University Policies

Technology Use Policy (formerly Appropriate Use Policy)

File code: TECH.USAGE.POL
Approved By: President
Approval Date: February 8, 2022

The purpose of this policy is to define the appropriate use of Western Illinois University (WIU) information, computing, and communication resources by all users. These services, known collectively as computing resources.

WIU provides computing resources to its staff, faculty and students to support the University’s mission. All University owned computing resources are the sole property of the University. Use of computing resources must be appropriately authorized and limited to University-use only. Personal use of University computing resources is strictly prohibited. Users are prohibited from sharing access to any computing resources they have been granted access to unless permission for the additional party is expressly permitted. Users should be aware that all University computing resources are subject to Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests. Users should assume no rights to privacy while utilizing University computing resources. The University retains the right to track and monitor computing resources at any time. Use of University computing resources is a privilege and not a right. All members of the University community are given notice of this policy by virtue of its publication, and are subject to it on the same basis. Ignorance of this policy does not relieve anyone of their responsibility under it.

Users are responsible for all activities originating from their account(s) and device(s), including all information sent from, intentionally requested, solicited or viewed from their account(s)/device(s). In order to educate users on appropriate cyber security practices and recognize cyber security incidents, all employees will be required to complete security awareness training within 30 days of initial employment and annually thereafter. In addition, all employees who fail phishing testing will be required to complete phishing awareness training.

Users of University computing systems or data are required to take appropriate measures and due care to protect University computing systems and data and avoid damage. University computing resources may only be used for legal purposes and may not be used for any of the following purposes or any other purpose, which is illegal, immoral, unethical, dishonest, damaging to the reputation of the University, inconsistent with the mission of the University, or likely to subject the University to liability. Unauthorized uses include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Attempts to circumvent the security mechanisms of any University system.
  • Attempts to degrade system performance or capability, or attempt to damage systems, software or intellectual property of others.
  • Unauthorized viewing or use of another person's computer files, programs, accounts, and data.
  • Unauthorized use of copyright materials or trademarks.
  • Use of computing resources to promote, help, finance or support any political activities, including, but not limited to promoting or supporting an individual or group or organization campaigning for an elected office.
  • Providing unauthorized access to computing resources such as sharing of passwords or logging in to a University system for another person’s use.
  • Use of computer accounts, access codes (including passwords), or any unique identifier assigned to others.
  • Disruption or unauthorized monitoring or scanning of University computing resources.
  • Use of personal emails or accounts to conduct official University business.
  • Accessing data without proper authorization.

Use of University computing resources by faculty and staff, including student workers, while at work and/or performing the responsibilities of their position, should be consistent with the University mission, this policy, other University policies, and other applicable state and federal laws and regulations, including the State Officials and Employees Ethics Act (SOEEA). All users of university computing resources must comply with all federal, state and other applicable laws; all generally applicable Board of Higher Education and university rules and policies; and all applicable contracts and licenses. Users are responsible for ascertaining, understanding, and complying with the laws, rules, policies, contracts, and licenses applicable to their particular uses. The following is a partial list of the state and federal laws governing all users of the WIU's computing resources.