The use of computers or network systems2 in no way exempts any member of the University community from the normal requirements of ethical or legal behavior in the Cornell community. In particular, data, software, and computer capacity have value and must be treated accordingly. Use of a computer and network system that is shared by many users imposes certain additional obligations.
Legitimate use of a computer or network system does not extend to whatever an individual is capable of doing with it. Although some rules are built into the system itself, these restrictions cannot limit completely what an individual can do or can see. In any event, each member of the community is responsible for his/her actions whether or not rules are built in, and whether or not they can be circumvented.
Members of the University community are expected to follow certain principles of behavior in making use of computers and network systems, in particular, to respect, and to observe policies and procedures governing:
Members of the University community also are expected to follow all other policies, rules, or procedures established to manage computers or network systems, including those established to control access to, or the use of, computer data, files, or other information.
Those who cannot accept these standards of behavior will be denied use of Cornell computers or network systems. Violators may also be subject to penalties under University regulations and under state and federal laws.
