MSU Texas prohibits the unauthorized copying, adapting, electronic transmission, and/or use of computer software, software source code, and multimedia materials, as well as computerized and non-computerized data without appropriate written consent. Use of MSU Texas information resources is governed by all applicable MSU Texas policies, Texas state and U.S. federal law concerning copyright, including provisions in the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). For more information, see MSU Policy 4.192 Website Policy, Policy 3.139 Intellectual Property Rights General Statement, and Policy 4.181 Information Technology Policies and Procedures.
Use of University Information Resources to intentionally access, create, store, or transmit sexually explicit materials is prohibited unless such use is required as part of the User’s official duties as an employee of University and is approved in writing by the President or a specific designee. Viewing, accessing, storage, and/or transmission of sexually explicit materials as Incidental Use is prohibited. The MSU Texas Information Resources and Security Policy Agreement details the standards as adopted by Policy 4.181 Information Technology Policies and Procedures.
Data classified as Sensitive or Confidential per the 4.197 Information Resources Use and Security Policy may not be posted on any publicly accessibly system such as the MSU Texas web site. MSU data is classified per application and the tables of assigned classification are available on our Data Classification page.
Official MSU Texas web resources must not feature any advertisement for third-party merchants, products, or services. Limited exceptions may be granted by the CIO for special arrangements/promotions made between MSU Texas and others that benefit the MSU Texas community, as referenced in Policy 4.130 Endorsements Involving University Name or Facilities.
Use of University resources must be for MSU Texas or MSU Texas-related purposes only. University policy and state law prohibits the use of University resources for unauthorized or illegal activities. This includes, but is not limited to:
- illegal activities such as distributing copyrighted music, movies, or other material,
- lobbying for a specific politician/political party, or
- hosting a commercial site selling items for profit.
While the MSU Texas Department of Information Technology (IT) is responsible for the overall security of the MSU Texas network, content editors have a responsibility to ensure their individual web resources are secured as well. All content editors must register their website/pages with the Office of Webmaster.
Per Texas Government Code, MSU Texas information resources are strategic assets of the state of Texas that must be managed as valuable state resources. As such, all Midwestern State University information resources, including web resources, are subject to University policies and procedures and other applicable laws. The MSU Texas Information Resources Use and Security Policy Agreement, which is adopted by reference MSU Texas Policy 4.181 Information Technology Policies and Procedures, detail the required minimum security standards for all MSU Texas information resources. Additionally, all official MSU Texas web resources, must comply with the Texas Administrative Code (TAC) §206, State Websites, and TAC §213, Electronic and Information Resources.
To aid in compliance with these policies and to help you properly protect your information resources, the MSU Texas IT Department and Webmaster’s Office provide periodic live training sessions.
Compliance with these requirements does not guarantee security, as the security threat landscape is ever changing and requires an updated security plan to combat the latest threats and issues as they are discovered.