Acceptable Usage Policy (AUP)

1. The primary purpose of the Residential Computing Network (ResNet) is to support the academic mission of the University of West Florida. Violations of any of the following regulations, or the aiding, abetting, or attempting to commit an offense constitutes an offense that may result in denial of ResNet privileges, disciplinary action through the procedures outlined in the UWF Student Handbook Code of Conduct, or criminal charges.

   1. Residents are required to abide by all applicable laws and University policies, including but not limited to:
      1. Copyright laws
      2. UWF Student Computer Use Policy
      3. UWF Policy on Electronic Mail
   2. Computers connected to ResNet must be the property of a current UWF Residence Hall/Apartment resident.
   3. Computers or other devices using Network Address Translation (NAT), Windows Internet Connection Sharing (ICS), or similar programs or devices that extend network access to other computers may not be connected to ResNet.
   4. ResNet services, equipment, wiring, and ports may not be altered nor extended beyond the location of their intended use. Residents may not provide access to ResNet for anyone not living in the room/apartment. This includes the installation and use of Wireless Access Points (WAPs).
   5. Students in Triple Rooms may use a switch to accommodate each computer in a room.  These switches may be provided by UWF Housing ONLY.  Neither ResNet nor ITS will offer technical support of any kind for computers or devices plugged into switches. ResNet will provide support for any malfunctioning devices provided by Housing.  Tampering with devices will be cause for immediate disconnection from ResNet and subject to judicial action.
   6. The University network is a shared resource. Excessive or improper use of network resources that inhibits or interferes with the use of the network by others is not permitted.
   7. Routers are not permitted on ResNet.
   8. Servers are not permitted on ResNet.
   9. ResNet may not be used to run a business or other profit-making venture (See Housing Rules and Regulations 22.1). This includes situations where one is considered to be "working at home" or "telecommuting" using ResNet.
   10. Non-computer devices, such as webcams or gaming platforms (X-Box, Playstation 2, etc.), may be connected to ResNet provided that their bandwidth consumption is minimal and they pose no significant threat to network security or stability. They may not be left on 24/7 and will only be turned on and connected to ResNet when actively in use. Neither ResNet nor ITS offer any support for these devices.
   11. UWF has sole authority to assign host names and network addresses to computers attached to the University network. A resident may not manually configure his/her computer to use a host name or network address that is not assigned to them by UWF.
   12. The usage of peer-to-peer(P2P) software is strictly prohibited on ResNet. For the purpose of this AUP, Peer to Peer applications are defined as being software that connects your computer to another computer for the purpose of file-sharing(uploading, seeding, or downloading).  This excludes instant messaging or sending files via email.  Peer-to-peer applications and protocols that are not allowed include, but are not limited to: Ares, BitComet, BitTorrent, Direct Connect, Fasttrack, eDonkey, Gnutella, KaZaa, Limewire, uTorrent, and WinMX.
       1. Bandwidth Usage:
          You may not excessively use bandwidth or ResNet resources in such a way that causes a disruption or denial of service (DoS) to other users of ResNet or the Internet. Whether or not a device is excessively using bandwidth is left up to the discretion and judgment of ResNet staff.
   13. UWF recognizes that residents use ResNet for leisure and entertainment activities. However, the University's network exists primarily for academic and research purposes; all other activities and uses are secondary and unsupported.

2. Disabling Ports in ResNet

   1. If a resident is found in violation of any of the terms of this policy or the Student Computer Use Policy the student's port may be deactivated. If the violation does not cause network performance or security issues, ResNet staff will contact the resident to inform him/her of the violation to allow the resident an opportunity to correct the problem. If the violation is not corrected, a second contact will be made to inform the resident that his/her port is at risk for being disabled. If the problem is not corrected after the second notification, the port will be deactivated. A fee may be assessed to have the port reactivated. Contact may be made via a telephone call, letter, or a visit to the resident's room/apartment.
   2. UWF reserves the right to immediately disconnect any computer that is sending disruptive signals to either the network as a whole or individual computers, whether by design or because of a defective cable, Ethernet card, or other hardware or software problem. It will be the resident's responsibility to correct any such problem before the computer can be reconnected to ResNet.
   3. UWF reserves the right to immediately disconnect any computer temporarily for the purpose of network hardware, software, or security troubleshooting, and to enforce the UWF Student Computer Use Policy. To preserve the integrity of the campus network, UWF reserves the right to control Internet access from the University network, including blocking particular services or protocols.

3. Reporting Violations

   1. Suspected violations may be reported in writing to ResNet staff members. Alternatively, suspected violations may be reported through the procedures outlined in the UWF Student Handbook Code of Conduct by filing a report with the UWF Police Department, providing a signed written statement directly to the Assistant Director of Housing and Residence Life, or contacting a Resident Advisor. This information will then be reviewed to determine an appropriate course of action wich may include:
      • Taking no action
      • Conducting further investigation
      • Assistance resolving any issue which may be present
      • Referring the case for judicial action
      • Suspension of ResNet privileges
   2. Except as noted above, procedures regarding ResNet violations shall conform to those set forth in the UWF Student Handbook Code of Conduct.