Acceptable Use Policy for Computing and Information Technology Resources

1. Policy Statement

It is the policy of Rutgers University to allow access for its community to local, national, and international sources of information and to provide an atmosphere that encourages the free exchange of ideas and sharing of information. Nevertheless, Rutgers reserves the right to limit or restrict the use of its information technology resources based on applicable law, institutional policies and priorities, and financial considerations. Access to the university's information technology resources is a privilege that requires each member to act responsibly and guard against inappropriate use and abuse. Therefore, both the community as a whole and each individual user have an obligation to abide by the following standards of acceptable use.

Users' expectations of privacy protection for electronic data must be balanced against the university's reasonable need to supervise, control, and operate the university's information systems. Although the university will not monitor the content of electronic documents or messages as a routine matter, it reserves the right to examine all computer files and content in order to protect individuals and the university.

2. Reason for Policy

This policy outlines the acceptable use of university information technology resources, which include, but are not limited to: equipment, software, networks, systems, data storage devices, media, facilities, and stationary and mobile devices used to access Rutgers information technology resources, whether the technology or devices are personally owned, leased, or otherwise provided by Rutgers University. Information technology resources also include any and all Rutgers data, records, information, and record systems stored on or retrievable from such equipment, software, networks, systems, data storage devices, media, and facilities, or stationary and mobile devices.

3. Who Should Read This Policy

All members of the Rutgers university community