Web Resources Policy
Section 1: General Understandings
Loyola Marymount University utilizes World Wide Web technologies to disseminate, communicate, publish, and share information with off-campus audiences and the on-campus community. The University recognizes that the web is an important medium of communication and a powerful tool for education, research, recruitment, community service, and the efficient operation of the University. Therefore, this policy establishes guidelines for the general use of web resources and the responsibilities and limitations associated with that use.
The University's official web presence, located at http://www.lmu.edu, is owned and administered by the University and contains a consistent, clearly identifiable set of web pages. The University's web services, portals, and other web gateways are centrally organized at this top-level web presence. From time to time, the University may create and revise certain standards for the design, structure, and organization of these websites.
The University's web resources include all websites that are sponsored and maintained by University divisions and departments; student, faculty, or staff organizations. Although these units and organizations may maintain their own web content, they are responsible for adhering to web policies and other applicable University policies and local, state, and federal laws. Web authors are responsible for the information placed on their websites.
Section 2: Appropriate Use
LMU provides access to web resources for the conduct of University business. Incidental personal use of web resources is permitted as long as it is consistent with law and University policies and does not:
- Directly or indirectly interfere with University operations.
- Burden the University with additional cost.
Section 3: Appropriate Content
Since the web is a communications channel and not every web page is regularly monitored by the University, it is the responsibility of the web author and the hosting department to ensure that the information they publish is current, accurate and in conformity with University rules and policies. In addition, the information must be directly related to that unit's University function. In order to prevent the unnecessary duplication of information, web authors are encouraged to link to original sources of information instead of recreating it on their website.
Section 4: Advertising
Except as otherwise expressly noted, advertising by external agencies is not permitted on University web pages. University web pages are not to be used to promote or execute commercial or for-profit endeavors. In addition, using University web resources for personal financial gain is not permitted.
It is acceptable for University web pages to market, advertise, and promote University services and products. It is also acceptable and appropriate for a department to acknowledge external sponsorships by properly publishing text and/or trademarks of the sponsoring organization. However, the text and/or trademark of the sponsoring organization must be directly related to a collaboration, project, or service provided by the University. The posting of a trademark or other logo that promotes an unrelated product or service is not permitted.
Section 5: Policy Violations and Oversight
The University reserves the right to remove or limit access to material posted on University web pages. The University also reserves the authority to restrict web access.
The University has appointed a broad-based University web committee that is made of up members of the faculty, administration, and staff. The Web Committee shall serve to consider complaints, disputes, and other matters regarding web policy violations. The Web Committee's decisions may be appealed to the University's Information Technology Chairs' Committee. Matters involving student web policy violations will be referred to Judicial Affairs. Ultimate authority respecting University web management resides with the University. Oversight of the web and its resources resides with the Office of Web Services.