Registration Policy
All computers, gaming systems, tablets, smartphones, or any device that attaches to the network, must be use the school’s network registration system. You are only allowed to use up to 5 (five) devices per user name. Students can use multiple devices in their room, but only one wired network port can be activated per student.
If you wish to have your network port activated in your room, contact the ResNet Office at 715-394-8439 , or email us at [email protected]. If you need help getting your network device placed on the network, bring your device to the ResNet office for network setup.
Patch Policy
It is recommended that all students who use the school’s network have their computers updated with the latest service packs and updates required or suggested by your operating system(s) manufacturer (this includes Microsoft Windows, Apple MacOS and Linux distributions). Failure to protect your computer with these updates could result in major computer problems for you, and could possibly affect the entire network. It will be the student’s responsibility to keep his/her computer up-to-date.
Network Priority
When network issues arise in the Residence Halls, the following priority for network repairs will be followed:
1. Basic network connection for school work (access to school email, web, Canvas, etc.).
2. Network connection for communications, chatting, Voice over IP, etc.
3. Recreation, streaming audio/video, gaming, non-computer gaming systems, etc.)
Port Scanners
Students are not allowed to use port scanners of any kind against another computer. If it is found that a student is scanning other ports anywhere on campus, this will immediately be considered a personal privacy violation and the student will lose their Internet access.
“Sniffing” or Analyzing Network Traffic
Students are not allowed to “sniff” or analyze traffic on the school’s network. If it is found that a student is “sniffing” or analyzing traffic on the school’s network, this will immediately be considered a personal privacy violation and the student will lose their Internet access.
Unauthorized Access
Accessing someone’s computer, or any other computer or system on campus, without that someone knowing about it is not allowed.
Host Vulnerabilities
Scanning a computer to find its vulnerabilities is not allowed. If it is suspected that you are scanning computers or systems for vulnerabilities, you will be notified by ResNet or Campus Safety, and you will be asked to cooperate in any way with ResNet, Campus Safety, or with any other computer departments on campus. Failure to cooperate with any of these organizations will call for an immediate disconnection until the situation is solved.
Firewalls
A firewall is a software program or hardware device that tries to help protect your computer from being attacked from viruses, hackers and other forms of unwanted entry. ResNet encourages students to protect their computers, but not to extend the school’s network in doing so.
Extending the Network
Students are not allowed to extend the network in any way. Hubs, switches, wireless access points, routers, and anything that creates other connections to the network are prohibited. If any of these devices, or other similar to these, are found to be in use from your room or port, the system is designed to shut down your port. ResNet will notify you to remove the suspected device and network access will be restored.
Antivirus Software
Every student computer connected to the schools network is encouraged to have a working, updated, antivirus program on their computer (PC and/or MAC). These tools are extremely important to keep both your information, and other people’s information, safe from virus or malware attacks. There are many free tools available for people to use. Please contact the ResNet office, and we would be happy to share some of the current free tools available to people.
Hosting Websites or Servers
Hosting any type of website (personal, e-Business, illegal, etc.) and/or server (DHCP/DNS) on your own computer is not permitted. Students may create websites on a university server for academic projects through Information Technologies. Personalized web pages can also be hosted by off-campus sources such as Yahoo! or Lycos. DHCP/DNS type servers are also not allowed. If you are required to create this type of server environment for class, you must use the class lab. They will cause problems with the hall network. Computers found hosting websites and/or running DHCP/DNS will immediately lose their network connection.
Threats and Harassment
Any threats or harassment that is sent from one student to another, regardless if it’s from their personal computer or a school’s computer, through the school’s network is grounds for immediate network disconnection, and prosecution from the Campus Safety office.
Copyright Laws
Any student to be found disobeying current copyright laws will lose their network connection and be prosecuted from the Campus Safety office, as well as any copyright holder.
File Sharing
If your computer is found to be sharing illegal content and the University is notified by a legal organization that represents that particular song/file/software, then your room connection and wireless connection may be blocked until the particular file is removed from your computer, all file sharing programs are removed from your computer, and you meet with the ResNet Coordinator and learn about illegal file sharing. First offense is a warning and a explanation of illegal file sharing. Second offence is a loss of network access for a total of 30 days, and a meeting with the ResNet Coordinator about illegal file sharing. Third offence is loss of network access for a total of 90 days, a meeting with the Residence Life Director, and a 3-page paper on the reasons why illegal file sharing is wrong.
Any of the above mentioned disciplines can be handled on a case-by-case situation. We realize that every scenario will require different disciplinary actions. It will be up to the policy enforcer to administer which discipline is best suited for these special cases. Disputing the enforced discipline can be done at the time of notification.
Any policy can be changed at any time, without any notice.