Computer use has become an essential part of many University activities. While much computing is now done on departmental or individual computers (personal computers, workstations, and so forth) most information sources, software and data-networking systems reside on shared, central computers, or use shared networks. University Computing Services (UCS), together with computing facilities of many academic departments and administrative units, have responsibility for providing and maintaining shared computing tools. Ball State University works to create an intellectual environment in which students, faculty and staff may feel free to create and collaborate with colleagues both on and off campus without fear that the products of these intellectual efforts will be violated by misrepresentation, tampering, illegal access, destruction or theft. General policies regarding the resources the University provides are outlined in this document.

Indemnification of Liability

Users of University computing resources agree that neither the University nor University Computing Services (UCS) will be responsible for any direct, indirect, consequential, special or punitive damages or losses users may incur in connection with University computing resources, data or other materials transmitted through or residing on University systems, even if the University has been advised of the possibility of such damage or loss. In addition, users agree to defend and indemnify the University and hold the University harmless from and against any and all claims, proceedings, damages, injuries, liabilities, losses, costs and expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees) relating to any acts by user or materials or information transmitted by such user in connection with the University's systems leading wholly or partially to claims against the University and its systems by other users or third parties.

Access

Ball State University strives to provide privacy and a fair share of technical resources to all members of the University community whose work requires it. Fees may be charged for some services. All computer users have the responsibility to use these resources in an efficient, effective, ethical, and lawful manner. The ethical and legal standards come from standards of common sense and common decency that apply to the use of any public resource within the University and are documented in the local, state, and federal statutes and University policies, regulations and procedures.

Availability

Ball State University will make its computing resources and networks available to users with the fewest interruptions as possible.