Technology Use Policy
Responsible use. Secure access. Integrity in every interaction.
1. Purpose and scope
Valor University provides technology to support learning, teaching, research, administration, and service. This policy applies to students, employees, contractors, and guests using university accounts, networks, devices, software, or information. It also applies to personal devices when accessing university systems or handling university data. All use must reflect honesty, respect, responsible stewardship, and applicable law.
2. Acceptable use
Use university resources primarily for authorized educational and university purposes. Limited personal use must not interfere with responsibilities, consume excessive resources, incur unauthorized costs, or violate university policies. Do not use these resources for unlawful activity, fraud, harassment, threats, discriminatory abuse, unauthorized commercial activity, or creating or distributing unlawful or sexually explicit material unrelated to an approved academic purpose. Do not disrupt services, bypass security controls, or access systems or information without permission.
3. Accounts and access
Use only accounts assigned to you or explicitly authorized for your role. Protect passwords with unique, strong credentials and enable multifactor authentication wherever available or required. Never share passwords, authentication codes, or access tokens. Lock unattended devices, sign out of shared computers, and promptly report suspected account compromise. Access is limited to legitimate responsibilities and may be changed or withdrawn when a role or affiliation ends.
4. Devices, software, and network security
Keep operating systems, browsers, and security software current. Use supported devices, screen locks, and encryption when handling sensitive information. Install only properly licensed software and obtain approval before adding software or services to university-managed systems. Do not disable security tools, introduce malicious software, connect unauthorized network equipment, or conduct vulnerability testing without written authorization. Personal devices accessing university resources must meet applicable security requirements.
5. Privacy and protection of information
Access, collect, use, and share only the information necessary for an authorized purpose. Protect student records, personnel information, financial data, credentials, and other confidential material. Use approved storage and sharing tools, verify recipients, and restrict access to authorized individuals. Do not transfer sensitive information to personal email, unapproved cloud services, or unsecured devices. Follow applicable privacy laws, including FERPA where applicable, and university retention requirements; do not delete records subject to a preservation notice.
6. Academic integrity and artificial intelligence
Technology must support, not replace, honest scholarship. Follow instructor directions for collaboration, assessments, recording, and the use of artificial intelligence. Do not present another person’s work or AI-generated material as your own. Disclose and cite assistance when required, verify accuracy and sources, and remain responsible for submitted work. Never enter confidential university information, protected student records, credentials, or unpublished work belonging to others into an AI tool without authorization.
7. Intellectual property and communications
Respect copyright, software licenses, and intellectual property rights. Do not download, copy, or distribute protected materials without permission or another lawful basis. Obtain required consent or authorization before recording classes, meetings, or individuals. Communicate respectfully, avoid impersonation and unsolicited bulk messages, and do not represent personal views as official university statements. Use university names, branding, and official accounts only as authorized.
8. System administration and privacy expectations
University systems may generate activity and security logs. Authorized personnel may review system activity or access university-held information when necessary for security, maintenance, legal compliance, or an authorized investigation, subject to applicable law and university procedures. Users should not assume absolute privacy when using university systems. Access to private information must be limited to personnel with a legitimate need; this policy does not authorize unrestricted access to personal accounts or devices.
9. Reporting security concerns
Promptly report lost or stolen devices, suspected phishing, unauthorized access, exposed information, and other security concerns through the university’s official contact channel. Do not approve unexpected authentication requests or open suspicious links or attachments. Preserve relevant messages and details, avoid further sharing of exposed information, and follow instructions from authorized personnel. Do not investigate suspected intrusions yourself. Good-faith reporting is encouraged.
10. Enforcement, exceptions, and review
The university may temporarily restrict access when necessary to protect people, information, or essential services. Suspected violations will be reviewed under applicable student, employment, or contractual procedures, with available notice and review rights. Outcomes may include required training, loss of access, disciplinary action, or referral to appropriate authorities. Exceptions require written authorization from university administration and must not override applicable law. This policy will be reviewed periodically and updated as technology and institutional needs change.
Questions or concerns?
Contact the University