Armstrong Atlantic State University (AASU) supports the academic mission of the institution with technology resources that address student, faculty, staff, and community needs. To effectively meet these needs in the most efficient and ethical manner possible, the following policies were developed and implemented regarding computer usage. These policies address a Board of Regents directive requiring implementation of clearly stated computer security and ethics policies and are consistent with other policies at fellow University System of Georgia institutions and other well established and professional organizations (e.g. Educause, SANS).

Rapid advancements in information technology has made data management an increasingly vital part of the University's day-to-day operations, and the Computer and Information Services department is committed to maintaining those resources in a manner that best benefits the University community. As the reliance on information technology increases, so does the value of data and software in terms of restoration costs or losses due to accidental or unauthorized disclosure. For that reason, information processed by computers and transmitted through networks should be recognized as a major University asset and protected accordingly.

These documents will describe and address Acceptable Use of Computers, Acceptable Use of the Network, Accountability, and Password Policy and the assets that the University is trying to protect, as well as the potential threats to these assets. Definitions of key terms are provided as are resources used in the development of these documents. Finally, the individuals who are responsible for approving this document, making changes, and making this document accessible will be enumerated.

Statement of Purpose

The purpose of this document is to clearly articulate to the AASU community appropriate utilization of the computers, networks and related services at Armstrong Atlantic State University. Providing a well-maintained and smoothly functioning computing environment requires fair and reasonable distribution and availability of computers and network resources, and assurance of personal privacy and data integrity. All members of the AASU community must cooperate and adhere to these guidelines to achieve these goals. These policies formally document specific acceptable and unacceptable uses of AASU computer and network resources, and seek to educate those in the AASU community about their responsibilities regarding computers and the network. Users of the computing resources at Armstrong Atlantic State University are responsible for understanding this policy and abiding by it. This policy document is readily accessible and distributed via print and electronic means to the AASU community. Lack of knowledge of these policies is not an excuse for failure to observe them. Policy violations will incur similar disciplinary measures as do violations of other University policies or state or federal laws, including legal action in extreme cases.


Index of Specific Documents Comprising the
AASU Computer, Network, and Information Policies

Printable Version of All Policy Documents

1. AASU Acceptable Use Policy for Computers- This document represents the University-wide guidelines and responsibilities required to maintain acceptable and proper use of all AASU computer resources and services. The intent of this policy is to educate users about their responsibilities regarding computing resources and services while identifying certain unacceptable uses of computing resources and services.

2. AASU Acceptable Use Policy for the Network- This document represents the University-wide guidelines and responsibilities required to maintain acceptable and proper use of all AASU network resources and services. The intent of this policy is to educate users about their responsibilities regarding computing resources and services while identifying certain unacceptable uses of network resources and services.

3. AASU Accountability- The purpose of this policy is to outline the accountability guidelines for use of computer equipment and network access at Armstrong Atlantic State University.  These responsibilities are in place to protect the employee and Armstrong Atlantic State University.  Unaccountablilty promotes a “get away with what you can” attitude which can introduce unacceptable risks and legal responsibility above present job classifications to the employee and Armstrong Atlantic State University. 

4. AASU Password Policy-This document outlines guidelines for the acceptable use of AASU computer and network passwords.

AASU Web Standards - The publication criteria stipulated in this document include minimal stylistic consistency standards and some guidance on the legal and procedural nuances of communicating on the World Wide Web. These standards address official home pages and other official pages.

Definition of terms - This document defines key terms so that the user can clearly understand the policy statements with terms that are as precise and specific as possible.

Resources Used in the Development of These Policies - A variety of highly reliable internet sources were used in the development of these policies including SANS, EDUCAUSE, and others representing highly regarded organizations and institutions including Colleges and Universities within the University System of Georgia.