Student Handbook - Student Policy Regarding Viruses and Bugs

For the purpose of this policy, a computer virus is defined as any computer software program that causes or influences either hardware or software to operate in a manner contrary to the intentions of or in a manner unapproved by the original owner/user of said software or hardware. Viruses may be intentionally or inadvertently introduced into a computer and then spread or self-replicated to other systems, causing malfunctions and loss of data.

DeVry desires to protect its student body from both the intentional and unintentional introduction or promulgation of any computer virus, which is a violation of the law. Any student who knowingly utilizes DeVry hardware or software in connection with a computer virus, either at DeVry or off-site at a location to which he/she was referred by DeVry, will be subject to disciplinary sanctions under the DeVry Student Code of Conduct, in addition to any civil or criminal penalty. The unintentional or unknowing introduction or transportation of a computer virus because of careless or unauthorized use of unchecked software on DeVry hardware may also result in a school disciplinary sanction under the DeVry Code of Conduct.

DeVry therefore reserves the right to analyze all student software that is brought into the labs against diagnostic "checker" programs to determine if the software contains any viruses and/or bugs and to prohibit use of any such software on any DeVry equipment.

Students can avoid being an unwitting transmitter of a virus and becoming subject to the DeVry Code of Conduct by not bringing public domain software into the Institute for use on any school computer system, not exchanging software with other students and always keeping backup copies of software and other data that they wish to protect.

In October 1993, the President signed into law bill S.893 (Public Law 102561). This bill elevates the penalty for software piracy from a misdemeanor to a felony. Prison terms of up to five years and fines of up to $250,000 are now possible for persons convicted of making at least 10 illegal copies or copies with a retail value of greater than $2,500. Repeat offenses can include jail terms of up to ten years.

Return to: Student Handbook Contents

Home | Student Services | Academics | Campus Info | Financial Info | Admissions | Career Services | Community Outreach