Information Technology Services monitors computer system and computer network use; keeps and audits detailed records of computer sessions and the contents of computer system and computer network storage. Records and traces may be recorded routinely for trouble shooting, performance monitoring, security purposes, auditing, recovery from system failure, etc.; or in response to a complaint, to protect the University's and others' equipment and software from unauthorized use or tampering. However, extraordinary record keeping, traces and special techniques may be used in response to technical problems or complaints, or for violation of law, policy or regulations, but only on approval by University administrators specifically authorized to give such approval. In addition to the privacy of individuals being respected under normal circumstances, the privacy of those involved in a complaint will be respected and the University will limit special record keeping in order to do so where feasible. Information will be released in accordance with law or policy.

(from BGSU Acceptable Use Policy for Information Technologies section I.A.3)

No electronic document is perfectly private. Occasionally, in the process of maintenance or problem solving, documents or addresses come into view of ITS employees. ITS does not otherwise and must not search the content of user accounts or documents without specific due cause. A more detailed description of the ITS policy on privacy may be found (above). Further, the University must comply with the Ohio Public Records Act--search and seizure laws--and must provide the security and the freedom from interference necessary for the effective operation of a large IT system. The University cooperates with legitimate criminal investigations and conducts its own investigations in response to complaints or other evidence of wrongdoing. The University must reserve the right to examine contents of accounts, sites, and documents that reside in or traverse through the BGSU IT system.