2.3.11 Use Of College Communications Resources

Policy: 2.3.10

Use Of College Communications Resources

Approval Date: January 25, 2000

Revised Effective Date: January 25, 2000

Scope: All Employee Groups

Policy

Students and employees are provided communications and technological resources such as hardware and software, Internet access and e-mail accounts. In some cases, employees are also provided remote access to the College server. Use of these resources should be considered an employee benefit. As such, students and employees are encouraged to engage in educational exploration and inquiry with these new tools. However, all behaviors related to the use of technological resources must be in compliance with state, federal and local laws, as well as College Policy and Procedure and reasonable business practices.

Procedure

Specifically, this Policy states:

• Any files or documents contained on College systems or College property remains the property of the College. Therefore, users should not utilize College technological resources when confidentiality for personal reasons is required. Student records will be confidential in accordance with federal and state laws, and College policies.
• Technological equipment and resources are not to be used for non-College sanctioned commercial purposes or the installation of fraudulently or illegally obtained software or data. As part of this, personal web pages are not to be stored on the college’s server without express written permission from the ITS Department. In addition, users should not visit Internet sites containing pornographic material absent prior written approval from their supervisor, which would be based upon educational purposes.
• An account assigned to an individual may not be used by others. The individual is responsible for the proper use of the account, including password protection.
• Copying, renaming, changing, or deleting programs belonging to the College or any other users should be authorized by the Director of ITS or his/her designee. College computing resources, including electronic mail and other electronic communication, will not be used to harass others. Sending of obscene, abusive, or threatening messages is prohibited and may be a violation of state and/or federal law. Additionally, individuals should refrain from sending unwanted or unsolicited messages or information.
• Users will not deliberately attempt to degrade system performance or to deprive authorized users of access to College computing resources.
• Any software installation on College owned computers, including files “downloaded” from the Internet, must be approved by the Director of ITS or his/her designee.
• Personal Identification Numbers assigned for long distance phone calling to employees should be used for College business calls only. Long distance records are monitored monthly.