Libraries, Computing & Technology
Beaumont Tower at MSUClose-up of a computer part

Guidelines & Policies

Acceptable Use of the MSU Network

Michigan State University Acceptable Use of Computing Systems, Software, and the University Digital Network
MSU's administrative ruling on the acceptable use of computing systems, software, and MSU's digital network...
Abuse
For reporting abuse of MSU's Acceptable Use Policy...
Appropriate Use of MSU E-mail Services by Internal Users on MSUnet
The purposes of these guidelines are to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of electronic communication, and to minimize the amount of undesired e-mail that members of the MSU community receive from other members of the MSU community...(This document updates and replaces the May 2, 2009, version.)
Copyright Advice from the Digital & Multimedia Center, MSU Libraries
Find resources about copyright law and on obtaining permissions from rights holders.
Copyright and Patent Policy at MSU
Download handbooks from MSU Technologies.
DMCA (Digital Millennium Copyright Act) Procedures
When MSU receives a complaint that someone is in violation of the DMCA, generally by sharing files on a computer that is connected to the MSU network, MSU is required by federal law to contact the individual and ensure that all activity has been stopped.
See also Copyright Complaint (DMCA) Processing at MSU.
HEOA (Higher Education Opportunity Act) Procedures
The University's Procedures for Addressing Instances of Possible Copyright Infringement on Michigan State University's (MSU) Computing Resources and Network (http://www.msu.edu/policy/dmca.html) forbid the unlawful copying or distribution of copyrighted works in any form. This document is the "written plan" required of the University under the copyright-related regulations associated with the Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008.
MSU Statement On Using Copyrighted Materials
Copyright is a form of protection provided by the laws of the United States (title 17, U.S. Code) to the authors of original works of authorship.…
“Settlement letters” and litigation from RIAA relating to illegal downloading of music [PDF]
April 30, 2007—"The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) has announced a new strategy in its efforts to stop illegal music downloading. The RIAA will notify alleged violators that they will be sued and give them the option to pay a settlement sum before a lawsuit is filed. Alleged violators who do not settle will face a lawsuit and the risk of a substantial court judgment or a costlier settlement. It is in your interest to understand what the RIAA is doing."

Managing Sensitive Data

Managing Sensitive Data Awareness Campaign
Information, links and other resources regarding managing sensitive data at Michigan State University. Included are sample documents for departmental use, information on training, and links to PCI-DSS pages.
Guidelines for Internal and External Reporting of Data System Security Breaches 16July09 [PDF]
Information regarding what constitutes an internally reportable data system security breach incident, definitions of confidential and proprietary data, breach reporting procedures and responsibilities, and procedures the University will follow to determine if external notice of a breach is necessary, and how external notification will be done.
Cloud Computing Services: Appropriate use of online software tools such as Google Apps, Gmail, and Microsoft Office Live
"Cloud Computing" promises to provide a large number and variety of services that will be very useful to faculty, staff, and students at MSU. The business models and terms of use of these services often involve a variety of real risks to users and the content they deploy in these services. This document provides guidance to help individuals make informed, well-considered choices about appropriate use of "Cloud computing" services. It includes explanations of current concepts of cloud computing, current examples, and factors all faculty, staff, and students should review. (This guidance document updates and replaces the November 3, 2007, DDC Memo)

Student-Specific Policies

MSU Student E-mail Communications Notice
An official MSU e-mail address is issued to each student at the time he or she is admitted to MSU. This is the only e-mail address that the university will use for sending official communications to students.
Student Computer Requirement
Undergraduate students entering MSU are required to bring a personal computer.

Web Publishing Guidelines

Web Accessibility at Michigan State University
For MSU's official policy on Web accessibility, and related guidelines and resources, please visit webaccess.msu.edu.
msu.edu Web Style Guide
As part of the 2006 redesign of the main msu.edu Web site, this guide was created to provide MSU Web content providers with some of the resources they need to design official MSU websites.