Regulations for the Use of IT & Communication Facilities at UW

Regulations for the Use of IT & Communication Facilities at UW

Please Read these Regulations and then use the link at the bottom of the page to access the appropriate forms. By clicking on the link you are agreeing to abide by these regulations.

1.0 Summary

The following activities contravene the University IT regulations, and are deemed a serious offence when using any computer connected to the university network.  

1. Viewing or downloading any form of pornographic, racist or offensive material*.
2. Using email to send abusive, racist, offensive messages to anyone.
3. Harassment of any person via email.
4. Attempting to gain unauthorised access to any of the Universities systems.

*Downloading pornographic or racist material for research purposes requires advance authorisation from Information & Learning Services.

Breaches of the regulations
Accounts are monitored centrally for misuse. Where misuse is suspected then the account may be disabled.
Breaches of the IT regulations will lead to disciplinary action. Initially this may involve a warning and an interview with a senior manager within Information & Learning Services. Further disciplinary action depends on the severity of the offence and any previous instances by the person in question.

Note: The account holder is deemed responsible for misuse of the account.

2.0 IT & Communication Regulations
The University regulations published here apply to anyone using any kind of computer hardware or software, for any purpose at the University, even if it is their own equipment or connected to the institution through a network from an outside location.

The University of Worcester (UW) provides computer and telephone facilities for its own business purposes. The University IT facilities are only for use in connection with teaching, learning, research, and approved business activities of the University by its staff, students and other authorised persons.

The University is able to take advantage of the benefits of this Internet access through clear adherence to the Acceptable Use Policy specified nationally for all JANET users.

It is the responsibility of all users of the Universities’ IT & Communication services to ensure that these facilities are used for proper University purposes and in a manner that does not compromise UW, its employees, students or associated staff in any way. Any person using IT and communication facilities must abide by the IT & Communication regulations and observe the requirements of the University's Internet, email and telecommunications policy.

To ensure that the IT facilities are not abused the University retains the right to monitor a selection of messages and materials sent over its network and to take any appropriate action if it comes to the University's attention that access to the IT facilities is being abused. This may include referral to the Police in the event of suspected criminal activity.


2.1 IT hardware
IT hardware must be treated with care and used only in accordance with the proper operating instructions.  No equipment shall be used which is labeled out of order.  Any apparent fault with hardware should be reported promptly to Information Services personnel.  Equipment must not be used if there is reason to believe that it may not be in safe working order.

2.2 Authorised Access
Users must not access and/or attempt to access any IT equipment, software and/or data which they are not properly authorised to access. In particular, the confidentiality of data belonging to other Users must be respected.

2.3 Security
Users must take all necessary steps to protect and maintain the security of any equipment, software, data, storage area and/or passwords allocated for their use. Users must not use access codes that belong to someone else. If you anticipate that someone may need access to your files in your absence, please refer to the University's Internet, email and telecommunications policy.

2.4 Authorised Use
Users must not use any IT facility for a purpose other than that for which they are authorised. Users must seek advice if they have any doubt about their authority to use any of the IT facilities.

2.5 Prohibited Use
The use of any IT equipment for storage and/or transmission of materials which the University considers to be obscene and/or offensive is strictly prohibited. Furthermore, IT facilities must not be used to download pornographic, obscene, excessively violent and/or offensive materials from the Internet.

2.6 Legal Obligations
Users must comply with all their legal obligations affecting their use of IT facilities, including: 

2.7 Malicious software
Users must take all reasonable steps to exclude and avoid the spread of malicious software, e.g. viruses. Any files or software downloaded from the Internet or brought from home must be virus-checked before use.

2.8 Copyright
Computer programs at UW are protected by the law of copyright. The University has the appropriate licences to use these programs. Users must comply with all their legal obligations concerning copyright, and must not copy any software or other data without the prior authorisation from the copyright owner. Such action would be in breach of copyright law. Furthermore Users must comply with any contractual obligations imposed on the University concerning the use of any of the IT equipment or software.

2.9 Library learning resources
Online library learning resources, including datasets and databases, ebooks and ejournals, which are subscribed to by the University are protected by copyright and license agreements. Users who are not covered by these license agreements must not attempt to use these resources. If in doubt, users are advised to seek advice at the Issue Desk in Peirson.

2.10 Personal use (Staff)
Staff are permitted to use electronic communications and information services for personal purposes subject to the following conditions:

In relation to the personal use of University IT facilities, if Users are in any doubt about what constitutes acceptable and appropriate use, they should seek the advice and guidance of their Line Manager.

2.11 Personal use (Student)
Students are permitted to use electronic communications and information services for personal purposes subject to the following condition:

• UW communications and information facilities may not be used for personal financial gain, commercial ventures, or on behalf of external organizations unrelated to their professional activities.

In relation to the personal use of University IT facilities, if Users are in any doubt about what constitutes acceptable and appropriate use, they should seek the advice and guidance from Information & Learning Services

2.12 Unauthorised equipment
Users must not connect any unauthorised equipment to the University network without consultation and the prior written approval from Information Services. If Information Services has reasonable grounds for believing that any equipment may be the cause of unacceptable degradation of the performance of the network detrimental to other Users, then the User must co-operate with the disconnection of the equipment from the network pending resolution of the problem. Users must not set up or operate a server connected to the University network without consultation and the prior written approval from the Head of ICT.

2.13 Unauthorised Access
The University views the unauthorised access or interference with any of its IT facilities as an extremely serious disciplinary offence.  Any breach of these regulations shall be dealt with in accordance with the disciplinary procedures of the University applicable to the User concerned.  In the case of a serious breach, the authorisation of a User to use particular IT facilities may be withdrawn immediately, by a decision of the Director of Information & Learning Services. In certain circumstances, breach of this policy may be considered gross misconduct resulting in immediate termination of your employment.

Click here to access the appropriate form. By clicking on the link you are agreeing to abide by the regulations above