Policies - 14.0 - 14.2

14.0 Use of Information Technology

Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to identify the types of information technology available and the appropriate use of each type.

Policy Statement
It is the policy of The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center to provide information technology that supports the needs of the institution. Students are expected to utilize such technology skillfully, professionally and in the best interests of the institution.

All documents, communications, e-mail messages, data, or information acquired, created, stored, maintained, sent or received, on any of M. D. Anderson's information technology equipment are the property of the institution. M. D. Anderson reserves the right to access, enter, search, inspect, monitor and disclose any messages or information on such equipment under circumstances covered by state and institutional information security standards.

Because of a state agency's right to access any and all information, tangible or otherwise, that is stored in, or stored utilizing, state property, students have no expectation of privacy with regard to any such information or state property.

14.1 Computers

Computer access is provided by departmental request and Director's approval. Access to computer networks requires each user to use a password. Students should not disclose their passwords to others. The student to whom the password is assigned is responsible for all activity made while using the password. Only software owned or approved by the institution will be installed on computers connected to institutional computer networks. Only screen savers licensed by M. D. Anderson may be used. During orientation, all new students sign a User Acknowledgment and Nondisclosure Agreement (pdf) from Information Services Security & Risk Management and are subject to all provisions in the form. This form is filed in the student's official personnel file. The form covers such topics as disclosure of information, passwords, and log-on ID's, circumventing computer security, confidential and sensitive information, reporting of violations, and disciplinary action for a violation of this policy.

The use of the Internet is primarily for business purposes, accessed at the office or through an institutional Remote Access Service (RAS). School time will not be used to "surf" the Internet for non-school related extraneous information, game playing, or non-business communications. Accessing material that may be perceived as harassing or offensive (audio, verbal or pictorial) is prohibited.

Because of the bandwidth used to operate audio and video programs downloaded from the Internet, such programs may be used only if they are school-related. Prior to their separation date, students must turn in all information equipment issued (for both office and home use).

Students abusing or misusing information technology are subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination from the program.

14.2 Telephones

Calls should be answered promptly, courteously, and in a spirit of helpfulness. The caller, whether external or internal, should be assisted or transferred/directed to a more appropriate source for assistance. Department telephones are primarily for business purposes; personal use should be limited, both in frequency and length of call. Personal long distance calls from institutional telephones must be made using a personal long distance calling card. In emergencies, the director of the program may approve a long distance call for a student, who must reimburse the institution for the call. Courtesy phones are for the primary use of patients and visitors. Due to increased noise nuisance, cellular phones and pagers must be TURNED OFF during lecture and rotations.

Students abusing or misusing information technology are subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination from the program.