Computing Policy for Department of Statistics Network
University of British Columbia Department of Statistics Information Technology (StatNet) Acceptable Use Policy
Jan 01 2024
1 Preamble
This document outlines the University of British Columbia (“UBC”) Department of Statistics’s (“The Department”) policy regarding the use of our information technology facilities, equipment and services (hereafter referred to as IT resources). This policy applies to all users of our IT resources.
These policies are in addition to the policies set out by UBC and, in particular, ‘ Responsible Use of Information Technology Facilities and Services’ posted at
http://www.universitycounsel.ubc.ca/policies
Where there are conflicts in policies, UBC’s policies take precedence. Users also agree to any amendments made to either of these policies.
It is the intention of this policy to allow users to engage in activities consistent with academic freedom while limiting those activities that impinge on other users’ ability to do the same, as well as prohibiting activities that contravene applicable laws and UBC policies.
2 StatNet Acceptable Usage Policy
The Department’s IT Resources are for the exclusive use of StatNet users
The Department expends resources (financial, human, and otherwise) to maintain the IT infrastructure to provide the necessary services for Department members to perform their functions. These resources are not to be used by, or on behalf of, or for the sole benefit of, parties who are not members of this Department.
Examples of a policy breach could be
- Allowing a non-StatNet member usage of a StatNet account without direct supervision.
- Printing material for a non-StatNet user or copyrighted material without permission from Authors or Publishers
- Hosting web material for another organization or person.
- Allowing non-StatNet member the use of workstations, scanners, printers, network connection, or other peripherals or devices without prior approval.
Official visitors (such as Post-Doctoral Fellows) can apply for a StatNet account and become a StatNet user in good standing. Guests and non-official visitors of StatNet members can also apply to become recognized users, and each application will be considered on a case by case basis.
It is important to note that users are responsible for the use (or misuse) of their accounts. Therefore, it is paramount that users not allow unauthorized parties use of their privileges (see Security section below).
Exception to this policy are those services that are have been expressly and specifically installed to be used by the public.
Efficient use of Department resources
The Department encourages efficient use of its resources by either abstaining from wasteful practices or by using alternate methods that consume less resources. The Department also encourages a fair distribution of resources among its users.
• Printers and printing media
The Department provides printers that can be used by any StatNet user, as well as supplying materials such as paper and toner. To minimize the costs and maintenance of providing this service, all users must
– Not use printers as a photocopier (i.e. making numerous copies of the same printout). That’s what photocopiers are for.
– Refrain from making hard copies if possible
– read online versions of document.
– Promptly pick up their printouts.
– Stop their runaway print jobs and notify administrative staff immediately.
– Refrain from sending large output to the printer all at once. Break up large printouts into smaller batches to allow other users to sneak in print jobs and to minimize runaway use of paper and toner.
• Networks
– Curb the use of peer-to-peer applications (such as KaZaa, Morpheus, etc) as they congest network traffic. Sharing of copyrighted software and data also contravenes UBC’s policies as well as Canadian and International copyright laws.
– Restrict large downloads to off-peak hours.
• Disk space and storage
– Most users have disk storage quotas placed on their home directories. Do not skirt around them by storing in public or temporary directories. Ask for a larger quota instead.
– If a large software installation is required, ask the IT staff as they may be able to install it in a better place rather than the home directory. Placing it in a central location will also allow others users to run the software.
• Processors and memory
For long running jobs that require a lot of computer resources (memory, processing time or disk), consideration must be given to other users who have to share the same resources. Please observe the following rules:
– Each user may run a maximum of two CPU/memory intensive processes per compute server, on up to four different servers. (These servers are named after bugs and mountains.) No resource-intensive processes may be run on general-purpose servers.
– The user must set the scheduling priority for any such processes to the lowest possible (using "nice +19").
– All resource-intensive processes are subject to interruption for routine workstation maintenance. Advance warning for workstation maintenance is not provided. Users should periodically checkpoint their process data.
Processes found to be in contravention of these rules may at the administrator’s discretion be terminated immediately.
• Terminals
The number of terminals in a laboratory is limited, so users should not to tie them up by using more than one terminal at a time, or by locking their session for an extended amount of time.
If a user has to leave their terminal session unsupervised, please lock the screen and keyboard to prevent unauthorized access to their files, mail, etc.
• Devices and peripherals (scanners, etc).
Scanners and other peripherals are available in the public laboratories. Please give precedence to the controlling workstation to those wanting to use these devices and limit use to a reasonable amount of time.
Security and Physical Integrity of IT Resources
The Department tries its utmost to safeguard physical property and computer resources from harm or from unauthorized access and provide a safe and secure working environment for its users. To this end, StatNet users are required to take reasonable steps to safeguard their IT resources by
- Using secure password which are not easily guessable. Passwords should not be divulged to any other party. Furthermore, authentication information should be safeguarded and not be put in a position where it can easily be revealed.
- Securing computer laboratories and facilities.
- Not leaving terminals unattended and unlocked.
- Not allowing non-StatNet members free use of IT resources.
- Not installing network services without prior approval. Keeping hosts under their administrative control up to date on patches, anti-virus definitions and security fixes.
- The Department tries to keep its IT equipment and facilities in good working order. StatNet users must refrain from activities which may cause damage to, or interfere with, the proper function of an IT resource by not
- Eating or drinking near computer equipment. • Engaging in horse play. • Performing unauthorized repairs. • Removing equipment.
- Interfering with the normal operation of network, power or other cabling.
When using equipment in public spaces, please dress appropriately, including shirt and shoes, and exercise restraint when using grooming products (i.e. perfume, cologne, etc.) in recognition that other users are sensitive to these issues.
All problems should be reported to IT staff or appropriate personnel. help@stat.ubc.ca
Respect policies of other sites
The Department facilities may be used to connect to other IT facilities or sites that have their own set of policies and guidelines for proper usage. StatNet users should respect and submit to their policies when using their facilities.
Under no circumstances should you try to gain unauthorized access, use accounts for which you are not authorized to use, or perform any act which will result in a denial of service of another site.
3 Administrative Privileges
This policy shall not be construed as preventing or restricting duly authorized system administrators or other technical personnel from carrying out their duties. Complaints under this policy may be directed to the Head of the Department.
4 Consequences of breaches of this policy and misuse
Users who breaches the above conditions of use may, depending on the severity of the infraction,
- Receive a warning.
- Temporarily lose IT privileges.
- Permanently lose IT privileges.
- Have disciplinary actions levied against them by this Department or by the University.
- Be expelled from the University or terminated from employment.
- Prosecuted and/or have fines levied under the applicable legal jurisdiction.
What happens to my StatNet account after I leave the Statistics Department at UBC?
Department StatNet policy for Graduate Students:
After completing your degree you will be given three (3) months to clear out your StatNet account. You will then be allowed another three (3) months 'grace' period to finally move everything from your account. After that period, your account will be terminated without notice. If you need to extend your account for any reason, you will require a sponsor, i.e. a faculty member.
Email forwarding will last for 3 years. Contact us for more detail
Department StatNet policy for staff and non-tenure faculty:
After finishing your terms with UBC, you will be given six (6) months to clear out your StatNet account. You will then be allowed another three (3) months 'grace' period to finally move everything from your account. After that period, your account will be terminated without notice. If you need to extend your account for any reason, you will require a sponsor, i.e. a faculty member.
Email forwarding will last for 3 years. Contact us for more detail
Appropriate Use of Information Techology
Appropriate Use of Computing and Communications The University of British Columbia is committed to ensuring a working and learning environment in which all persons treat others with humanity and respect.
The computing and communications facilities and services provided at The University of B.C. are primarily intended for teaching, research, and administrative purposes. Their use is governed by all applicable University policies, including the Human Rights, Sexual Harassment, Patents and Licensing and Student Discipline policies, as well as by all applicable Canadian federal, provincial and local laws and statutes, including the Criminal Code of Canada, the B.C. Civil Rights Protection Act, the B.C. Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and the B.C. Human Rights Act. These are supplemented by the acceptable use policies established by those networks to which UBC's campus network is interconnected, the Internet, which includes, for example, BCnet and CA*net.
The user bears the primary responsibility for the material that he or she chooses to access, send or display. The computer facilities may not be used in any manner which contravenes the above policies, laws or statutes. Those who do not adhere to these guidelines may be subject to suspension of computing privileges.