Policy F.A.Q.
1. Is my e-mail secure?
E-mail is inherently insecure. If it would bother you to have the contents of the e-mail published on the front page of a local newspaper, then your message should not be sent electronically. This also applies to files attached to e-mail messages.
2. Is my e-mail private?
Bloomsburg University reserves the right to look at any e-mail sent to or from your e-mail account (any any files associated with those e-mails). That said, Bloomsburg University will only view the contents of your email account if it has reason to do so and proper authorization has been obtained.
File Storage
1. Are the files contained on the university's computers and servers private?
As with email messages, files contained on university computers are property of the university and may be accessed if there is reasonable cause to do so and proper authorization has been obtained.
Network Traffic
1. Does Bloomsburg University monitor content sent over its network?
No, it does not monitor content. It does, however, reserve the right to remove or restrict material when applicable University policies or codes, or state, local or federal laws are violated. For example, the University, as necessary, may remove material that violates copyright laws or is potentially libelous.
2. Are there limitations on what I can say, or post on the university computers and network?
The University wishes to support the free exchange of ideas and freedom of expression. However, it does reserve the right to limit or restrict the distribution and posting of material directed at classes of people (hate speech) and other threatening or offensive material if it believes this is creating a hostile environment or is damaging to theUuniversity.
Copyright Violations
1. What constitutes a violation of copyright?
Any item taken from its owner without the owner's expressed permission constitues a violation of copyright. Materials do not need to have the copyright symbol on them to be copyrighted, and copyright protection extends beyond text to such things as photos, art and video. If the University is informed of copyright violations, it will act to remove the material in compliance with law.
2. How do I report a copyright violation?
Please click here for information on how to report a copyright violation.
Computer Policy Violations
1. How do I report a policy violation?
If you believe that a violation has occurred, you should report it to the computer administrators (x4357). You should gather as much information as possible. The computer administrators will direct the complaint to other offices if needed. If you believe the violation threatens your immediate safety, please contact university police at: (570)-389-4168. If the violation pertains to on-campus work related activities your supervisor should be notified.
2. What are the consequences for violating Bloomsburg's computer policy?
The consequences of violating computer policies can range from a warning to formal actions by the University's authorities. In some cases, legal action may be taken.
3. How will policy violations be handled?
For violations which are less serious and do not have an immediate impact on the integrity of the systems to threaten others, the alleged offender will be asked to come to computing administrator's office so information can be gathered and the allegation discussed. If the situation is resolved, no further action is taken. For cases that are not resolved at this meeting or are more serious, violations will be handled like other violations of University codes, regulations, policies, rules and procedures. For students, this can involve the judicial procedures explained in the Student Handbook. For staff and faculty it may involve their supervisor or Human Relations.