MIT Sloan Technology Services (STS) Computing Facilities and Support, and computing policies at MIT Sloan can be found in the STS Technology Handbook.
Important information on STS resources, technology on-boarding and off-boarding, and instructional videos can be found in the STS Technology Journey here: https://sloangroups.mit.edu/techjourney/home/.
MIT Sloan Computing Policies
As the use of computers to enhance academics has grown, so has the potential for inappropriate use of computers and computing facilities. Deliberate disruption of computing at MIT Sloan – whether it affects the operation of computing systems or telecommunications, the security of electronically stored information or the integrity of such information – is a serious academic offense and may be subject to disciplinary action.
Some examples of computer misuse are as follows:
- Attempted access or actual theft through use of the computer (for example, attempting to evade or “crack” passwords or security provisions).
- The use of a computer to examine or view without authority any email, data, text, or software that is not one’s own.
- Misrepresenting one’s identity or affiliation. While some electronic forums may appropriately provide for anonymous contribution, deliberately misrepresenting or forging one’s identity or using identifiers of others is a serious abuse.
- Attempts to tamper in any way with data, text, or software stored in the computer.
- Disruptive or other inappropriate use of the computer (for example, to harass or defame others).
- Using MITnet to disrupt, distribute files or services via computer, or tamper with the network or other systems.
MIT Sloan computer users are subject to MIT’s Policies and Procedures on computer use. Of particular relevance in this regard are policies that govern MITnet and Athena, the Institute’s campus-wide computer network and UNIX-based computing system. Federal, state and local laws on copyrights, commerce and privacy also apply to MIT Sloan’s computing environment. User responsibility is outlined in the MIT Rules of Use.
Email Usage at MIT Sloan
Email has become an important means of communication at MIT Sloan, and its proper use is thus of particular concern. The MIT email system exists first and foremost to foster communication among the student body, staff and faculty, supporting MIT Sloan’s academic and community goals.
The following guidelines should be observed to ensure professional, courteous email communication:
- We welcome free expression but assume that it will be conducted in good taste and in the proper venue. Use the “boss rule” when crafting an email message (in other words, write each message in a common sense, professional manner – as if it will be read by your boss or superior).
- Keep person-to-person messages private; do NOT copy, distribute, or share email messages sent to or from an individual within the larger MIT Sloan community. Doing so is a serious violation of confidentiality.
- Distribution lists, MySloan, Slack, and SloanGroups provide a quick, convenient way to reach a large number of your student colleagues. However, with this convenience comes responsibility. These platforms are vehicles for sharing relevant information and announcements of interest to the MIT Sloan community, NOT for venting frustrations, editorializing, “spamming,” sharing person-to-person messages or for advertising or seeking commercial gain of any kind.
- Sending abusive, threatening or disruptive messages, using email or other platforms to harass or defame another person, inappropriately concealing your identity, misusing technology or other violations of MIT Sloan or MIT computing policies may result in disciplinary action.