Electronic Communication Systems

I. Policy Statement and Purpose

Electronic Communication Systems (ECS) are systems using University resources that transmit data electronically with or without human interaction (i.e., email, web, instant messaging, etc.). (See OneIT Information Security Glossary.)

University electronic communication accounts are provided and supported by the State of North Carolina to support the missions of the University. The purpose of this Policy is to ensure the appropriate use of the University’s ECS. by its students, faculty, and staff.

ECS are tools provided by the University to complement traditional methods of communication and to improve education and administrative efficiency. Users have the responsibility to use these resources in an efficient, effective, ethical, and lawful manner. Use of the University’s ECS evidences the user’s agreement to be bound by this Policy. Violations of this Policy may result in restriction of access to the University email system and/or other appropriate disciplinary action.

For procedures regarding transmission of information via text message to faculty, staff, and/or students, see the Text Messaging Procedures, supplemental to this Policy. [Forthcoming, January 2022]

II. Applicability

This Policy is applicable to all University employees, students, and any other member of the University community who has been granted access to ECS.

III. Procedures

A. Personal Use of ECS

While personal use of University ECS accounts is not prohibited by law, and while the University does not routinely monitor any user’s ECS content, privacy of personal ECS content residing on or transmitted through University equipment is not assured. Because the University is a State entity, all data transmitted or stored using ECS capabilities are subject to the requirements of North Carolina’s Public Records law, which generally requires that any person may have access to State records. Courts may order the production of University records, including ECS records, in connection with litigation. Appropriate law enforcement and other officials may, consistent with law, have access to documents for purposes of investigating allegations of violations of law or of University policy. Given such considerations, but subject to the requirements of the North Carolina Public Records Act, no University faculty member, staff member, or student should use a University ECS account with the expectation that any particular ECS content, whether personal or business-related, will be private.

B. ECS Signature Standards

All persons sending electronic mail communications using ECS are expected to comply with the electronic mail signature standards established by University Advancement.

C. Limitations on the Use of ECS

The legal and regulatory environment surrounding University ECS creates a number of other limitations on the use of University ECS accounts. Most apply uniformly to the use of all State-provided resources. Such limitations include, but are not limited to:

1. ECS accounts are for the exclusive use of the individual to whom they are assigned.
2. No use is permitted that conflicts with the requirements of civil or criminal law, including but not limited to laws relating to pornography, defamation, intellectual property infringement, and illegal discrimination; or that conflicts with any applicable policy of the Board of Governors or of UNC Charlotte, such as use of ECS to engage in political activities.
3. No use is permitted that constitutes the unauthorized exchange of proprietary information or any other privileged, confidential, or sensitive information.
4. The knowing transmission of a message containing a computer virus, constitutes phishing, or that misrepresents the identity of the sender is prohibited.
5. The use of or attempt to use the ECS accounts of others without their permission is prohibited.
6. Personal use cannot interfere with a University employee’s obligation to carry out University duties in a timely and effective manner.
7. Personal use cannot involve sending or soliciting chain letters or sending unsolicited bulk mail or commercial messages (e.g., “junk mail” or “spam” ), or otherwise overloading the University’s electronic mail system or negatively interfering with system performance.
8. Uses that result in commercial gain or personal profit are not permitted, except as allowed under University intellectual property policies and Policy 102.1, External Professional Activities of Faculty and Other Professional Staff; however, in no case may University ECS be used for solicitation of an external activity for pay.
9. No personal use may state or imply University sponsorship or endorsement of its message.

D. Official University Electronic Communications

When using ECS as an official means of communication, students, faculty, and staff should apply the same professionalism, discretion, and standards that they would use in written business communication. Furthermore, students, faculty, and staff should not communicate anything via ECS that they would not be prepared to say publicly.

Students, faculty, and staff may not disclose University information in ECS messages that they are privileged to access because of their position at the University.

Those wishing to transmit broadcast electronic messages containing essential University announcements to students, faculty, and/or staff must obtain approval from the appropriate administrative authority. Within the scope of their authority, only the Offices of a Department Chair, Director, Dean, Executive Director, Vice Chancellor, or Chancellor may authorize the transmission of broadcast messages to a wide audience of students, faculty, and staff.

Appropriate transmission of broadcast electronic messages may include, but is not limited to, the following types of announcements:

1. Emergency or unforeseen campus-wide events notification (e.g., cancellation of classes or closing of the University due to inclement weather or emergency);
2. Important campus deadline notification (e.g., last day of drop/add for students); or
3. Improved services to students, faculty, or staff that directly impact all members of the affected group.

By contrast, broadcast electronic messages should not be used for non-essential matters such as publicizing campus events. Broadcast electronic messages should be sent only to the affected group (students, faculty, or staff, or a subgroup of one of those groups) and should be of critical importance to that group.

F. User Responsibilities