Mar 28, 2024  
2005-2006 University Catalog 
    
2005-2006 University Catalog [Archived Catalogue]

Academic Computing


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Ken Kramar

kkramar@uarts.edu
Director of Academic Computing
215-717-6020

The Department of Academic Computing is dedicated to the support and integration of appropriate digital technology within the University’s academic programs. The department maintains 30 separate computer labs equipped with industry-standard software located throughout the campus, including additional facilities in our new, state-of-the-art Terra Building. In addition to word-processing labs and multiple high-end graphics labs using enhanced Power Macintosh G5s, three music labs, and an animation lab, the University hosts a New Media Center comprising of four dual-platform digital laboratories that enable the integration of animation, graphics, text, music, and sound. Other specialized digital facilities include a computer-driven loom for fabric making, and a newly built facility incorporating a three-dimensional printer for creating objects and a laser-scanner for digitizing objects. Academic Computing facilities are networked using gigabit bandwidth, accessing a cross-campus fiber-optic backbone. In addition, there are more than a dozen wireless access points across campus. The University is proud to be a member of the New Media Centers, a group of the nation’s leading academic institutions and technology corporations dedicated to the advancement of technology in education.

Open access to the computer labs is available daily to facilitate individual exploration and to ensure adequate time outside of class for independent work. Students are not required to bring personal computers, but may find it beneficial to have their own depending on their major, individual schedule, and needs.

Students interested in purchasing their own computers are welcome to contact the Academic Computing office for advice on hardware and software selection and information on the educational discounts available. The University does not accept responsibility for the installation, maintenance, repair, or security of student-owned computers.

University Guidelines for Responsible Computing (Acceptable Use)

The University of the Arts provides access to computing and information resources for students, faculty, staff, and other authorized users in support of the University’s mission of teaching, creative exploration, research, and public service. Computing resources include host computer systems, University-sponsored computers and workstations, peripherals, software, electronic files, the UArts network, email services and the My UArts portal. Proper use demonstrates respect for intellectual property, ownership of data, systems security mechanisms, and each individual’s rights to privacy and to freedom from intimidation, harassment, and unwanted annoyance.

Under the auspices of the Provost’s Office, all University computer systems, including user files, may be monitored and/or confiscated at any time should any portion of the system be threatened, or its integrity, security, or proper use be in question, or for any reason, at the sole discretion of the Provost’s Office. Members of the University community should understand that all computer files and communications are subject to review, and should not expect such files and communications to be private.

All users of the University’s information and technology resources are expected:

  1. to respect the rights of others and not use such resources to threaten, endanger, harass, intimidate or insult others, or to engage in unlawful, defamatory, or obscene activity;
  2. to abide by all applicable licenses, copyrights, patents, intellectual property rights, contracts, security agreements, University policies, and other restrictions; and
  3. to use such resources solely for University-related activities and purposes;
  4. to behave responsibly with respect to these resources at all times, respecting the integrity and security of these resources;
  5. to respect the rights and property of others, including the right of privacy and confidentiality, the freedom of thought, inquiry and expression.

The University reserves the right to restrict or rescind computing privileges, or the use of any other University facilities or resources, in accordance with this and other applicable University policies when the user has exhibited inappropriate behavior in the use of such resources. Other discipline and remedial measures may be appropriate, as set forth in other applicable University policies.

The same policies and laws that govern faculty and student publications in traditional media are applicable to publications in computer media. With few exceptions, Web pages, electronic mail, and electronic files may not contain copyrighted material without the approval of the owner of the copyright. Likewise, theft or misuse of private property–whether it be tangible or intellectual property–is prohibited.

 

Examples of Inappropriate Behavior

This policy covers all types of inappropriate behavior. The following types of activities are selected examples of behaviors that are unethical, unlawful, and/or inappropriate.

  • Attempting to alter system, hardware, software, or account configuration.
  • Accessing or monitoring another individual’s accounts, files, software, electronic mail, or computer resources without the permission of the owner.
  • Misrepresenting one’s own identity, role, or the identity of any other person in any type of electronic communication.
  • Intentionally or negligently revealing passwords or permitting another to use one’s personal account.
  • Altering, or destroying communications, or intentionally compromising the security of electronic information passing through the UArts network.
  • Misrepresenting or implying that the content of a personal home page constitutes the views or policies of the University, or altering the University’s official website or related pages without prior authorization in writing.
  • Misusing the University’s computing resources so as to reduce their efficiency or to affect access to the detriment of other users.
  • Producing chain letters or broadcasting messages to individuals or lists of users, or producing any communication that interferes with the work of others.
  • Breaching or attempting to breach computer security systems, with or without malicious intent.
  • Engaging in any activity that might be harmful to systems, the network or to any stored information such as creating or propagating viruses, worms, Trojan horses, or other rogue programs, disrupting services, or damaging files.
  • Wasting system resources or overloading the UArts network with extra data.
  • Violating copyright and/or software license agreements.
  • Using computing resources for commercial or profit-making purposes without the written authorization of the University.
  • Downloading or posting to University computers, or transporting across University networks, material that is illegal, proprietary, in violation of University contractual agreements, or in violation of University policy.
  • Violating local, state or federal laws.

The University considers any violation of these regulations to be a serious offense. Violations may result in revocation or restriction of computer privileges; disciplinary action as outlined in the Code of Student Conduct, the Faculty and Staff Handbooks, and other University policies and procedures; or a referral to local, state, and/or federal authorities.

The above policies supplement the University’s Code of Conduct and all existing policies.

 

University Computers, Telephones, Equipment, and Resources

The University of the Arts provides access to computing and information resources, telephones and other equipment and resources for students, faculty, and staff to support the University’s mission of teaching, creative exploration, research, and public service. Recognizing the value of such resources to our education and artistic mission, the University has made substantial investment in such resources and equipment and expects them to be used for University purposes only, in accordance with University rules, policies, and directives. No University resources or equipment may be used improperly by any faculty, student, or staff member, or for personal gain or profit.

 

University of the Arts Email Policy

This policy applies to all members of The University of the Arts community and refers to all electronic mail resources at the University. Any person who uses the University’s electronic mail facilities consents to all of the provisions of this policy and agrees to comply with all of its terms and conditions and with all applicable state and federal laws and regulations. Violations may result in revocation or restriction of computer privileges; disciplinary action as outlined in the Code of Student Conduct, the Faculty and Staff Handbooks, and other University policies and procedures; or may be referred to local, state, and/or federal authorities.

General Use

The primary purpose of email accounts is to facilitate communication between users.

Email must be used in accordance with the responsible use provision contained in this policy.

Users shall not, under any circumstances, give their passwords for any email system to an unauthorized person nor shall they obtain any other individual’s password by any unauthorized means whatsoever. No user shall use the University’s email systems or services for the purpose of transmitting fraudulent, defamatory, harassing, obscene, or threatening messages, or for the promotion of non-university-authorized goods, services or personnel, or for any other communications that are prohibited by law.

Privacy and Email

Both the nature of email and the character of The University of the Arts environment make email less private than users may anticipate. The privacy of email messages may be compromised by the fact they must routinely pass through numerous computers and are sometimes seen by system administrators in the course of maintaining these systems, redirecting lost mail, or by assistants routinely screening colleagues’ mail.

Email Monitoring and Disclosure

The University of the Arts does not routinely monitor or inspect email. Nonetheless, email is subject to a number of laws, policies, and practices that apply to the disclosure and protection of The University of the Arts’ records. Examples include but are not limited to the Federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act; University personnel policies; disclosure pursuant to litigation; and other provisions of The University Guidelines for Responsible Computing.

The University of the Arts may access email accounts to satisfy a legal obligation or to ensure proper operation of the electronic mail facilities, and it reserves the right to take appropriate investigatory and/or disciplinary action.

Student Email

Students are responsible for regularly reading and responding to email sent by the University faculty, staff, and administration to the students’ UArts email account for the entirety of the time they are enrolled at the University. Each student is assigned an email account upon enrolling, and is responsible for activating their account by the first day of classes of their first semester of attendance. Students can activate their email account online through the University portal. A letter containing the user account and pin number will be mailed to the student’s home residence before the start of classes. The portal url address is https://myuarts.uarts.edu. Email and Portal support can be obtained by visiting Network Services in Room 250 in Hamilton Hall, via telephone at 215-717-6997, or by emailing portalsupport@uarts.edu.

Students are also expected to regularly check the MY UArts Portal for University-related announcements and notifications. The portal is the primary source for student information, which includes grades, class schedules, transcripts, degree audits, and GPAs.

Please note that information such as this is no longer mailed to students via U.S. mail, except upon request. Access to the portal, including student email, is available in the open computer labs on campus.

Email and portal accounts remain active for enrolled students and students on approved hiatus and will not be terminated unless the student is withdrawn from the University. The accounts for students who graduate from the University will remain active for one year from the graduation date, however, those interested in keeping their accounts beyond this time period can call the Development office at 215-717-6140 to make appropriate arrangements.