Network Usage Policy
Xavier University School of Veterinary Medicine (XUSOVM) provides students with access to information technology resources, including internet access, intranet services, wireless networks, email systems, educational software, learning management systems, artificial intelligence-enabled educational tools, and other digital resources to support teaching, learning, research, and administrative activities.
Students are expected to use these resources responsibly, ethically, professionally, and in accordance with University policies.
Any intentional interference with the normal operation, security, integrity, or performance of the University's network or information technology systems is strictly prohibited.
Activities that consume excessive network bandwidth, compromise network security, disrupt educational activities, violate academic integrity standards, or interfere with the ability of others to use University resources are prohibited.
Examples of Prohibited Activities
The following activities are not permitted on University-owned or University-managed networks:
- Downloading or uploading movies for personal entertainment;
- Downloading or uploading music files for non-academic purposes;
- Downloading, distributing, or sharing unauthorized software;
- Uploading, downloading, copying, or transmitting copyrighted materials in violation of copyright laws or licensing agreements;
- Using University networks for gambling activities;
- Using University networks for illegal activities;
- Participating in online gaming through the Internet;
- Participating in online gaming through the University intranet (local area network; LAN);
- Excessive video streaming unrelated to educational purposes;
- Torrent usage or peer-to-peer file-sharing applications;
- Cryptocurrency mining activities;
- Attempting to bypass network security measures;
- Unauthorized access to University systems, accounts, or data;
- Distribution of malicious software, malware, spyware, ransomware, or computer viruses;
- Sustained high-volume network traffic that substantially degrades network performance for other users;
- Any activity that violates local laws, University policies, or software licensing agreements; and
- Use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools in violation of academic integrity, examination, assessment, or professional conduct policies.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) Usage and Academic Integrity
XUSOVM recognizes that artificial intelligence technologies can support learning, research, clinical reasoning, and professional development when used responsibly and ethically.
Students may use approved AI tools for educational purposes when permitted by course instructors and University policies.
However, students must not use AI tools to:
- Complete examinations, quizzes, practical examinations, Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs), competency assessments, or assignments when such use has been prohibited;
- Generate responses during assessments intended to evaluate independent student knowledge or skills;
- Misrepresent AI-generated work as their own original work;
- Fabricate references, citations, clinical data, research findings, patient records, or academic submissions;
- Access unauthorized information during examinations or assessments;
- Circumvent learning objectives or academic requirements; or
- Engage in any activity that constitutes academic dishonesty.
Students remain fully responsible for the accuracy, integrity, originality, and professionalism of any work submitted for academic credit, regardless of whether AI tools were used during its preparation.
Unauthorized use of AI technologies may constitute academic misconduct and may result in disciplinary action under the University's Academic Integrity Policy.
Faculty members may establish additional course-specific guidelines regarding acceptable AI use.
Reporting Potential Violations
Students who become aware of potential misuse of University information technology resources should report their concerns to:
Information technology (IT) Support Services
Email: itsupport@xusom.com
Reports will be reviewed and investigated in a fair, confidential, and timely manner.
Disciplinary Actions for Network Misuse
The University reserves the right to investigate suspected violations of this policy and to take appropriate disciplinary action.
Depending upon the severity of the violation and the student's prior conduct history, disciplinary measures may include:
- Verbal warning;
- Written warning;
- Temporary suspension of network privileges;
- Restriction of access to University technology resources;
- Referral to the Professional Standards Committee or Student Conduct Committee;
- Disciplinary probation;
- Suspension from the University; and/or
- Dismissal from the University.
Immediate Suspension of Network Access
Students found actively violating this policy may have their internet and network access suspended immediately pending investigation.
Notification of such action may be provided to:
- Dean of Student Affairs;
- Dean of Veterinary Medicine;
- Information Technology Services; and
- Other appropriate University officials.
Repeat Violations
Students whose network privileges have been suspended and who subsequently commit additional violations may permanently lose access to University network resources for the remainder of their enrollment at XUSOVM and may be subject to additional disciplinary action.
General Rules Regarding Acceptable Technology Use
University-provided internet access, intranet services, email accounts, computer systems, learning management systems, artificial intelligence platforms provided by the University, and related technology resources are considered University property and are intended primarily for educational, research, professional, and administrative purposes.
Students should be aware that:
- Network usage may be monitored for security, operational, and compliance purposes;
- Privacy cannot be guaranteed when using University-owned systems;
- University systems may be audited to ensure compliance with institutional policies;
- Users are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of usernames and passwords; and
- Sharing login credentials with another individual is prohibited.
Students are expected to use all technology resources in a manner consistent with professionalism, academic integrity, veterinary ethics, and applicable laws.
Data Privacy and Student Information Authorization
Student Data Authorization and Consent
By enrolling at Xavier University School of Veterinary Medicine (XUSOVM), students acknowledge and consent to the collection, storage, processing, and use of personal information and sensitive personal information as reasonably necessary for educational, administrative, regulatory, accreditation, licensing, immigration, financial, and student support purposes.
XUSOVM is committed to protecting student privacy and handling personal information in accordance with applicable laws, institutional policies, and professional standards.
The University will not disclose personal information to third parties without appropriate authorization except:
- As required by law;
- For accreditation, licensing, regulatory, or educational purposes;
- To affiliated institutions involved in educational training;
- To organizations involved in student certification, credentialing, or licensure processes; or
- With the student's written consent.
Student Initiated Information Release
A student’s request to send transcripts, enrollment verification, recommendations, clinical evaluations, or other educational records to a third party authorizes disclosure of the information necessary to fulfill that request.
Record Retention
The University may retain educational, financial, academic, disciplinary, and administrative records for a reasonable period following a student's graduation, withdrawal, dismissal, or separation from the University, in accordance with applicable legal and institutional requirements.
Use of Photographs and Media
Students acknowledge that photographs, videos, recordings, and other media collected during University-sponsored academic, educational, professional, community service, research, or promotional activities may be used by XUSOVM for educational, marketing, recruitment, accreditation, alumni, and institutional advancement purposes unless prohibited by law or unless the student has formally requested otherwise in writing.
Policy Contact
Information Technology Services (ITS)
Email: itsupport@xusom.com