Fontys University of Applied Sciences and the use of computer facilities and the Internet

Fontys makes computer facilities and networks available to students and employees for learning and working at Fontys. This service is provided subject to certain conditions. Those conditions are laid down in a code of conduct. A number of important items from that code for students and employees are as follows:

Forbidden use

• Fontys forbids the use of its computer facilities and networks for purposes that have nothing to do with learning or working at Fontys. A number of examples of forbidden use: hacking (into other computers), theft (stealing of data, illegal copying of software, violation of copyrights); impersonating others; calls to violence and other criminal activities; publishing racist comments; downloading or sending pornography, etc.
• Fontys forbids the installation of applications which have no direct relationship to working and/or learning;
• Fontys forbids the connecting of peripheral equipment (such as a printer, pda) that has no direct relationship with working and/or learning;
• Fontys strictly forbids the formatting of the PC and/or the installation of another operating system or any alteration to the layout of the operating system;
• Fontys bans the opening up of desktops or laptops and the disconnection of fixed computers from the data or power network.

Desirable and undesirable use

• Fontys believes that its computer facilities should not be used in an undesirable manner. A number of examples of undesirable use: if you spend the whole day downloading mp3 files, you will occupy a computer that is intended for learning. In addition, such use imposes considerable demands on the network, leading to delays for others. However, do not forget that downloading a music fragment could be learning material for one student, whilst merely entertainment for another. Fontys asks you to keep this situation in mind, and be considerate to others;
• Whatever the circumstances, Fontys believes that computer use for school should always have priority over for example playing computer games, private chat sessions, etc.;
• Fontys asks you to not unnecessarily occupy a computer; if in the meantime you can do something else, or when you have finished, shut down the computer. Fontys recommends that if you do not require a computer for a longer period of time, or if you need to download very large files, you do this in the morning, in the evening or on Saturday, if possible;
• Do not plan everything during peak hours between ten o’clock in the morning and three o’clock in the afternoon. You will have little chance of finding computer time. Fontys does however have other computers. In other words, if you cannot gain access to a computer in your own course, try looking for a free computer elsewhere. The rule is however: students always have priority in their own course area. Remember this fact!

Complete code of conduct

The complete code of conduct – for both students and employees – was published on 4 February 2004 on the site of the Legal Affairs department. The Central Representative Council (CMR) particularly strived to ensure that the code of conduct is specifically brought to the attention of students and employees. This is achieved through the use of start-up texts on the monitor screen. An annual evaluation of the code of conduct is also undertaken by the CMR.

In the event of deliberate violation of the code of conduct of Fontys University of Professional Education, sanctions may be imposed. Suspension and/or reporting to the police are not excluded.