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Web Guidelines
for
Computer Users

(from Purdue Executive Memorandum No. C-42)

Overview

The IPFW Data Network, through its connection to the Internet computer network, provides IPFW faculty, staff, and students with access to the World Wide Web (WWW) information facility. Throughout the WWW, information is made available in collections of electronic data called pages. Pages are usually organized in sets of individual pages that are linked together. The base page of a set of linked pages is commonly referred to as a home page. Pages are stored and maintained on network-connected computers called Web servers. Web servers with network names registered in an official IPFW network domain shall be considered IPFW Web servers.

The University recognizes the value of the WWW as a publication and information distribution facility. This policy outlines the responsibilities of individuals and groups affiliated with the University who publish on the WWW, and delimits the University's responsibility for WWW pages published using IPFW's Web servers. For the purposes of this policy, any user who creates a WWW page of any type and installs it on an IPFW Web server is considered to have published that page.

Application

This policy applies to all users of the resources and facilities at the University and its related foundations and organizations.

General Rules on Information Content

n general, University policies and regulations that apply to the content of publications and communications apply to contents of WWW pages published using IPFW's Web servers. In particular, all information included in WWW pages on IPFW Web servers must:

  • Comply with all laws governing copyrights, intellectual property, libel, and privacy.
  • Not violate any policy, rule or regulation of the University.
  • Not be used for non-IPFW commercial activities. For the purposes of this policy, activities such as publishing textbooks and other academic works are considered to be IPFW activities. . . .


WWW Pages Published by Faculty, Staff and Students

Faculty, staff, and students may create WWW pages for use in their various academic and administrative duties and activities and may publish them on IPFW Web servers. The contents of individuals' WWW pages published on IPFW Web servers must comply with the General Rules on Information Content stated in this policy.

Individuals' WWW pages are not University publications and the contents of these pages do not necessarily represent the views of the University.

Individual departments and administrative units may define additional conditions for the creation and publication of WWW pages by faculty, staff, and students under their supervision. Any such additional conditions must be consistent with this overall policy but may include more detailed guidelines and, where necessary and appropriate, additional restrictions.

Student Organization WWW Pages

Recognized student organizations may create WWW pages and may publish them on an IPFW Web server. After verification by a designated member of the Office of the Dean of Students that the student organization is active and officially recognized by the University, a link may be created from an official IPFW home page to the student organization's home page.

Student organization WWW pages are not University publications and their contents do not necessarily represent the views of the University.

The contents of student organization WWW pages must comply with the General Rules on Information Content stated in this policy.

Terms and Conditions of Use

Any person who uses the WWW facilities at IPFW consents to all of the provisions of this policy and agrees to comply with all of its terms and conditions and with all applicable local, state, and federal laws and regulations.

Any user of the Web whose actions involving the WWW violate this policy, or any other University policy or regulation, may be subject to limitations or elimination of WWW privileges as well as other disciplinary actions.