The University provides e-mail facilities for activities and associated administrative functions supporting its mission of learning, discovery, and engagement. Although modest personal use of University e-mail facilities is allowed, they should be used for University-related educational and administrative purposes. Any use of University e-mail facilities that interferes with University activities and functions or does not respect the image and reputation of Purdue University is improper.

Policies and regulations that apply to other forms of communications at the University also apply to electronic mail. In addition, the following specific actions and uses of University e-mail facilities are improper:

• Concealment or misrepresentation of names or affiliations in e-mail messages.
• Alteration of source or destination addresses of e-mail.
• Use of e-mail facilities for commercial or private business purposes that have not been approved on Purdue University Form 32a.
• Use of e-mail for organized political activity or political solicitation.
• Use of e-mail to harass or threaten other individuals.
• Use of e-mail that degrades or demeans other individuals.

The purpose of this policy (v.3.1) is to describe the appropriate use of University e-mail facilities, associated responsibilities, and rights of all users of University e-mail facilities and official Purdue University e-mail accounts. This policy supersedes the original Purdue University electronic mail policy released on September 29, 1995.