Date of Graduation
1997
Document Type
Dissertation/Thesis
Abstract
The campus computer network is available to students on nearly every university campus. Needing to know how to interact electronically as well as the potential to reach libraries throughout the world is well chronicled and is becoming a matter of students' common knowledge. Problems that can arise on a campus range from new ways to cheat to new methods of threatening to do harm. The purpose of this study then, was to develop a representative policy for student use of campus computer networks at Research I and II institutions. Separate surveys were sent to the chief student affairs and chief academic affairs officers at all Research I and Research II institutions. In addition, a request was made for a copy of campus policies that directly regulate student use of campus computer networks, and also the student code for each institution. Finally, respondents were asked to provide information related to their experiences with campus computer network policy violations and how those matters were adjudicated. The information received was analyzed as to the components of policies, the frequency, type, and scope of infractions, and the campus climate overall. Upon completing the analysis of survey results and submitted policies, a representative campus computer network policy was developed. The application of new technology presents constantly emerging challenges to educators because students' familiarity with computers is most often developed as a social instrument rather than for use in an academic discipline. Given the advantages of the campus computer network to the educational process, its use and development will continue. Recognition of the frequency of misuse, the types of misuse most common to student use, and students' pre-existing experience with computer networks is essential to avoiding legal consequences and damage to an institution's reputation. A sound policy for use is required, but one which is readily available to students and is widely known by students.
Recommended Citation
Hale, Jeffrey Scott, "The development of a representative policy for student use of campus computer networks at Research I and II institutions." (1997). Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports. 8977.
https://researchrepository.wvu.edu/etd/8977