Student Responsibility and Liability Agreement for University-owned Technology

Purpose

The purpose of this agreement is to specify the responsibilities of students receiving University-owned equipment and to provide students with information regarding policies that govern the use of technology owned and managed by Samuel Merritt University (SMU). 
**Some student cohorts are being allowed to keep devices once they graduate.  See ** below.

Use of the Equipment

  • I understand I am being loaned equipment by SMU for my sole use and benefit as a learning tool while actively enrolled as a student at SMU. I am assuming responsibility for maintaining and protecting the equipment, as long as the equipment is issued to me. **until graduation.
  • The use of this equipment is a privilege that can be revoked. Inappropriate use or neglect can result in limits to or loss of use of SMU resources. I will take every reasonable precaution to protect the equipment.
  • I agree the equipment will be managed by SMU, who will provide technical support. SMU may access the physical device and/or software to perform any function required during support. Access will not include personal data stored on the equipment or backed up on cloud services, unless I explicitly grant permission. SMU is not responsible for any personal data stored on my equipment or backed up on to a cloud service. **until graduation
  • I will not tamper with the hardware, remove components, bypass or replace the operating system installed with the device, or remove necessary software from my equipment.
  • I agree if equipment is stolen, it is my responsibility to report it to the police and communicate with SMU’s Information Technology (IT) Department about options. **until graduation

Appropriate Use of Equipment

  • While the primary purpose for this equipment is educational, personal use is permitted.
  • As with all computing equipment on campus, I must adhere to all applicable policies, and SMU regulations. I am solely responsible for the conduct of this equipment, including software, and SMU resources accessed by this equipment. **until graduation
  • The equipment is enrolled in SMU’s Mobile Device Management (MDM) service in order to provide a reliable experience and to enhance security in compliance with SMU policies. The intent of the MDM is to:
    • Allow SMU to push University-purchased/approved applications and digital assets (e.g. eBooks) to the equipment. This allows applications and digital assets to be available via the self-service portal, including the list of applications installed on the equipment;  
    • Requires a 4 digit passcode which enables equipment encryption, and set the screen to lock after specified period of inactivity;
    • Prevent bypass of removal of MDM, including user-initiated factory reset of the equipment or non-SMU management profiles; and
    • Distribute software updates and related notifications to protect against vulnerabilities.
  • I can view details of the MDM profile on my equipment at any time and be informed if any aspect of the MDM is changed.
  • Any attempt to bypass or remove MDM or other functionality established by SMU will result in a remote reset to original configuration, and/or equipment will be disabled and rendered nonfunctional, resulting in potential loss of data on the equipment. **until graduation
  • I am responsible for payment of any purchases made through the approved IOS App Store. This will require the end user to use their Apple ID.
  • Like any equipment connected to the SMU network, network traffic is subject to monitoring, to protect against security threats, intrusions, and illegal activity. **until graduation
  • I am responsible for backing up equipment data.
  • If I lose the device and have purchased additional insurance to replace it, such as a rider on home/apartment insurance or a separate insurance program, ownership must be transferred back to SMU.

Returning the Equipment

  • I understand if I leave SMU for any reason before graduation, I must return the equipment to SMU IT Department within 30 days. If I fail to do so, I will be billed for up to the full replacement cost of the equipment. I acknowledge that if I fail to pay the invoiced amount in full, this will become a financial delinquency resulting in a hold being placed on my academic records. Failure to pay for the equipment will result in a theft report filed with law enforcement.
  • I will not sell, give away, or otherwise transfer ownership of the equipment.
  • I understand when I graduate from SMU, the equipment assigned to me will need to be returned upon graduation.  If I fail to do so, I will be billed for up to the full replacement cost of the equipment. I acknowledge that if I fail to pay the invoiced amount in full, this will become a financial delinquency resulting in a hold being placed on my academic records. Failure to pay for the equipment will result in a theft report filed with law enforcement.

In the Event of Loss, Theft, or Damage 

  • If the iPad, Apple Pencil or Logitech Smart Keyboard is damaged, I will be held financially responsible for the repair or replacement of the equipment, unless a financial hardship waiver is claimed. The iPad includes 2-years of AppleCare+ for Schools coverage for both manufacturer defects and accidental damage. The plan is limited to two repairs per year over the two years of AppleCare+ for Schools, with no service fee. If damage occurs a third time in a year, the student will be charged for the repairs.  To check the AppleCare+ for Schools coverage of your device visit checkcoverage.apple.com. 
  • AppleCare repairs can be made at any Apple retail store, or by contacting AppleCare (getsupport.apple.com or 800-800-2775 option 3). 
  • If the iPad is lost or stolen, you may be issued a “loaner” device for your use while enrolled as a student at SMU. If the “loaner” device is lost or stolen, you will be responsible for its full replacement cost.
  • If the Apple Pencil or Smart Keyboard is lost or stolen, you will be responsible to replace it, unless a financial hardship waiver is claimed.
  • In the event you report the iPad lost or stolen or SMU has sufficient cause to believe the device is no longer in your possession, the device may be rendered non-functional and the built-in tracking mechanism (“Lost Mode”) may be enabled by SMU to allow for recovery of the device.
  • In the event of theft, you will immediately file a report with the local police authorities depending on your location at the time of the theft and contact the SMU IT Service Desk - 510.907.2555 (Option 1, service desk | Option 5, after hours)
  • In the event of loss, you will immediately file a report with the SMU IT Service Desk - 510.907.2555 (Option 1, service desk | Option 5, after hours)

Agreement

I understand that failure to comply with these responsibilities and requirements may result in:

  • the equipment being remotely reset to its original configuration or disabled and rendered non-functional; 
  • loss of all information stored on the iPad or in apps accessed from the device;
  • loss of future access to equipment; and/or
  • applicable financial liability, which may be charged through the Bursar’s Office to my SMU account and will be subject to finance charges and collection efforts.    
                    **until graduation

Samuel Merritt University may also pursue remedies under the Code of Student Conduct or other legal and criminal remedies, if warranted. I have read this entire Student Technology Responsibility and Liability Agreement. I fully understand it and agree to be legally bound by it.

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