Online Communications Policy

3.0 Policies Relevant to Publishing on LSU.EDU

Individuals and units using and publishing information on LSU WWW servers must abide by basic guidelines including all applicable University policies. WWW users and publishers are bound by all University policies -- these apply independent of the distribution/publishing medium. Supervisors shall apply necessary and appropriate corrective action whenever a user or publisher fails to meet the required standards of conduct or performance. Though not exhaustive, the following section describes areas of particular relevance to the WWW.

Policies regulating LSU Web-related Activities

LSU Web Policy
PS-10 (Internal and External Communications)
PS-107 (Use of Computing Resources)
LSU Visual Identity Program
Web Privacy Policy
Web Advertising Policy
Additional Policies

3.1 Computer Usage Policy

Appropriate use of University resources: The University provides access to Internet resources to conduct University business. Incidental and occasional personal use is permitted within the University so long as such use does not disrupt or distract the conduct of University business (due to volume or frequency). Incidental and occasional personal use of Internet resources is subject to University policy. See “Use of Computing Resources,” LSU PS 107.

3.2 Use of University name and indicia

The University actively manages the use of its trademarks, tradenames, logos and other indicia. Any commercial use of University indicia must be approved by the appropriate department. See "Use of University Name and Indicia," LSU PS 93 and the LSU Visual Identity Program)

3.3 Publication Standards

LSU PS-10, "Internal and External Communications," establishes the policy governing the design and production of “reputation-defining” publications, communications, and marketing that reflect the mission and vision of LSU. The goal is to preserve, protect and build LSU’s image by presenting the University in a clear, unified and consistent manner. In order to carry out this mission, the development of unit Web sites whether being developed internally through any LSU unit or by an external vendor must first be approved by Public Affairs.

3.4 Copyright

Web publishers are responsible for compliance with current copyright laws and relevant University policies. (See PM 17, "Fair Use of Copyrighted Material.") Copyrighted information may not be posted without permission of the copyright holder (owner). Individuals transmitting or extracting information from LSU units are responsible for investigating copyright issues. Publication in electronic format, rather than in print, in no way changes the underlying (copyright) issues.

Digital Millennium Copyright Act. The DCMA (see http://www.educause.edu/ir/library/html/cem9913.html ) represents the most comprehensive reform of United States copyright law in a generation. The Act seeks to update U.S. copyright law for the digital age in preparation for ratification of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) treaties. Key among the topics included in the DMCA are provisions concerning the circumvention of copyright protection systems, fair use in a digital environment, and online service provider (OSP) liability.

3.5 Commercial and Promotional Activities

Personal Financial Gain. Commercial activity for personal financial gain is not permitted. Advertising services and programs, within the purview of the LSU Board of Supervisors, is permissible.

Advertising. Web publishers may acknowledge donations/contributions by creating links to selected organizations/corporations that are primary contributors to the campus.

Banner Advertising. LSU will permit banner advertisements in accordance with all applicable University policies. For specific guidelines see the LSU Web Banner Advertising Policy.

3.6 Confidential Information

You are required to use all information, in particular, confidential, medical or personal data, in accordance with University policy and to obtain permission when required, (see PS 30, "Student Privacy Rights"). See the Web Privacy Policy

Criminal and civil statutes
Users of LSU servers and publishers of LSU.EDU Web Pages are free to express themselves provided that they do not do anything to injure or harm others. Users and publishers may not use the LSU WWW for acts that violate laws. The Web may not be used to encourage any activity associated with illegal drugs, gambling, pornography, prostitution, child pornography, theft, spreading computer viruses, cracking into private computer systems, software infringement, trafficking in credit card codes or crimes. Publishers must adhere to existing laws regarding defaming others and personal negligence. Any activity that is illegal is a violation of LSU policy. Alleged violations will be referred to the appropriate authority. In addition, offenders may be investigated and/or prosecuted by the appropriate local, state, or federal authorities. If in doubt about appropriate use of the WWW, individuals are encouraged to obtain the advice of campus counsel.

3.7 Accessibility Requirements

In order to comply with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1998, Web sites developed by LSU units should make every attempt to ensure that pages are accessible to individuals using a variety of browsing methods. LSU Web sites incorporating multimedia, extensive scripting, and/or interactive applications must provide important information contained in those features in an alternate text form in order for the information to be accessible to users with hearing or sight impairments. See the "LSU Web Standards Manual-Accessibility Guidelines" for more information.

3.8 Additional Policies

Permanent administrative units and committees may adopt additional requirements and/or suggestions for their units' web pages. These additional requirements/suggestions must comply with LSU policies and procedures.