As a student at the University of Virginia, you will have many opportunities to improve your proficiency in the use of information technologies. As a leader in the 21st century, you will learn how specific technologies within your major field of study are used, guiding you toward success in your classes and in your career. The University provides access to information technology resources such as email accounts, databases, servers, and the network. University determines who may use these resources and provides guidance regarding their intended use. In return, the University expects you to utilize these resources responsibly, in accordance with University policy, and with local, state, and federal laws. The University reserves the right to terminate access to IT resources whenever such action is deemed appropriate, such as for policy violations or malicious use.
Note: In order to connect your electronic device to the University of Virginia's network, you will have to register it. This registration associates your Computing ID with your device and its network activity.
Who Owns What?
We will use the possessive word “your” frequently in this booklet, but the term does not always mean ownership. In some cases, it means “exclusive use.” You may own a personal computer or workstation. You will make the decisions about how that equipment will be used. You may own a software license — word processing or spreadsheet software, perhaps — that you purchased from a software vendor. Your license usually allows you to possess one copy of this software for your own use. The same is true for software provided by the University for your use. It allows you to use the software while you are affiliated with the University. The general rule is ONE purchase, ONE copy, ONE USE.
The University owns the central computers, departmental computer labs, public computer labs, the computers it places on its employees’ desks, the printers and other devices it has attached to them, and all the software it has installed on them. The University determines who may use these resources and how they may use them.
The University owns the University network — all the wires, wireless hubs, cables, and routers that connect the central computers, computer labs, microcomputer sites, and perhaps your personal computer to each other and, beyond the Grounds, to the Internet. The University determines who is authorized to use its network, and can limit the nature of the use.