E-mail is a useful tool and is installed on the School of
Medicine networks for convenience and ease of correspondence. As
the use of e-mail continues to grow so does the challenge of
monitoring the appropriateness of usage.
The University of Alabama School of Medicine policy entitled Internet
and E-Mail Use governs the appropriate use of e-mail.
Specifically, the policy states:
- Harassing or obscene messages, pictures, and/or other
materials shall not be transmitted over the Internet or
any UASOM network on or off site.
- Electronic chain letters or other forms of non-business
related mass mailings shall be prohibited.
- Violations of these policies shall be dealt with in the
same manner as violations of other UAB and UASOM policies
and may result in disciplinary action, up to and
including dismissal.
The policy also states that e-mail does not guarantee security
or privacy. Some would compare e-mail privacy as being similar to
the privacy provided by a postcard. The policy specifically
states:
- Employees should assume their e-mail messages shall be
saved and/or printed and could be seen by someone other
than the original addressee including archive records
maintained within MEIS. Deleting an e-mail record will
not ensure that all copies of the correspondence do not
exist.
- E-mail transactions shall not have guaranteed privacy.
- UASOM shall reserve the right to monitor and view all e-mail
transactions utilized on UASOM computers.
If you have any questions, please contact the MEIS Help Desk (4-6620).
