When students access computer networks on campus, they must follow a list of policy guidelines typically called an "Acceptable Use Policy." Although hacking and cybercrimes are blatant violations, these policies are intricate, differ subtly from school to school, and carry harsh punishments if a student is found responsible for misconduct.

Information regarding what constitutes a violation can be found in the school's code of conduct or listed in their information technology (IT) policy and procedures. Nevertheless, many are ubiquitous.

Typical Acceptable Use Policy Violations

• Sharing authentication information
• Allowing access to anyone not a student of the college, faculty, or staff member
• Failure to log off from a system that has multiple users
• Using a network for unethical, unauthorized, illegal, or criminal purposes
• Violating the privacy of students, staff, alumni, or donors
• Installing or distributing "inappropriate" or unlicensed software
• Using the network to provide services visible off campus (Web services, file sharing, game server hosting)
• Using personal routers, DHCP servers
• Copying, distributing, or transmitting copyrighted materials unless authorized
• Obstructing college functionality via the consumption of excessive bandwidth
• Intentionally causing a security concern, including launching viruses or malware

Insofar as differences in a school's violations are concerned, at Villanova University and Columbia University, for example, students cannot engage in "offers of products, items or services that are fraudulent." Moreover, networks at Stanford University "must not be used for partisan political activities where prohibited by federal, state or other applicable laws."

Hardware and Software Essentials

Students will be fully responsible for their computer, including any hardware and software and any network traffic transmitted by it, irrespective of whether the user authorized the traffic or not. Students can contact their school's IT department if they have questions about whether specific software or hardware conflicts with the acceptable use policy. Constants among college and universities are:

• Anti-virus and anti-malware software installed, maintained, and enabled
• Updated security maintenance from appropriate software services ("Software Update" on Apple computers, "Windows Update" on Windows computers)
• All installed computer applications updated (Microsoft Office, iTunes, Adobe)

Violating Network Policy

Although there are many small guidelines to follow, violating them is serious. Just as acceptable use policies vary by school, so do punishments. For instance, Villanova University lists a succeeding schedule of penalties for computer and network violations.

• First offense: The school's Technical Support Services will contact the student about the violation, and network access may be disabled until the issue is resolved.
• Second offense: Network access will be disabled until the issue is resolved, and the student will be referred to the Dean of Students.
• Third offense: Network access will be disabled pending disciplinary action determined by the Judicial Affairs Office.

If Stanford University's acceptable use policy is violated, a student could face immediate "discharge, dismissal, expulsion, or legal action."

Handling Misconduct Allegations

Navigating the various guidelines in computer and network misuses can be complex. If you are dealing with misconduct allegations, the consequences can be long-lasting if found responsible. The LLF Law Firm have expert attorney-advisors that knows the system and have helped hundreds of students across the country overcome the challenges associated with misconduct allegations. Call 888-535-3686 today to understand how the LLF Law Firm can help you.