Computer Use Policy
The Institute offers computing, information and technology resources in support of the Institute's mission to pursue the highest standards of learning, research, and instruction. Included in these resources are computers, classrooms, laboratories, and staff offices connected to the Internet through the Mass General Brigham's data network, network printers, proprietary software licensed for use on Institute computers, access to Internet resources, and access to databases and other electronic educational resources; primarily through MGH Treadwell Library. Students, faculty and staff are provided a logon to the Mass General Brigham network and email address. All users must comply with and are required to sign the Mass General Brigham's Electronic Communications & Acceptable Use Policy. The use of these resources is a privilege, not a right of membership in the Institute community, and is non-transferable. It is intended solely for the administrative and educational purposes of the Institute community. These privileges are only made available to current students, faculty, and staff.
State and federal laws as well as official Institute policies govern usage of computing resources. In instances where data is transferred across the Internet or other networks, users are advised that acceptable use policies of those other networks may limit usage. Since March 2010, compliant with state law, all laptop computers and mobile devices connecting to the Mass General Brigham network must be encrypted or pass code protected respectively.
The Institute reserves the right to change its usage policies and procedures at any time, including setting limits or prohibiting access, and to limit individual storage space on network servers.
User Responsibilities - Users agree as a condition of use to accept personal responsibility for considerate, ethical, and responsible behavior in using available resources including:
• Respect for the rights of others including privacy and freedom from offensive intrusion.
• Respect for intellectual property and ownership rights
• Adhering to all applicable copyright laws and licenses, copying only software distributed as 'freeware' or 'shareware.' Infringement of copyright laws may subject persons to fines and/or imprisonment
• Understanding and implementing basic user skills
• Ensuring account and network security