Schreiner University Electronic Mail Policy
Approved by Executive Council June 9, 1999; updated March 30, 2001                                           

This policy applies to all Schreiner University e-mail users. Use of this, and other electronic resources is a privilege and must be treated as such. Misuse of e-mail can result in the loss of access to e-mail and/or other resources.

Purpose
This document does not cover every possible situation that pertains to appropriate or inappropriate use of e-mail. However, this document does provide a framework of responsible behavior expected by Schreiner University.   Additional information on responsible computing usage is contained within the "Schreiner University Responsible Computing Policy".

Guidelines

• Fraudulent, harassing or obscene messages and/or materials are not to be sent, printed, requested, displayed or stored.

• Any use of e-mail, such as (but not limited to) congestion of e-mail systems, that would deprive others of resources is prohibited.

• Any activities that would compromise the security of the server or cause undue hardship on the network equipment is prohibited.

• Chain letters and other forms of mass mailings are not allowed.

• Commercial use of e-mail is not allowed.

• Any communication that violates Schreiner University policies and/or local, state or federal laws and regulations is prohibited.

• The content and maintenance of an electronic mailbox is the responsibility of the person to whom the e-mail account is assigned.

• 30 days after fall semester begins, any mailbox that has not been checked since May graduation will be emptied without notification.

• From the beginning of the fall semester to May graduation, any message that is not downloaded within 30 days of receipt will be deleted automatically.

• The size limit of a mailbox is 5 MB. Any message received after this limit is reached will be rejected.

• Check your e-mail often and remove messages that are no longer needed. Messages needed beyond the time limits stated above should be downloaded to personal disks or printed for future reference.

• E-mail messages are considered private unless they have been explicitly made available to others. Every attempt is made to assure the security of Schreiner University’s e-mail system so that there is a reasonable expectation that e-mail cannot be read by unauthorized individuals. However, this is not a guarantee of the privacy of messages. Any inspection of electronic files, and any action based upon such inspection, will be governed by all applicable U. S. and Texas laws and by University policies.

• Be aware of the potential for forged e-mail. If a person has acquired another individual's password, that person can pretend to be the other individual and send forged mail. (This would be a policy violation but it can happen if someone is careless with their password.) A unique "good" password (not easily guessed) should be maintained.

• An e-mail account may be disabled without notice if it is believed that the user represents a serious threat to system or mail integrity. After review, the account may be restored or deleted. Every attempt will be made to notify the account holder.

• A person’s user-name and e-mail address may be published in an online directory.