1. Publishing, Rights, and Responsibilities

At AOU, IT users are personally, financially, and legally accountable for any content they publish on web pages, store in file areas, or transmit online. This includes text, images, sounds, videos, or other types of information.

Students and staff must ensure that the information they share using AOU's IT resources does not infringe on copyrights or publishing restrictions.

AOU is not liable for any financial loss or disadvantage experienced by users due to technical issues, defective systems, improper use, or malicious activities by staff, students, or external intruders.

2. Username and Security

A username and password are personal credentials for accessing the university's computer network and must be complex and secure. Users must always log off when they finish their work.

Users must not grant unauthorized individuals access to university computers, network systems, or areas where computer equipment is located.

Any misuse, defects, or security issues should be reported to the IT Department Team at offices TF041, TF042, TF014, or via email at support@aou.org.bh.

3. Storage, Backup, and Deletion of Data

Staff Responsibilities:

• Admin and academic staff must store AOU-related files in designated areas (Assigned Secure Shared Network Drive) where they have explicit write access. Storing data in unauthorized locations is prohibited.
• Staff must ensure the security of student and staff information and must not disclose it to unauthorized parties.
• AOU is not responsible for data stored on personal desktops, documents, or favorites.
• USB flash drives and external HDDs are generally prohibited unless management permission is granted.
• Secured Shared Drives are automatically mapped to staff profiles for access across different locations (e.g., classrooms, meeting rooms).
• Resigned or terminated staff must ensure that AOU's data files, emails, and systems are preserved for future use, return borrowed IT equipment, and remove any software borrowed from AOU from their personal computers. All accounts are terminated immediately after a proper handover on their last working day.

Student Responsibilities:

• Students must provide updated information during the admission period.
• Students may only store files in their home directory (Desktop, Documents, Favorites).
• AOU is not responsible for personal data stored on PCs and students should back up important data independently as soon as they finish their work.
• Student accounts and storage areas are deleted upon graduation or discontinuation of studies.
• Students leaving AOU must ensure AOU's data and systems are preserved, return borrowed IT equipment, and remove any borrowed software from their personal computers.

4. Licensed Software and Data

• Copying licensed or private software or data from university systems is prohibited without IT Department/management permission.
• Storing licensed software on AOU IT equipment requires prior agreement with IT Department.

5. Computer Viruses

• Optical drives, flash drives, or any external storage devices are automatically scanned for viruses if they have been used on a potentially infected computer.
• Suspected virus infections must be reported to IT staff immediately unless the virus can be removed by the user.
• Before connecting a private computer to the network, ensure it is free from viruses and protected against unauthorized access. IT may block connections from computers that disrupt network functionality.

6. Considerate Use of Limited Resources

• IT equipment should be used solely for curricular and extracurricular activities relevant to the university.
• Bulk email sending and other high-resource activities require prior approval from IT Department.
• Users must maintain a clean and orderly workspace, avoiding eating, drinking, or leaving rubbish on equipment or printers.
• Downloading large files (e.g., games, music, videos) is prohibited if it interferes with academic activities. File sharing services that expose files for external download are not allowed.

7. Prohibited Actions

• Commercial use of university IT equipment and software is prohibited.
• Attempting to gain unauthorized access, cracking passwords, or misusing university or other computer resources is not allowed.
• Falsifying information, assuming false identities, forwarding chain letters, or engaging in illegal activities online is prohibited.
• Installing servers on the network, moving equipment, changing configurations, or connecting/disconnecting network equipment is forbidden.
• The network must not be used for privacy invasions, defamatory content, discrimination, or illegal activities.

8. Right of Inspection and Confidentiality

• Any staff or student who gains access to private information due to inadequate data protection, technical issues, or improper use must maintain confidentiality.
• To ensure network security and stability, IT Department may log and monitor network activities and traffic.
• The IT Department have the right to inspect private storage areas if rule violations are suspected or to maintain network stability.
• If AOU policies or rules are violated, the IT Department may immediately deny access to user accounts. Serious incidents may be reported to the branch Director for potential indefinite denial of access or legal action.

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