An Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) is a set of statements that guide the users, administrators or creators of a service or a network that stipulate the modalities of how the network or service is supposed to be used. It is critical to record that the policy statement is necessary for the members of any organization to be allowed to use the system (Council, 2014). The essence is to expose the users to the benefits and likely risks that the person might encounter as one uses the website or network. Tentatively, an AUP allows the users to understand the likely eventualities that may face them. Also, it serves as a caution to the owners against any lawsuits that may arise in the due course of time.
Draft Policy
1.0 Purpose
The computing means at Harvard University seeks to instruct, educate, administrate and aid in research on activities of the University and its use is extended to the people or members of the immediate community. Thus, as a privilege, you will access critical information that has sensitive data that would be reached from external and internal data. Accordingly, you are expected to observe a reasonable degree of respect to other computer users and the property of the University as a whole. In retrospect, it implies that you are to behave in a fair, legal and considerable manner.
2.0 Scope
This policy covers all the people who would use the materials provided I this University. It is imperative to mention that the computing materials encompassed all the software, hardware and licensed wireless or online connection within the premise of the Institution. It implies that all the policy covers all departments, libraries, and premises within the University forthwith.
3.0 Responsibilities and Rights
The University allows you to access academic materials from certain computers, library, databases and the general Internet connections within the premises of the Institution. Accordingly, you are allowed and permitted to use the materials of the University without any undue interference from any other user or employee. In turn, it is your sole duty to learn and familiarize yourself with policies, laws and regulations of the University regarding the usage of such materials.
4.0 Adherence and Compliance with the existing local, state and Federal laws
As a student and a subsequent member of the Institution, it is expected that you will observe and uphold the federal, state and local laws and regulation regarding online spheres. Specifically, the laws and regulations governing copyright are borrowed from the national ordinances. Consequently, it is expected that you would uphold all the surrounding issues and tenets regarding license and copyright of abstract and intellectual property (Doherty, Anastasakis & Fulford, 2011). In retrospect, the University will not be held accountable for any legal proceedings instituted against a user for breaching the existing national laws while using its materials, facilities or resources.
5.0 Other Illegal Activities
The usage of Harvard University material is allowed for growth and expansion of knowledge, and any other activity contrary to academic is prohibited in certain terms. This is to say that a member of the Harvard University is not allowed to use the materials and resources of the University for Personal Benefit or economic gain. Secondly, one is not allowed to use the resources, materials, and facilities for the advancement of any religion, political or sectarian course. Also, one is not allowed to engage in any online activity that taints the image and name of the University under whichever consideration.
References
Council, R. M. B. (2014). Acceptable use policy.
Doherty, N. F., Anastasakis, L., & Fulford, H. (2011). Reinforcing the security of corporate information resources: A critical review of the role of the acceptable use policy. International journal of information management,31(3), 201-209.
