Statement of Academic Policy and Statement of Academic Integrity

The Claremont Colleges make available computing and network resources for use by the Colleges’ students, faculty and staff. These services are to be used only for educational purposes and to carry out the legitimate business of the Colleges. Those who avail themselves of the computing and network resources are required to use them in a manner consistent with the Colleges’ standards of conduct. Individuals who possess expert knowledge of information systems or who make heavy use of these facilities, or who are in a position of trust regarding these facilities will be held to particularly high standards of conduct.

The framework of responsible, considerate and ethical behavior expected by the Colleges extends to cover the use of campus facilities and network resources, and networks throughout the world to which electronic access has been provided by the Colleges.

Files may be monitored in the ordinary course of business. In addition, when there is reason to suspect inappropriate use of campus computing or networking resources, authorized College personnel will take steps to investigate. This may include monitoring traffic on the network, including contents, and examining files on any system which has been connected to the network.

The following list does not cover every situation which pertains to proper or improper use of the resources, but it does suggest some of the responsibilities which you accept if you choose to use the Colleges’ computing resources or the network access which the Colleges provide.

1. You must not intentionally seek information about, browse, copy, or modify files or passwords belonging to other people, whether at The Claremont Colleges or elsewhere.
2. You are authorized to use only computer resources and information to which you have specifically been granted access. If you encounter or observe a gap in system or network security, you should report the gap to the manager of that system immediately.
3. If it is unclear whether you have permission to copy, compile or manipulate software or data, assume that you may not do so.
4. The Colleges’ policies on harassment apply equally to electronic displays and communications as they do to more traditional means of display and communication. You must not display, or transmit images, sounds or messages that could create an atmosphere of discomfort or harassment for others.
5. Messages, sentiments, and declarations sent as electronic mail or postings must meet the same standards for distribution or display as tangible documents.
6. You must not degrade computing or network performance in any way that will prevent others from meeting their educational or college business goals.
7. You must not create or willfully disseminate computer viruses. You should be sensitive to the ease of spreading viruses and should take steps to insure your files are virus-free.

The above statements are not intended to serve as an exhaustive list. Members of the college community are also expected to observe federal, state and local laws which govern computer and telecommunications use, as well as the Colleges’ own regulations and policies.

Return to Table of Contents