MSUM Internet and E-mail Usage Guidelines

The following items, taken from the MSU Moorhead Computer and Network Use Guidelines and the TISH Online Tutorial, directly pertain to the use of E-mail and Internet access. The entire MSU Moorhead Computer and Network Use Guidelines and Tutorial are available on the MSU Moorhead web site.

• Definition. MSU Moorhead computer systems and/or networks refer to any system or network on the Minnesota State University Moorhead campus (including classroom, office, lab, dormitories, or dial-in modems).
• Security and Privacy. MSU Moorhead cannot guarantee the privacy or security of any electronic data or transmission. For example, E-mail messages can be altered by a recipient and re-transmitted as if from the original sender, and data can be illegally accessed. E-mail messages and Internet transactions, (including those deleted or erased by the user) may be backed up or recorded and stored for system security and investigative purposes.
• Administrative Access. Authorized individuals may access files as part of normal administrative tasks to protect the integrity of the computer system or to protect the rights or property of MSU Moorhead. Authorized individuals may also access data if there is reason to suspect illegal or improper use of the system. Such right of access is a condition of use of MSU Moorhead computer systems and networks.
• System Integrity. MSU Moorhead faculty, staff, and students must respect the integrity of the computer system. In addition to conduct that might violate federal or state law or MSU Moorhead policies, faculty, staff, and students who use E-mail may not engage in the following conduct:
  • Attempting to access, without authorization, any MSU Moorhead campus computer systems, data files, or user accounts;
  • Using any MSU Moorhead computer systems to access, without authorization, a computer network, or computer system external to MSU Moorhead;
  • Willfully and knowingly damaging any equipment or software;
  • Attempting to gain access, without authorization, to another users' computer accounts, files or data;
  • Knowingly introducing any type of invasive software, such as computer viruses or network sniffers, on any of the MSU Moorhead computer systems or networks;
  • Attempting to restrict another's use of a computer or network through the deliberate overuse or overload of system resources;
  • Sending electronic messages or images to anyone who has requested that they not be sent such transmissions;
  • Creating or forwarding chain letters electronically;
  • Changing, concealing or forging the identity of the person who is sending E-mail;
  • Using Multi-User Dungeons on any MSU Moorhead computer system;
  • Changing unix finger information such that it no longer contains the account holder’s correct full name;
  • Accessing any bulletin board service or chat service while logged on from a modem;
  • Using MSU Moorhead computers and networks for solicitation, selling or personal gain unless authorized to do;
  • Using computer systems or networks to send any kind of material (e.g. messages, images) that constitutes harassment or discrimination under law or policy; or
  • Engaging in gambling or illegal activities.
• Internet Etiquette (Netiquette). Information Technology and the Internet are relatively new so, by our actions,  we are all building the IT and Internet community. Netiquette refers to the basic rules of courtesy that apply to all who use the Internet. At MSU we extend netiquette to also cover our labs and other campus information technology. The most important netiquette pointers are:
  • Remember the persons on the other side - whether it be the recipient of your email, your neighbor in the lab, or the one you are asking for help - are human too. Treat them with the same respect you would like to receive and help keep the information community a friendly place to visit.
  • Be considerate of other individuals' time and disk space; that is, be as brief as possible.
    • Email messages should be polite and as short as possible while still getting your point across. Subject lines should be descriptive to help the recipient prioritize their mail. If you send attachments, be sure the recipient has a large enough mail quota and the appropriate mail reader to recieve them. See the Online Tutorial for email tips and shortcuts.
    • Listserv messages should be sent to the appropriate address. Respond to the entire list ONLY when your response is of interest to the entire group. Otherwise reply to the sender only.
    • Computer labs are provided for your academic work. At times, the labs become busy because of mid-term and final project deadlines. If students are waiting to use a computer, finish your work as quickly as possible and allow someone else to use the computer.
    • FAQs, Frequently Asked Questions, on many topics are readily available on the Internet. Most Newsgroups and many technical support sites provide FAQ pages to answer common inquiries. Before you send an email to any group or site, be sure you have read the FAQs provided.
  • Remember that your work reflects on you as a person. Never assume privacy or annonymity. Once you send an email message or post to a discussion or news group, you lose control of what happens to your message. The recipients may share or forward information you expected to be confidential with anyone they choose. In addition, messages may be backed up on the senders and/or receivers server.
  • Be understanding of others. Remember, electronic communication provides only a screen of words... no body language or expression. If there is a misunderstanding, feel free to accept the blame for failure to clearly state or understand the intended message. If you must correct an error received online, be gentle.
  • Copyright law, which allows the creator of an original work to benefit from it, applies to the Internet as well as printed publications. When you find information on the Internet, you must cite it in the same way you would any other publication.