Consequently, students in the USC community are expected to exercise responsibility, use computing resources ethically, respect the rights and privacy of others, and operate within the bounds of the law and of University policy and standards. The University reserves the right to restrict the use of its computer facilities and limit access to its networks when faced with evidence of violations of University policies or standards, of contractual obligations or of federal or state laws. The University has the right to remove or limit access to material posted on or transmitted by its computers. Software, files and materials stored on or transmitted by University computer equipment will be considered property of the University. In matters not controlled by law or institutional policy, the University urges students to exhibit ethical conduct in the use of computing resources.
Electronic communication is ubiquitous and less personal in nature than other forms of interaction.
Students are encouraged to engage in such communication within bounds of reasonable civility. In accord with federal and state law, the University reserves the right to examine material stored on or transmitted through its facilities. The University will examine files only when and to the extent that reasonable business need requires for protection and maintenance of the system. Users of the University's computer facilities assume full responsibility for their experiences. The University cannot and will not protect individuals against the existence or receipt of material that may be offensive to them except in cases of violation of the law or of University policy or standards, and then only where technically feasible.