Computer Usage

In recent years, advances in technology have made it necessary for our department to issue warnings
regarding online behavior and downloading of audio and video files. Please consult the Academic and Computer Networking Services help desk or the Guide to Computing for specific policies and instructions on how to get set up on campus.

Here are a few things to think about when using your computer at Florida State University:

Downloading or sharing copyrighted material is prohibited. S.C.C. (L) 2

Computers will not be used as servers. S.C.C. M4 III (c) 2.

FSU is a public entity under the laws of Florida. As such, you do not have a reasonable expectation of privacy for anything you do using a computer owned by FSU or connected to the FSU network. By accepting a computer account at FSU you are agreeing to the policies concerning privacy and proper computer use.

Commercial advertising on unofficial Web sites using a University computing account is a violation of University policy. Individuals are prohibited from using their computing accounts in association with any commercial purpose or enterprise. Users who violate policies may be denied access to University resources and may be subject to other penalties and disciplinary action, both within and outside the University. Violations may be handled through the University disciplinary procedures applicable to the relevant user. Additionally, the University may temporarily suspend, block or restrict access to an account, independent of such procedures, when it reasonably appears necessary to do so in order to protect the integrity, security, or functionality of University or other resources or to protect the University from liability. The University may also refer suspected violations of applicable law to appropriate law enforcement agencies.

What happens if I break a policy?

Policies have been developed to protect the rights and encourage the responsibility of resident students and to maintain orderly conduct for the educational process of this institution. Such rules are incorporated in our Community Expectations, the University Housing Contract and the Florida State University’s Student Conduct Code and Procedures. A respect for the rights and privileges of others is the basic assumption of our educational mission.

Adjudication Procedures - Staff, students, and University Police record incidents of possible policy violations using a Behavior Report Form (also known as a Documentation Form). Behavior Reports are referred to the judicial officer (Coordinator, Assistant Coordinator, or Hall Director) of the hall where the incident occurred. Housing staff will contact and schedule appointments with students who have been documented for allegedly violating a policy. At the scheduled meeting, the judicial officer will inform the student of his/her rights under the University judicial system and a hearing body will be selected. If the case is heard administratively, the judicial officer will determine whether or not the student is responsible for a policy violation. The case may be referred to the Residence Hall Judicial Board. If the case is referred to the Judicial Board, an appointment is scheduled that is acceptable to all parties. If a charged student fails to attend the scheduled hearing, the case may be heard in his/her absence. Students found responsible for policy violations may be issued educational sanctions to follow or complete. If a student fails to complete the sanctions, a judicial hold may be placed on his or her student record. This hold will prevent a student from registering for classes and obtaining transcripts.

Appeals - Appeal procedures protect the interests and rights of resident students found responsible for violations of university or housing policy. Appeal requests may be granted for the following reasons:
1) Irregularities in due process that affected the outcome of the initial hearing;
2) Demonstrated prejudice against any party by the person presiding over the hearing. Such prejudice must be proven by a conflict of interest, bias or pressure of influence, that precluded a fair and objective hearing;
3) Discovery of new and significant evidence not available at the time of the original hearing;
4) A sanction that is extraordinarily disproportionate to the offense;
5) The preponderance of the evidence presented at the hearing does not support a finding of “responsible”. Appeals based on this consideration will be limited solely to a review of the records of the first-level hearing. Appeals must be submitted to the appropriate appellate officer within five class days after the student is notified of the initial decision. Appeal forms are available at the Residence Life Office, located in the Student Life Building. Appellate hearings will be scheduled within 10 class days of receiving the appeals form. The appellate hearing will be tape recorded. On appeal, the burden of proof rests with the student to clearly show that an error has occurred during the first level hearing process. The appellate hearing officer may affirm, modify, reverse, or remand the first-level decision, or order that a new hearing will be held. The appellate decisions will be communicated within fifteen days of an appellate hearing, unless notification is given that additional time is necessary for consideration of the record on appeal. Refer to the 2004-2005 Student Handbook, the 2004-2005 Housing Agreement and the Community Expectations listed in this publication for a comprehensive listing of policies and procedures.

When is Parental Notification necessary?
Parents of Florida State University students will be immediately notified of a student’s involvement with alcohol and other drug violations under the following circumstances:
1. A student has been transported to the hospital or required residence hall staff assistance due to their consumption of alcohol and/or other drugs.
2. A student under the age of 18 is allegedly involved in an alcohol or other drug incident.

What is the “Parental Notification Letter”?
In situations where students (18 or older) have been found responsible for a violation of the Florida State University alcohol or other drug policy, students will be required to complete an action statement explaining the nature of the situation and circumstances that led to the violation. This statement will be maintained in the student’s disciplinary for a period of 12 months. If the student is found responsible for a subsequent violation of the alcohol and other drug policy, a copy of this statement will be sent home along with official notification of the University.