VT Acceptable Usage Policy

Using Virginia Tech computers, networks, and data comes with responsibilities. Access is granted subject to university policy and to local, state, and federal law. Acceptable use is ethical, reflects academic honesty, and shows restraint with shared resources — it respects intellectual property, data ownership, system security, and other people’s privacy.

The governing document is Policy 7000: Acceptable Use and Administration of Computer and Communication Systems (PDF). Every person using these systems is expected to know and follow it.

You must

• Use resources only for authorized purposes.
• Protect your account and devices from unauthorized use — you’re responsible for everything done under your userid.
• Access only information that is yours, public, or authorized to you.
• Use only legal, licensed copies of software.
• Be considerate with shared resources — don’t monopolize systems, overload the network, or waste capacity.

You must not

• Use someone else’s account, files, or data without permission.
• Use tools to decode passwords or access-control information.
• Attempt to circumvent security measures on any system or network.
• Do anything purposefully harmful — spreading malware, disrupting service, or making unauthorized changes to university data.
• Use university systems for commercial or partisan political purposes.
• Make, store, or transmit illegal copies of copyrighted material.
• Harass or intimidate anyone through mail or messaging, or impersonate another user.
• Waste computing or network resources (endless loops, chain letters, mass mailings).
• Use university systems or networks for personal gain.

Enforcement

Virginia Tech treats any violation as a serious offense. The university reserves the right to examine files related to alleged misuse and to protect its network from threats. Violators are subject to discipline under the Honor Codes, the University Policies for Student Life, and employee handbooks, and may be prosecuted under applicable state and federal law.

Learn more

• Policy 7000 (full text, PDF)
• VT IT Policies & Standards — the full policy index
• Questions about AAD systems? Open a ticket or email aadithelp@vt.edu.