Non-Academic Computer Use by Students

There are now a wide range of non-academic network activities that PCs can offer to students working in public workstation rooms or in their own rooms.
These Guidelines explain how Information Service Regulations and other University policies apply to such activities.

Computing facilities at the University are provided in support of the academic aims of the institution, but that an amount of non-academic use is allowed by the University on the basis that it helps generally educate users in the range of I.T. facilities available these days. However, such use cannot be allowed to jeopardise the academic reason for the funding of the facilities. For example, bandwidth available for academic use and network security must not be compromised, and staff time cannot be diverted to enabling or supporting non-academic activities.

An amount of non-academic use is therefore seen as acceptable as long as it does not fall in the categories outlined below.

Activities that are not allowed:

1. Using amounts of bandwidth that could compromise legitimate academic use of the network by other users.
2. Compromising the security of other users..
3. Breaching copyright in any way. Most P2P file sharing (music, films) is in this category. It is important to understand that the copyright holder could also take action at law directly against the person whose actions have breached their copyright.
4. Any facility that requires use of a specially open firewall port, except where the I.S. facility on creating a site firewall hole has been used to arrange this for a declared purpose.
5. Anything that diverts A.U staff time away from supporting the academic use of the network.

Webcams and Internet Phones:

Such products are allowed on the network on the following basis:

1. The facility is offered as a privilege which may be withdrawn without notice. Anyone buying a system must bear this in mind as there would be no financial compensation if such an action were taken.
2. Webcams and IP Phones can in general be set up so that they do not impact academic work on the network. If it is found that a system does impact such work, or if the aggregated use of such systems is doing so, then it may be necessary to withdraw the privilege.
3. Webcams must not be used in such a way as to infringe the personal privacy of individuals who have not consented to this. In particular, webcams must not be used covertly nor to show the activities of identifiable individuals who have not consented. Ignoring this guidance could have legal implications under Data Protection law that would directly involve the webcam owner.
4. Information Services may be able to advise on packages that should be suitable for use at A.U. (contact stunet@aber.ac.uk) but are not in a position to offer support on such packages.

Disciplinary Actions

Misuse of facilities as outlined above can have severe consequences For example, heavy use of bandwidth can compromise other users, breach of copyright can involve the University itself. As such, immediate action will be taken if such use is identified - PCs in rooms are immediately disconnected from the network, and anyone involved in misuse will be asked to see I.S. staff to discuss the matter.

Further action within I.S. Regulations, which can include levying a fine, would depend on the nature of the misdemeanour and its consequences. The Regulations can be viewed here.