All users of the University of the Southwest Network are required to follow the University's Responsible Use and Best Practices of the Southwest Networks, which includes complying with federal copyright laws. Specifically, the Responsible Use Agreement requires that users not share copyrighted material over the University network, including web pages, peer to peer file sharing software, and email. This applies to personally owned computers as well as University owned computers, if they are accessing the University network. Please be sure that you have rights for any material you are making available or sharing on the University network. If you're not sure if it's legal, it may well not be.
Any sharing of copyrighted materials on the University network is a violation of the Responsible use and Best Practices of the Southwest Network and may lead to disciplinary proceedings and, in some cases, legal action.
For a full explanation of the University's policies as they apply to all University of the Southwest's students, visit the Student Handbook, the official statement of University policies and regulations and expected standards of student conduct.
It is impossible to prevent all forms of peer-to-peer sharing without adversely affecting legitimate network functions. However, all systems on the USW network are monitored for traffic flow and packet shaping. The results of this monitoring may be used if peer to peer and/or copyright violations are suspected.
The University network uses Tipping Point to block peer to peer file sharing between all systems and external web sites.
By using files haring applications you may be making yourself vulnerable to identity theft. Learn more about the Hidden Risk of File sharing.
If you are using file sharing software, please see Disabling Peer-to-Peer File Sharing information on the Disabling P2P Programs page. For more information about copyright please visit the Scarborough Memorial Library Computer Use Policy.