Privacy of Electronic Files

The right to privacy of electronic mail and other electronic files against unwarranted or unreasonable entry or search is a basic tenet of University policies. Authorized University officials will access or enter electronic files (including e-mail files) only under one or more of the following conditions:

• The user requests or gives permission to the University to access his/her account.
• There is a valid search warrant or court order.
• There exists an emergency situation in which the physical safety and/or well-being of a person(s) may be affected or University property may be damaged or destroyed.
• Reasonable grounds exist to suspect a violation of law or University policy is occurring. Access will take place only after a reasonable effort has been made to obtain consent.
• Personnel that must access the files to maintain the integrity of the computer system or to protect the rights or property of the University.