---
title: "Good Neighbor Use Policy"
description: "Acceptable-use rules that all CARC users agree to: account sharing, data restrictions, job monitoring, and security."
type: Policy
tags:
  - Policy
  - New users
generated:
  by: "claude/fable-5"
  at: "2026-08-29T00:00:00Z"
sources:
  - id: carc-web
    resource: "https://carc.unm.edu/new-users/good-neighbor-policy.html"
    title: "Good Neighbor Use Policy (carc.unm.edu)"
    author: "team:unm-carc"
---

# Good Neighbor Use Policy

These guidelines for the appropriate use of CARC computing facilities apply to
all users. They ensure the security of user accounts and equitable access to
computing facilities for everyone.

!!! warning "Compliance is required"

    Failure to comply with these rules will result in removal of your accounts
    and/or projects, and possible disciplinary or legal action.

## Acceptable use

By accepting a CARC account, I agree that:

* My CARC account is for my **sole use** and will not be shared with others,
  including supervising faculty. CARC ensures equitable access using account
  limits; sharing accounts prevents fair allocation, and shared accounts will
  be locked. CARC can help solve the problems that often lead people to want
  to share accounts — just ask!
* I am responsible for all use of this computer account.
* I will use the account for **research computing purposes** and not for
  commercial purposes.
* I will not engage in any form of illegal software copying or other
  copyright infringement.
* I will not attempt to access accounts, files, or information belonging to
  other users without their knowledge and consent.
* I understand that CARC personnel may monitor user activity on CARC machines.
* **HIPAA, PHI, PCI, FERPA, and Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI)
  data may not be stored on or transferred via CARC systems.**
* All requests to install **export-controlled software** on CARC systems
  require prior written approval or a written exception from UNM Export
  Control.
* I will not store individually identifiable health information on CARC
  systems, and will follow de-identification procedures in accordance with
  U.S. Department of Health and Human Services regulations when working with
  health data.

## Job monitoring

* Monitor your compute jobs to ensure they are making progress and are not
  stuck in a static state.
* Request resources suitable for the software you are running — do not leave
  hardware idle.
* Use `seff <jobid>` after your job completes to check whether the resources
  you requested were used effectively. CARC personnel can help via
  [office hours](../support/help.md) or <help@carc.unm.edu>.

## Security

* No passwords — for CARC or any other machines — may be stored in
  unencrypted form on CARC file systems. Violation may lead to immediate and
  permanent expulsion from CARC systems.
* Minimum complexity checks are enforced on passwords.
* Only secure connection protocols (e.g., SSH, SSL) may be used to connect to
  CARC machines.

## Use of servers

CARC provides high-performance computing access. We do not provide enterprise
services such as website or email hosting — contact UNM IT for those services.

## Acknowledging CARC

Publications, dissertations, theses, posters, and talks that used CARC
resources should [acknowledge CARC](../support/acknowledging-carc.md), and
should be added to your project's publication list in
[ColdFront](https://coldfront.alliance.unm.edu){ target=_blank }.