Standards for Using Computing and Network Resources 

These policies are based on, but not limited to, policies set forth in the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) Computing Resources Policy.

• All students, employees, and visitors using Western Nevada College network resources must agree and adhere to the terms of all applicable policies, including the Usage Agreement (below).
• Appendices listed below define specific terms applicable to students, employees, and the general public.

 

Improper Conduct

Improper conduct regarding the use of college computers falls into four categories:

1. Academic Dishonesty
2. Disruption and Destruction of Computer Facilities
3. Violation of Licenses, Copyright Agreements, College NSHE Policies, State and/or Federal Laws
4. Other Policy Violations

 

Academic Dishonesty

WNC is committed to the highest standards of academic integrity. Refer to Policy 3-4-5: Academic Integrity. 

 

Disruption and Destruction of Computer Facilities

The disruption or destruction of computer facilities is prohibited. Examples of this type of behavior include, but are not limited to:

• Damaging or stealing College-owned equipment or software.
• Damaging the college network including: causing slowdowns, rendering systems inoperable, installing viruses, and hacking.
• Changing, removing, or destroying any data stored electronically (or attempting the same) without proper authorization.

Gaining or attempting to gain access to accounts without proper authorization.

 

Violation of Licenses, Copyright Agreements, College Policy, State and/or Federal Laws

Most software used on College computers is covered by copyright, license, and/or nondisclosure agreements. Violation of these agreements puts Western Nevada College/NSHE and the individual in jeopardy of civil penalties. Refer to Policy: 3-2-8 Use of Copyrighted Materials.

 

Other Policy Violations

Other policy violations include but are not limited to:

• Using computers or networks in a manner which causes harassment, abuse, or intimidation of another person 
• Using computers or networks in a manner which violates college or NSHE policies, or state or federal laws.

Use of the college computer network to access, distribute, or store content that depicts child exploitation. In addition to agreeing to abide by the Standards for Using Computing and Network Resources at Western Nevada College, and the Appropriate Use of the Internet, I agree to the following statements:

1. I understand that networked computing is a cooperative effort and will make every attempt to be prudent and considerate in my use of College computers and network resources.
2. I will not willfully destroy, damage, tamper, alter, steal, misappropriate or use without permission any system, program or file of the College and NSHE.
3. I agree to use my account for my own work and to keep my password confidential. I agree to report the use of my account by others to the appropriate Systems Administrator.
4. I understand that while Western Nevada College/NSHE makes every attempt to preserve the integrity of my data and files stored on the system, if a conflict arises between keeping the system operational and maintaining the integrity of my data, keeping the system operational takes precedence. Western Nevada College/NSHE is not responsible for any loss of data.
5. I agree to indemnify and hold harmless Western Nevada College/NSHE, its employees, and agents from any claim, demand, liability, cause of action, suit judgment or expense (including attorney fees), arising out of my breach of this agreement.
6. I understand that I do not own my computing account, but do have exclusive access to the account under normal circumstances. The College/NSHE owns the account and gives me the privilege of using it. The College/NSHE reserves the right to access the account.
7. I understand and agree that each time I access the College/NSHE computing network that I am bound by these terms of the agreement, along with any changes or additions to this agreement, and the terms of all the College policies that are in effect at the time I access the system.
8. I understand that violations of this agreement may result in the revocation of all my computer and network access privileges and result in disciplinary action, legal action and/or prosecution.
9. I agree and acknowledge that any infractions will result in disciplinary action from the College and appropriate local, state and federal agencies. Nevada Revised Statutes 205.473-205.491 (Unlawful Acts Regarding Computers) and applicable statutes in the Appendices are fully enforceable. By using my account I agree to all of the above sections.