Internet Use Operational Protocol

Principles

The University of Kansas Medical Center expects all members of its community to use Internet resources accessed through its computer and network systems in a responsible and ethical manner, as outlined in its Appropriate Use of Information Systems Policy. The University of Kansas Medical Center provides access to the Internet through its computing and network systems at its discretion.

Purpose

The University of Kansas Medical Center seeks to enforce its policies regarding harassment and the safety of individuals; to protect itself against seriously damaging or legal consequences; to prevent the posting of proprietary software or the posting of electronic copies of literary works in disregard of copyright restrictions or contractual obligations; and to safeguard the integrity of computers, networks, and data, either at the University of Kansas Medical Center or elsewhere.

Individuals and Groups Covered By This Policy

This policy applies to all KUMC faculty, staff and students; employees of the University of Kansas Physicians, Inc; as well as vendors, contractors, or any others who access the Internet from the University network or University-owned devices.

Exemptions

This policy applies to everyone at all campuses and sites of the University of Kansas Medical Center. There are no exemptions.

Definitions

Computing and network resources: The term 'computing and network systems' means any information service, system, or access software that enables computer access by multiple users to a server, specifically a service or system that provides access to the Internet and such systems operated or services offered by the University of Kansas Medical Center.

I. General Internet Access Rules

1. Internet access is provided for use in activities relating to instruction, research, and public service.
2. Limited personal use is also permitted provided that such use does not: 

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  • interfere with University of Kansas Medical Center operations.
  • generate incremental identifiable costs to the University of Kansas Medical Center.
  • negatively impact the user's job performance.
  • involve other employment, the operation of a personal business, or other similar commercial or business activities without prior approval by the Executive Vice Chancellor (EVC) or the EVC's designate.
  • violate the University codes of conduct, regulations, policies, or laws.
  • violate Federal or State laws.
  • display or transmit words, images or sounds that are offensive to a reasonable person (except as may be appropriate in the educational, research, or clinical contexts.)

3. The University supports a climate of trust and respect and does not actively monitor Internet use; however, it retains the right to collect, maintain and review information concerning any use or access of information systems. This information may be accessed by select employees of the Department of Information Resources for purposes related to security management or system maintenance or troubleshooting.
4. The Executive Vice Chancellor (EVC) or the EVC's designate may authorize tracking of its student or employee Internet use in a number of circumstances including, but not limited to:    

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  • Situations involving the health or safety of people or property.
  • Possible violations of University codes of conduct, regulations, policies, Federal or State laws or contractual agreements.
  • Other legal responsibilities or obligations of the University.

II. Specific Examples of Internet Policy Violations

Violations of this policy may involve, but are not limited to the use of the Internet through the University of Kansas Medical Center's computing and network systems to:

1. Impede, interfere with, impair, or otherwise cause harm to the activities of others.
2. Download or post to University computers, or transport across University networks, material that is illegal, proprietary, or in violation of University contractual agreements.
3. Conduct non-University-related commercial activity without prior approval from the Executive Vice Chancellor or his designate.
4. Harass, threaten, or otherwise cause harm to a specific individual or groups of individuals.
5. Display or transmit words, images or sounds that are offensive to a reasonable person except as may be appropriate in the educational, research, or clinical contexts. Typically, exceptions would involve a faculty member or other person teaching or doing research about the behaviors as opposed to participating in them for other purposes.
6. Display or transmit words, images or sounds that denigrate individuals because of their race, sex, age, gender, national origin, sexual orientation, or other groups protected by nondiscrimination laws and policies except as may be appropriate in the educational, research, or clinical contexts. Typically, exceptions would involve a faculty member or other person teaching or doing research about the behaviors as opposed to participating in them for other purposes.

Caution: The University protects expression by members of its community. It does not see its role as an arbiter of what may be regarded as offensive by some members of the community. However, the University may decide that certain material directed to individuals or classes of individuals presents a hostile environment warranting restrictive actions, including possible disciplinary action.

Reporting Alleged Internet Use Policy Violations

To report a suspected violation of this Internet use policy, contact the Director of Information Security.

Enforcement

Suspected or known violations of this Internet use policy will be reported to the appropriate University officials, and may result in:

• Loss of computing privileges.
• Accountability for conduct under any applicable University or campus policies, procedures, or collective bargaining agreements, including possible disciplinary action.
• Prosecution under applicable statutes.

Suspected or known violations of University regulations and/or State and Federal law will be processed by the appropriate University authorities and/or law enforcement agencies.

Additional Resources

This policy is in accordance with :

University of Kansas Medical Center Handbook for Faculty and Unclassified Staff
University of Kansas Medical Center. Student Handbook
University of Kansas Medical Center Appropriate Use of Information Systems Policy
University of Kansas Medical Center Copyright Policy
Kansas Board of Regents Policy and Procedures Manual
Kansas Information Technology Office Policy 1200 concerning Acceptable Use of the Internet, sections 5.2 and 6.3.
United States Code Electronic and Communication Privacy Act of 1989, Title 18.
United States Code Computer Fraud and Abuse Act of 1986.
United States Code Telecommunications Act of 1996.
United States Code Copyright Act.

Contact Information

For information on this policy, please contact:

Steffani Webb
Associate Vice Chancellor for Information Resources
Chief Information Officer (Interim)
University of Kansas Medical Center
3901 Rainbow Blvd
Kansas City, Kansas 66160
(913) 588-4900

Sherry Callahan
Director of Information Security
Department of Information Resources
University of Kansas Medical Center
3901 Rainbow Blvd
Kansas City, Kansas 66160
(913) 588-0966 Last Review Date: May 18, 2011
Last Revision Date: May 18, 2011