Information Technology

Acceptable Use

UCANR–owned electronic communications resources, such as computers purchased with ANR funds, are provided to advance our mission by supporting our programs, research, teaching, public service, and administrative functions.

Use of UCANR devices is subject to university policy, including but not limited to:

Use of UCANR devices is also subject to information transparency legislation, including but not limited to:

Prohibited use

According to ECP Section III.D.3, Restrictions, university electronic communications resources may not be used for:

  • unlawful activities
  • commercial purposes not under the auspices of the University
  • personal financial gain (except as permitted under applicable academic personnel policies)
  • personal use inconsistent with UCANR's mission or administrative function
  • uses that violate University or campus policies or guidelines, including those regarding intellectual property and sexual or other forms of harassment

Devices provided by UCANR are not intended for personal use.

Keep work and personal activities separate

The University of California is a public institution governed by the California Public Records Act (PRA) and Information Practices Act (IPA). This means records generated in the regular course of your work are open to inspection upon request by any member of the general public.

For personal privacy, among other reasons, it is important to keep personal business separate from your work device:

  • If you use your work device for personal purposes, such as personal conversations over WhatsApp or Discord, this material is likely to be subject to disclosure (see ECP, Section V.B, Public Records, paragraph 3).
  • Additionally, if you conduct business for UCANR on a personal device, then that material may also be considered public record and subject to disclosure (see ECP, Appendix A, Definitions, "University Electronic Communications Record").

Exceptions to the California Public Records Act

While the public can generally request access to your workstation and its information content, there are some limited exceptions. The exceptions relevant to UCANR staff include the following:

  • Privileged records (such as attorney-client records)
  • Records created for litigation purposes
  • Certain labor relations documents

In addition, confidential business records such as workplace performance evaluations must be redacted before release.

References