University of Waterloo UW Engineering Computing Inappropriate Use Procedure

  1. The UW computers and computing networks are shared-use facilities which must be managed for the benefit of all who use them. Users are required to stay within the bounds of acceptable use.
  2. You have been found using UW computers in a way deemed inappropriate. Here are a few reasons why this may have occurred:
    • sharing userids intended for a single person
    • monopolizing system resources, or using them in a way to exclude others from reasonable use
    • non-educational use of computing resource (email to friends and and family is not concidered inappropriate in most circumstances)
    • sending, posting or displaying obscene or inappropriate material
    • anything contrary to UW Policy #33, Ethical Behaviour
    • anything contrary to the Statement on UW Computing and Communications Facilities
    • anything contrary to the Canadian Criminal Code Section 342.1 (stealing computer services)
    • anything contrary to the Canadian Criminal Code Section 340 (mischief on computers or data mischief)
    • anything contrary to any UW policy or any governing law.
  3. When we detect inappropriate use, the system manager is required to take action. Although this does not mean you are necessarily guilty, our directive is to prevent the continuation of the inappropriate activity. We will:
    1. refer to system logs, current files and tape backups to determine a likely originator of hte suspected abuse
    2. suspend or restrict your computing privileges while we investigate the matter, and until it is resolved
    3. request a meeting with you to allow you to explain the situation, to offer you an opportunity to explain what happened, and to determine the next step.
  4. The next step is determined by the seriousness of the complaint and your ability to resolve the matter. The system manager cannot take long-term action, but may forward the case to and Associate Dean who will proceed according to UW Policy #71, Student Academic Discipline. Typically the next step is to do one or more of the following:
    1. refer you to appropriate policies and/or laws which you may have violated
    2. remove one or more of your computer accounts for one or more terms, or indefinitely
    3. refer the matter to the Associate Dean for Computing for possible Academic Discipline. Possible outcomes include a letter of warning being put into your academic file, a recommendation for academic probation or expulsion
    4. refer the matter to the UW or Waterloo Police.
  5. If you agree with the complaint against your actions, we will require some reasonable assurance that you will not continue to be a source of inappropriate behaviour. Therefore, we will request that you:
    1. complete the Electronic Community Citizen Test. This is a multiple-choice test which tests your understanding of acceptable computer use
    2. to show that you do understand acceptable use, you will be requested to create five more questions for the above-mentioned test
    3. write a letter detailing what you did, and explain why it was inappropriate. If you did not know it was wrong at the time, say so, Although ignorance of the rules or the law is not an excuse, you may wish to show your prior ignorance and demonstrate that you have since learned about acceptable use.
  6. If you feel this matter is not being dealt with in a fair manner, you may complain to the Associate Dean for Computing in Engineering, CPH 2376, ext 4601.