism.

Except to the intent required in conjunction with a bona fide, agency-approved research project or other agency-approved undertaking, no agency employee shall utilize agency-owned or agency-leased computer equipment to access, download, print or store any information infrastructure files or services having sexually explicit content.  Agency approvals shall be given in writing by agency heads, and any such approvals shall be available to the public under the provisions of the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (§2.2-3700).

All agencies shall immediately furnish their current employees copies of this section’s provisions, and shall furnish all new employees copies of this section concurrent with authorizing them to use agency computers

(1996, c.  382, §§2.1-804, 2.1-805, 2.1-806; 1999, c.  384; 2001, c.  844)

User Privacy

Monitoring of Employee Electronic Communications or Files http://www.boarddocs.com/va/umw/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=8QA4AA7941E4

The computer network is owned and operated by the University, an agency of the Commonwealth of Virginia.  It should be expected that users will not have complete privacy in their electronic communications.  Users must recognize that computer-generated documents (e.g., old email) are public records, subject to provisions of Virginia’s Freedom of Information Act statutes.  Electronic communications are by no means secure, and users should expect their system use to be monitored.

Telephone Use

Telephone use should follow a similar pattern as with computers.  The telephone is provided so that employees can conduct state business.  Personal use should be limited and does not include long-distance calls.  Lengthy or frequent personal phone calls may constitute an abuse of work time and may result in disciplinary action.

Long-Distance Calls

Any personal long-distance call may be made with a calling card, prepaid phone card or by collect.  Use of the state V-NET/long-distance lines for personal business from a University extension is a violation of federal and state law.  All calls made on these lines are a matter of record at the University and are detailed in monthly reports received from the Virginia Department of Information Technology (VITA).  Employees using the lines for non-university business may be subject to legal action.