University of Arkansas e-Communications Privacy Policy

Electronic Communications Privacy Policy

The privacy of electronic communications is respected at the University of Arkansas. The policies of the University regarding the confidentiality of such communications, as defined by Ark. Code Ann. § 6-61-126 (Act 1799 of 2003), are contained in the University's Code of Computing Practices. All students, faculty and staff are strongly encouraged to make themselves familiar with their rights and obligations under the Code, including the Code's limitations on the privacy of electronic communications. Particularly relevant University policies are detailed in § II.D (Privacy of Electronic Files), § III.B (Use Without Authorization Prohibited), § III.C (Accounts), § III.D (Security and Related Matters), and § IV (Enforcement and Sanctions).

Special Note on E- Communications

Despite the best intentions of users and the University or other system operators, it is difficult, if not impossible, to ensure the privacy of email. Email is not recommended for sensitive matters that a user may not want disclosed. Email may be disclosed to persons other than the intended recipient in numerous ways, including but not limited to:

1. Recipient's address is mistyped, sending the message to someone else other than the intended recipient.
2. Recipient forwards an email to someone else without permission of the original author.
3. Intruders/hackers break into the email system and read/disclose messages.
4. Deleted email continues to exist on computer hard drive or a copy is archived on tape backup.
5. Email is observed as it travels over public networks and the Internet.

Questions

If you have questions or need information about acceptable use of computing resources at the University of Arkansas, contact University IT Services at 575-2905.

Updated 12/22/03