Michigan Technological University (MTU) promotes the use of its computing facilities and seeks to improve the computer literacy of its students. All students are encouraged to make use of these facilities in pursuit of their educational goals, but are asked to remember that computing facilities are to be used for academic purposes only. MTU views the use of computer facilities as a privilege, not a right, and seeks to protect legitimate computer users by imposing sanctions on those who abuse the privilege.
Although MTU's computing policy is based on the Laws of the State of Michigan and United States Copyright Law. In addition, MTU imposes certain restrictions which are not specifically covered by either law. Besides setting guidelines for appropriate use of computers, MTU's policy outlines the disciplinary procedures that will be imposed on students who violate the policy. Such discipline may range from the revocation of computing privileges or expulsion from the University to prosecution under the applicable state or federal laws.
Act 53 of the Public Acts of 1979 of the State of Michigan is "AN ACT to prohibit access to computers, computer systems, and computer networks for certain fraudulent purposes; to prohibit intentional and unauthorized access, alteration, damage, and destruction of computers, computer systems, computer networks, computer software programs, and data; and to prescribe penalties."
The penalties for violating this act are stated as follows:
"A person who violates this act, if the violation involves $100.00 or less, is guilty of a misdemeanor. If the violation involves more than $100.00, the person is guilty of a felony, punishable by imprisonment for not more than ten (10) years, or a fine of not more than $5,000.00, or both."
Copyright is a form of protection provided by the laws of the United States (Title 17, United States Code) to the authors of "original works of authorship." This includes computer programs (software). Therefore, unauthorized copying of copyrighted software violates United States Copyright Law.
In accordance with the Electronic and Communications Privacy Act of 1989, Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2510 and following, MTU provides no facilities for sending and receiving confidential messages. The system administrator may read all messages and files of any user.
Computer accounts at MTU are for educational purposes only . In general, educational use is interpreted loosely. But use for economic gain or computer or network abuse will not be tolerated. If there is a complaint regarding your use of networks or MTU computers, the system administrator has the right to review trace information, backups, and your account contents to determine your complicity.
You do not have the right to keep the following types of materials on MTU computers: command files solely for the purpose of annoying other persons or blatantly obscene material.
Administrative action may be taken against you if you have these types of materials on MTU computers.
Michigan Tech provides students with a wide range of computers, software, terminals, and a computing system. Obtaining access to this system without proper authorization or any alteration, damage, or destruction to the system or any part of it is a criminal offense. Precautions must be taken with passwords and files to protect data. Unauthorized use of computer time or use of other people's computer time are illegal activities.