Alabama Research and Education Network

The Alabama Research and Education Network (AREN) and the CSC comply with the following Acceptable Use Policy. All users of University network facilities are obligated to adhere to its terms. We have reprinted the policy from its most recent publication to date. More up-to-date copies are available on the Jaguar1 system and AREN's home page, http://www.asc.edu.

AREN Computer Use Policy

Overview

The Alabama Research and Education Network (AREN) is a statewide network administered by the Alabama Supercomputer Authority (ASA). The purpose of this policy is to provide a definition for acceptable use by authorized users of AREN and to indicate recommended action if the policy is violated. In those cases when information is transmitted across regional networks or Internet, AREN users are advised that acceptable use policies of those networks apply and may limit access.

ASA Primary Goals

The Alabama Supercomputer Authority has been established to:

• Enhance university research in Alabama
• Attract and support high technology industry
• Expand knowledge and use of computational science

AREN Acceptable Use Policy

• All use of AREN must be consistent with ASA's primary goals.
• AREN is for the use of individuals legitimately affiliated with member organizations, to facilitate the exchange of information consistent with the academic, educational, and research purposes of its member organizations.
• It is not acceptable to use AREN for illegal purposes.
• It is not acceptable to use AREN to transmit threatening, obscene, or harassing materials
• Access to Internet is provided through an ASA statewide contract with a regional network provider. The contract allows ASA to grant access to Internet to any governmental, educational, and industrial entity through AREN. Charges may be assessed by ASA to facilitate network connectivity. Reselling of the Internet connectivity and services is prohibited.
• It is not acceptable to use AREN to interfere with or disrupt network users, services, or equipment. Disruptions include, but are not limited to, disruption by unsolicited advertising, propagation of computer worms or viruses, and using the network to make unauthorized entry to any other machine accessible via the network.
• Information and resources accessible through AREN are private to the individuals and organizations which own or hold rights to those resources and information unless specifically stated otherwise by the owners and holders of rights. It is therefore not acceptable for an individual to use AREN to access information or resources unless permission is granted by the owners or holders of rights to those resources or information.

Violation of Policy

All organizations authorized to access AREN are responsible for informing their users of this acceptable use policy. All users of AREN are required to follow the acceptable use guidelines, both in letter and spirit. ASA reserves the right to monitor and review all traffic on AREN for potential violations of this policy. Violations of policy that are not promptly remedied by individuals and member institutions may result in termination of access to AREN.

Final authority for the determination of violation of the ASA Acceptable Use Policy and subsequent penalty rests with the ASA Board of Directors. It is the responsibility of member representatives to contact ASA, in writing, regarding questions of interpretation. Until such issues are resolved, questionable use should be considered "not acceptable."