General Information

Luther Seminary is committed to providing an environment that encourages the use of computers and electronic communications as essential tools in teaching and learning. The purpose of this policy is to outline the acceptable, appropriate and legal use of Information Technology equipment, communication equipment and computer systems at Luther Seminary. It is the responsibility of each student to ensure that this technology is used for proper and lawful purposes and in a manner that (1) is responsible, appropriate, and legal; (2) does not compromise the confidentiality of proprietary or other sensitive information; (3) does not compromise the security of the seminary’s computer resources or the reputation, policies or mission of the seminary; and (4) is consistent with good stewardship and the mission of Luther Seminary.

Luther Seminary student computer labs and network access are intended for student use. Guest and visitor use is only allowed within limits and certain reasons. The policy is applicable to all Luther seminary students, guests, and other visitors to campus who access seminary information technology resources. Luther Seminary may amend this policy periodically. Luther Seminary may give additional and more detailed regulations on the various subjects described in this policy. Such additional regulations may not be in conflict with this policy, unless the deviations are based on local laws.

General Use

It is the responsibility of each student to use seminary computer resources in a manner consistent with the mission and good stewardship of the organization. Without limiting the foregoing, students shall not use seminary computer resources in any way that:

• Violates any local, state, federal, or international law, statute, regulation, or ordinance;

• Violates any policy or procedure of Luther Seminary;

• Jeopardizes the security of any seminary computer resource;

• Jeopardizes Luther Seminary’s tax-exempt status;

• Violates the legal rights of any person or entity;

• Creates unauthorized contractual liability for Luther Seminary;

• Gives the impression an individual is representing, giving opinions, making statements or commitments on behalf of Luther Seminary unless authorized to do so by the seminary;

• Results in the transmission or receipt of obscene, pornographic, discriminatory, harassing, or defamatory materials;

• Interferes with the use of Luther Seminary’s computer resources or the computer resources of another person or entity;

• Involves personal financial gain or gambling; or

• Is inconsistent with norms of professional and organizational conduct;

• Or reflects adversely on Luther Seminary.

All computer resources provided to students by Luther Seminary are assets of and owned by Luther Seminary, unless the seminary expressly relinquishes ownership claims. All computer resources used by Luther Seminary shall be purchased by, or with the approval of, the Office of Technology.

Students are responsible for exercising good judgment regarding use of seminary computer and network systems. Luther Seminary reserves the right to audit networks and systems and to monitor usage of Luther Seminary Internet access, phone, and collaborative applications on a periodic basis to ensure policy compliance. In doing so, Luther Seminary will comply with applicable laws and regulations.

If any student has a question or concern about the use or restriction on use of a computer resource, the student should discuss the matter with Student Affairs or the Office of Technology.