ĢTV Technology Terms of Service

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ĢTV Technology Terms of Service

Background

These Terms of Service (“Terms”) apply to all individuals (“End Users”) using ĢTV’s network, technology services, computing equipment, telecommunications systems, and other technology or communications platforms (“Services”). Unless otherwise stated, the Terms apply to all ĢTV (“ĢTV”) End Users and Services.

Purpose

These Terms summarize the expected and appropriate use of ĢTV Services. In some cases the Terms reference other applicable ĢTV policies. End Users must comply with all applicable ĢTV codes of conduct and policies when using the Services, including any ĢTV policies not referenced here.

By using ĢTV Services, End Users agree to these Terms, including the policies referenced herein.

If you have questions about these Terms, contact the ĢTV Technology & Innovation (T&I) Support Center (704-894-2900, ti@davidson.edu, ).

Policy

Terms for All End Users

1) Purpose of Services: All Services are intended for academic, administrative, and non-commercial purposes related to the mission, objectives, and operations of ĢTV. Accordingly, End Users should use ĢTV Services in a manner appropriate for their intended use and in accordance with the College’s Statement of Purpose.

2) Requesting Exceptions to the Terms: These Terms include restrictions on the uses of Services to ensure that all Services are available for all End Users to the greatest extent possible. However, ĢTV’s teaching, learning and research mission may from time to time contemplate uses of Services that would not comply with these Terms. ĢTV T&I is committed to working with End Users to find alternative means of supporting such needs wherever possible. End Users concerned about a conflict between their desired uses of Services and these Terms should contact the T&I Support Center in advance to discuss any needed exceptions to these Terms or other policies.

3) Inappropriate Use of Services Prohibited: End Users must not use ĢTV Services:

  • For unethical, illegal or criminal purposes;
  • For personal economic gain or unauthorized commercial purposes;
  • In any manner that violates ĢTV’s codes of conduct or policies, including those on discrimination and harassment. 

4) Examples of Inappropriate Use of Services: Inappropriate uses of Services include, but are not limited to:

  • Creating, viewing, publishing, transmitting, recording, or storing any content or data that violates federal, state or local laws, including without limitation U.S. copyright laws;
  • Sending deceptive and false emails or electronic communications, or engaging in activities to defraud or trick someone;
  • Sending "spam," chain letters, or any other type of unauthorized widespread distribution of unsolicited email (see ĢTV’s guidelines on sending mass emails);
  • For employees, using ĢTV Services to support or oppose any candidate, party, or issue in an election for office or party nominations (see ĢTV’s policy on political activity in the Employee Guide);
  • Accessing, deleting, or modifying content including files and information to which the End User is not authorized;
  • Gaining unauthorized access to or interfering with the operation of ĢTV Services;
  • Interfering with the normal and reasonable use of ĢTV Services by others whether via ĢTV-owned or personally-owned devices;
  • Using ĢTV services (such as ĢTV’s network or computers) to gain unauthorized access to or interfering with non-ĢTV IT systems, websites and other Internet-accessible resources;
  • Except where explicitly authorized by T&I, probing or scanning ĢTV Services for security vulnerabilities or taking actions that may compromise the data or privacy of others (such as network packet captures) without the explicit authorization of T&I (see Section 11 below for more information);
  • Copying or stealing computer software or proprietary information, or violating the copyrights of others (for more information, see the College Copyright Policy and guidelines);
  • Deliberately altering or damaging ĢTV Services, ĢTV-owned devices, or the personally-owned devices of others.

5) Limited Personal Use Permitted: Reasonable personal use of ĢTV Services (such as computers and phones) with the approval of an employee’s supervisor is permitted, as long as it is performed in a safe, secure manner that otherwise complies with these Terms and other College policies.

6) Services Ownership and Privacy Expectations: Content on the Services may include ĢTV-owned information (like college records and data) as well as information ĢTV does not own (like student course submissions or content subject to the ĢTV Intellectual Property Policy). In either case, ĢTV Services are owned, operated and controlled by the College, and authorized staff including authorized third-party service providers may inspect and monitor Services including their content when necessary to responsibly manage and secure the Services or in response to authorized requests. 

  • ĢTV staff do not routinely inspect the content of emails, files and other content on the Services, but as the owner and operator of the Services, ĢTV does reserve the right to do so without advance notice to or the consent of End Users. End Users should have no expectation that any information created, transmitted, recorded, stored or posted on the Services will remain private.
  • ĢTV implements and uses automated security services to detect and block Internet sites, email messages, and other content that are known or likely to contain malware or other information security threats.
  • ĢTV maintains activity logs on ĢTV Services in accordance with technology and security best practices. (See the Log Retention Guidelines for details.)

For more details, see the College Access to Electronic Communications and Files Policy.

7) End User Credentials: Access to most ĢTV Services requires a username/email address and multiple security factors (such as a password and a mobile phone or security key). End Users may never post or share their credentials with other persons, including parents and family members, and must contact ĢTV’s T&I Support Center if they believe their account or credentials have been lost, stolen or compromised. Some Services are available to college guests or parents using separate login methods.

  • ĢTV staff may temporarily suspend End User accounts, devices or access to Services if we suspect or detect evidence of password or account compromise or other threats to the security of our Services.

8) Security and Configuration of Connected Devices: ĢTV provides network, internet and related telecommunications services to End Users, including to ĢTV-owned devices assigned to or used by them, and to End Users’ personal devices. Devices should be connected to the appropriate wireless or wired network for that type of device.

  • ĢTV-owned devices are managed and secured by authorized ĢTV staff. End Users are not permitted to disable, circumvent or change security and management settings on these devices.
  • End Users may connect allowed personally-owned devices to network services, and are responsible for ensuring the devices have the latest security updates provided by the manufacturer or software vendor and, where appropriate, updated anti-virus and security software.
  • End Users may not connect devices running end-of-life, unsupported, or insecure software to the ĢTV network or Services. ĢTV may disconnect or deny network access and other Services to such devices.
  • Some devices may never be connected to the ĢTV network, or connected only with permission. This includes personal Wi-Fi networks or routers, wireless printers, and devices that store or process credit card information. Consult the ĢTV Technology Purchasing Guide (ĢTV login required) or contact the T&I Support Center for more information.
  • While ĢTV staff make every effort to deliver network services that are secure, ĢTV cannot guarantee that malicious users or other parties are unable to intercept electronic communications. All users of network services should use secure, encrypted protocols and technologies for communications and applications, particularly those where End Users or ĢTV are at risk if communications are breached or intercepted.

9) Telecommunications Services: ĢTV is not responsible for cellular/mobile phone connectivity services provided by cell phone providers, and End Users should be aware that there is no guarantee of uninterrupted coverage on campus. Areas of no cellular coverage may exist in some places. ĢTV recommends that End Users enable “WiFi calling” or equivalent features on their mobile phone if supported by the carrier. End Users are responsible for ensuring that they register an E911 location/address with their carrier as required.

  • Employees who are issued a campus telephone number and/or desk phone are responsible for updating their E911 location when they change office/work locations by contacting the T&I Support Center or updating their location in the phone system through self-service means, if available.
  • ĢTV reserves the right to contact End Users by phone, SMS or similar methods to verify or restore End User access to Services or for other operational purposes as appropriate.

10) Personal and Departmental Internet/Web Services and Domain Names: ĢTV provides web hosting services for personal identity and other types of content. The End User requesting such services, or their department, is responsible for ensuring these services comply with the Terms.

  • Any subdomain of davidson.edu (such as somesite.davidson.edu) or any domain name that implies a ĢTV affiliation (such as somedavidsondepartment.org) must be approved by College Communications or their designee.
  • All publicly accessible websites affiliated with or linked to by the college must comply with ĢTV policies on accessibility. (See the Web Accessibility policy.)
  • All websites or Internet-facing services affiliated with or hosted by the college must be hosted in a location approved by T&I. The developer of the website/service is responsible for the effort and costs to update the site over time, including ensuring that security vulnerabilities are addressed in a timely fashion to T&I standards, and addressing end-of-life or obsolete technologies.
  • Restricted and Confidential data, as each is classified in the Data Security Policy, may not be hosted on personal/departmental Internet services or websites without the explicit permission of T&I.
  • Sites and services that do not meet these requirements may be limited to on-campus use only or disabled, as appropriate.

11) Reporting Security Issues or Malicious Content: End Users who receive a potentially malicious or dangerous email (such as one seeking to steal ĢTV credentials) or emails or other content containing viruses or malware should immediately report the event to the T&I Support Center. End Users who encounter a vulnerability or security issue in a ĢTV Service must cease using the Service immediately and contact the Support Center. Abuse or exploitation of vulnerabilities on ĢTV Services is explicitly prohibited.

12) Compliance with Export Control and Related Laws: ĢTV provides Services primarily for our operation as a residential liberal arts campus. Students, faculty and staff who access Services outside the United States or transport College-owned technology equipment internationally are responsible for understanding and complying with export and import regulations and applicable laws and vendor terms, including those that prohibit transporting or using encryption or other regulated technologies in prohibited countries as well as restrictions on the use of Services in some countries due to U.S. law or policies, including sanctions. Contact the College’s office of general counsel or the Chief Information Officer for more information.

13) Non-Compliance with These Terms: ĢTV may temporarily or permanently suspend End User access to some or all Services for actual or potential violations of these Terms or other ĢTV policies, or as required by law. End Users in violation of these Terms or ĢTV policy may also be subject to further disciplinary action by ĢTV and/or the Honor Council, as well as legal action by the proper authorities where violations of state or federal law are involved.

Additional Terms for ĢTV Employees (Including Student-Employees)

The following Terms apply to ĢTV faculty, staff, contractors and other employees, including student-employees in their employment capacity.

14) Responsibility for the Security of ĢTV Information: Information, data and other content that is owned by ĢTV is intended solely for the authorized use of employees to conduct ĢTV business. All employees are responsible for ensuring they are accessing, using and storing data in accordance with ĢTV policy. 

  • Some ĢTV information is protected by law, regulation, contract, or ĢTV policy in ways that restrict its use, access, download and sharing.
  • All employees who may access or create non-public information or information about persons other than themselves are expected to read, understand and comply with the Data Security Policy and Data Privacy Statement.
  • ĢTV employees with access to Restricted and Confidential information, as each is defined in the Data Security Policy, must transmit and store such data only on approved, encrypted Services and encrypted ĢTV-managed devices only; may not store such data on personally-owned devices; and should use additional security such as encryption or VPN when transferring or accessing such information over public networks;
  • All employees or students who are responsible for maintaining or managing information systems (including IT systems, servers, applications or other technology services that use ĢTV Services including hosting and the campus network) must read, understand and comply with the Information Systems Security Policy.
  • Some Services hosting Confidential and other sensitive data may only be accessed or accessed with full rights on College-owned and managed computers and devices; End Users may not attempt to circumvent such restrictions.

15) Responsibility for the Security of ĢTV Services including Computers/Devices: All employees with access to ĢTV Services are responsible for exercising appropriate caution and following best practices to ensure the security of such Services, including but not limited to any laptop, desktop or other computer issued to them. This includes:

  • Physically securing computers and devices, including securing one’s workspace and taking special care with portable devices to avoid their theft or loss;
  • Returning any devices or removable media to T&I when no longer needed or at end of employment to ensure it is securely erased or destroyed in accordance with ĢTV standards;
  • Accepting and installing operating system, software and other updates on devices and other Services in a timely manner to minimize security vulnerabilities and protect device and Services from compromise;
  • Not circumventing any cybersecurity and backup software implemented by T&I on devices and Services;
  • Requesting approval from T&I before implementing any technologies allowing devices on the campus network or other Services to be accessed from outside the campus network (e.g. remote control software);
  • Logging off Services and devices when no longer in active use, and locking devices when stepping away from an office or workspace so that others may not access them;
  • Reporting any security concerns in a Service or device in a timely fashion.

16) College Purchases of Technology: T&I is responsible for all technology purchases at ĢTV.

  • All ĢTV-owned technology devices (including computers, servers, tablets, research equipment, etc.) must be purchased by ĢTV T&I regardless of funding source, and must be returned to ĢTV at the end of its service lifespan or when its assigned End User is no longer affiliated with ĢTV. For more details, see the Computer Workstation Purchasing policy.
  • All other Services (including software applications hosted at ĢTV as well as IT services provided and hosted by a third-party or vendor) must be reviewed and approved by T&I. No contract involving technology may be signed without review of the Chief Information Officer or their designee. For more details, see the ĢTV Technology Purchasing Guide.

17) Termination of Access Upon Departure: All access to ĢTV Services ordinarily ends automatically following the end of a faculty or staff appointment at the college. Accounts are deactivated and later deleted according to an automated schedule based on role and date of departure; contact the T&I Support Center for details. It is the responsibility of departing faculty and staff and their supervisors to arrange the orderly transition of files, emails and other content from the employee’s account for ongoing departmental or college use. The College Access to Electronic Communications Policy also provides for supervisors, managers and department chairs to access departed employees’ files and other content before account deletion if required.

  • Faculty who are granted emeriti status may be eligible to retain access to select Services including their email account and a computer. During the transition to the applicable emeriti status, the faculty member must work with T&I to ensure that any confidential College data are transferred securely or erased and no longer accessible, and any College software is removed from computers that are used off campus. Additionally, any technology products or services (such as websites, apps or other services) developed or maintained by retiring faculty should be transitioned to another responsible faculty member or department for ongoing maintenance, or should be archived during the transition process.
  • Managers who wish to maintain departing employees’ access beyond their last day worked may request guest access, but should contact Human Resources to ensure that any needed contractor agreements, non-disclosure agreements, etc. have been signed.

18) Guest Access: End Users who are authorized by T&I guidelines may request access for guests, contractors, vendors and others requiring credentials to access ĢTV Services. The End User who is authorized to approve and sponsor such access is responsible for ensuring that the approved sponsored guests complies with all ĢTV policies including these Terms, and for terminating credentials and all access to Services when no longer needed.

19) No Unauthorized Third Party Disclosure: Employees receiving subpoenas, legal demand letters, law enforcement requests, or other inquiries for data or information from ĢTV Services may take no action on such requests without the approval of their division head and/or General Counsel.

Administration of Policy

The CIO shall oversee this policy and review it at least once every two years. Changes to this policy shall be made in accordance with the college’s Policy on Policies.

Last Revised: March 2026