Quick Reference: Do’s & Don’ts

✅ Allowed / Expected

  • Use computers for classwork, research, and communication
  • Send email under your own name
  • Respect others’ files, accounts, and privacy
  • Install software only with IT approval
  • Report tech problems or suspicious activity to IT

❌ Not Allowed

  • Harassing, threatening, or offensive messages/images
  • Recreational game playing on the network
  • Illegal downloading or sharing of copyrighted files (music, movies, etc.)
  • Installing unlicensed or unauthorized software
  • Attempting to break into systems or spread malware
  • Using Waldorf resources for personal profit
  • Connecting personal devices to the network without authorization
  • Sending unapproved campus-wide emails

⚠️ Violations may result in:

  • Loss of computer or network access
  • Disciplinary action under Student Services or employment policies
  • Permanent record of violation
  • Legal consequences, if applicable

Computer Use Policy

Waldorf University provides computer resources to support the educational goals of the university. These resources must be used in ways that align with Waldorf’s mission:

“Waldorf University educates the entire person, equipping students for lives of fulfillment in communities where they live and serve.”

All use of Waldorf computer systems must be educational, ethical, courteous, and lawful. Users must also follow the National Science Foundation’s Acceptable Use Policy for internet access.

Regulations

Priority of Use

Open computing resources (labs, library, AACE, network connections) are prioritized in this order:

  1. Academic assignments
  2. Academic research and investigation
  3. Administrative projects
  4. Email and general internet access

Respect for Others

    • Do not use resources to threaten, harass, or bully others.
    • Messages, email, wallpapers, and screen savers must be in good taste.
    • All communication must be sent under your own name.
    • Do not disrupt network services for other users.
    • Student-initiated campus-wide emails require departmental approval.

Responsibilities

    • You are responsible for all activity under your user ID.
    • You may be billed for damage or theft of university equipment.
    • Insurance coverage for personal liability is the user’s responsibility.
    • Only IT staff may authorize software installations.
    • Unauthorized software modifications will result in repair charges.

Legal Issues

    • Illegal or criminal activities are strictly prohibited.
    • Installing or using unlicensed software is illegal.
    • Copying or distributing copyrighted material (music, movies, files) without permission violates U.S. Copyright Law and the DMCA.
    • Spreading or developing malware (viruses, worms, Trojan horses) is prohibited.
    • Circumventing policy with tunneling or similar software is a violation.

Ethical Use

    • Only use the user ID assigned to you.
    • Do not attempt to access or alter other users’ files or accounts.
    • Do not attempt to break into secured systems.
    • Do not develop or distribute disruptive software.

Efficient Use of Resources

    • Recreational game playing on the university network is prohibited.
    • Do not post, send, or receive offensive or obscene content.
    • Do not use resources for profit-making activities.
    • Only authorized personnel may modify hardware/software.
    • Avoid excessive use of system resources.
    • Campus-wide emails must relate to:
      • University-sponsored activities
      • Sales promotions approved by the Dean of Students
      • Official university communications

For lost & found, items for sale, or ride requests, please use daily campus announcements, not campus-wide emails.

Unauthorized Use

    • Only university-issued equipment may connect to the campus network.

Violations of Regulations

    • Abuse by employees will be handled through administrative channels.
    • Abuse by students will be handled through Student Services.
    • The IT Department may immediately disable network ports or accounts to protect campus security.
    • Violations are considered a Level 2 (subject to review) offense under the Living Guidelines and may result in:
      • Limited, temporary, or permanent loss of access
      • A permanent record of violation
      • Dismissal from Waldorf University
      • Legal action if necessary

Waldorf University reserves the right to use monitoring software at any time without notice.

Computer System Access

    • Internet use is restricted to current directors, trustees, officers, employees, and students.
    • Requests for outside use may be submitted to the IT Department and reviewed by the Technology Committee.
    • Public access is available in the Luise V. Hanson Library.
    • IT staff routinely monitor system performance to ensure efficiency. Use of Waldorf systems implies consent to such monitoring.

Security

    • While Waldorf systems have dependable security, no system is completely private.
    • Highly sensitive or personal documents should not be stored on university systems or sent via email.
    • Waldorf treats all electronic files as confidential, but all use remains subject to U.S., Iowa, and international law.

Policy Updates

Waldorf University reserves the right to update or change this policy at any time.

Getting Help

The Institutional Technologies (IT) Department is here to support you. We’re located on the 3rd Floor of Salveson Hall.

📧 Email: WAL-IT-SUPPORT@waldorf.edu

📞 Phone: 641.585.8150

Department Hours: Mon-Fri, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

After Hours: 📧 Email WAL-IT-SUPPORT@waldorf.edu to submit a ticket. We’ll respond as soon as possible.