Computer Use FAQs

All persons using computers in the library are governed by ethical or moral standards of the university, as stated in the Student Handbook, Faculty Manual, and Administrative Staff Personnel Handbook.¹ Below are frequently asked questions that are based on policies, rules, regulations, and examples found in the following documents:

1. TLU Policy on Use of the TLU Computing Environment
2. Student Handbook
3. Faculty Handbook
4. Sexual Harassment Policy
5. Employee Handbook: Guidelines for Staff

Ethical and Moral Questions

• Can I access off-campus Internet materials that violate the ethical or moral standards of the university? No¹
• Can I use a computer or the university network to access, download, store or distribute pornographic materials? No^{2 (p.43)}
• Can I engage in computer activity that is abusive, profane or sexually, racially, or religiously offensive? No¹
• Can I use a computer to send obscene, abusive or harassing messages? No^{2 (p.43)}
• Can I engage in conduct which is disorderly, lewd or indecent? No^{2 (p.20, 42)}
• Can I play morally degrading or humiliating games and activities? No^{2 (p.15)}
• Must I abide by ethical and moral behavior required by TLU? Yes¹
• Can I engage with computer activity that may injure or harass someone else? No¹
• Can I engage in unwelcome verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature? No^{2 (p.42)}
• Can I engage in harassment based on another person's nationality, race, disability, religion, or sexual orientation? No^{2 (p.14, 42), 5 (p.27)}
• Can I engage in activities considered morally offensive by an individual participating? No^{2 (p.15)}

Computer Priority Questions

• If I am using a computer for something other than class work, must I stop using the computer if someone performing class-related work needs it? Yes¹
• Can I engage in computer activity that interferes with the work of another student, faculty member, or University official? No^{1, 2 (p.43)}
• Can I use excessive bandwidth for personal reasons such as video conferencing or gaming, etc.? No¹

Business and Email Questions

• Can I conduct non-TLU business activities? No¹
• Can I broadcast emails to many users for advertising or political purposes? No^{2 (p.5)}
• Can I send prank or chain emails? No¹

Legal Questions

• Must I abide by federal, state and local laws and regulations? Yes¹, ^{2 (p.21), 3 (p.16), 4 (p.C-1), 5 (p.36)}
  
• Can I engage in computer activity that may lead to a lawsuit or criminal charges? No^{5 (p.36)}
• Can I share my TLU account or password?  No^{1, 2 (p.43)}