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Internet Use Policy

Introduction and Statement of Mission for the Jefferson State Community College Web

Jefferson State Community College's Internet use is a continuation of the College itself, as a comprehensive, public, two-year, community college that exists to provide an educational environment in which the needs of the individual student, the community, and other target audiences can be met. Consistent with the College vision, Internet use and Web-page development at Jefferson State Community College is intended to put the learner’s needs first by being responsive and innovative, as well as being a catalyst for life-long learning. In addition to facilitating the education process for students, Internet use is intended to support administrative efforts in research, to enhance course delivery and the teaching process for faculty, and to make available more resources for the staff.

The use of information technology must be consistent with the philosophy and purpose of the College. Those who access the Internet with College resources are required to conduct themselves in an ethical and legal manner, and to adhere to the conditions of use set forth in this document.

Eligibility for access and use is a privilege granted by Jefferson State Community College to the students, faculty, staff, and others permitted by the College. The College reserves the right to extend, limit, restrict or deny privileges and access to its information resources. The College recognizes that local, state and federal laws relating to copyrights, security, and other statutes regarding Internet use bind all members of the College.

General Guidelines for Web Pages

All Web pages must bear a direct relationship to the mission and purpose of the College and will conform to all College policies. Responsibility for the content, accuracy, and maintenance of a Web page rests with the developer/author of the page. The Institution reserves the right to periodically review the appropriateness of any Web pages associated with the College.

College Related Web Pages

For technical guidelines and stylesheet, refer to webmaster/

Office, Division, or Discipline Web Pages

The Division Chair or office administrator is ultimately responsible for the content and maintenance of Web pages representing that office.

Student Clubs, Organizations or Program Pages

A College-based organization or program Web page will be considered upon the recommendation of the designated faculty or administrative sponsor. The designated faculty or administrative sponsor is responsible for the content and quality of the information presented via the Web.

Faculty or Staff Pages

The faculty or staff member who develops a Web page is responsible for the content and quality of the information presented via the Web.

Other, Related Web Pages

Student Pages

A student who develops a Web page is responsible for the content and quality of the information presented via the Web.

Community Partner, Association, or Other Pages

The chief administrator of the community partner is responsible for the content and quality of the information presented via the Web.

Responsibilities of Users

Users of the College's Internet resources are expected to comply with the following criteria for responsible usage:

  1. The use of Internet resources should be consistent with the College's mission to further the educational process by facilitating the acquisition and exchange of knowledge, by encouraging collaborative projects, and by supporting research and instruction by administration, faculty, staff and students.

  2. The use of Internet resources should conform to any regulations, policies, and procedures established in the College's Student Handbook.

  3. Individuals must take all reasonable precautions to prevent unauthorized access to Internet accounts or any other unauthorized usage and are expected to report any violations of this policy and/or security problems to appropriate personnel.

  4. The use of Internet resources should comply with ethical and legal standards. The following would be considered unethical or illegal:

    1. Using the Internet resources in a manner that creates a hostile environment, which may include but is not limited to harassing, threatening, stalking, libeling, or slandering other persons, or in any way that damages community relations.

    2. Using the Internet resources in a manner that violates the privacy of other users or persons.

    3. Copyright infringement.

    4. Using the Internet resources to knowingly upload or download pornography.

    5. Using the Internet resources to operate or engage in scams, pyramid schemes, or in any commercial venture.

  5. Individuals shall refrain from the intentional waste of limited computer resources by engaging in such activities as downloading non-college-related programs or applications.

Sanctions

Use of the College's Internet resources is a privilege, not a right. The College reserves the right to do the following:

  1. Alter the provisions of this policy as needed.

  2. Change the conditions of use of its Internet resources.

  3. Terminate or change, without notice, the nature of access to these resources.

Users who violate College policy or the standards for legal and ethical usage may have the privilege of use revoked without notice. Violators may be reported to appropriate personnel. Those using these resources for illegal acts are subject to prosecution by local, state, or federal authorities.

Limitations of Liability

1. Access

The Internet World Wide Web is a global network unregulated by local, state, federal, or international authority. Materials on the Internet may be controversial, offensive, disturbing, erroneous, or illegal. Because the College has no control over nor does it monitor materials on the Internet, it can not be held responsible for such material, for controlling access to it, or for protecting patrons from offensive material. The College disclaims any warranty for the accuracy, timeliness, authoritativeness, or usefulness of such materials and shall have no liability for any direct or indirect damages resulting from the use of Internet material. Access to, or use of, the Internet by minor children is solely the responsibility of the parent or legal guardian.

2. Links to Internet Sites

The College, through its home page, provides links to helpful sites that are consistent with the mission and purpose of the college. However, because of the unregulated nature of the Internet, the College can not monitor nor be responsible for the content or availability of the sites to which it links, nor for any subsequent links.

3. Violation of Privacy

The College disclaims any liability or responsibility for the violation of privacy of any individual by a user. Such responsibility shall lie solely with the user.

4. Use of Copyrighted Materials

The College disclaims any liability or responsibility for copyright infringement by a user. Such responsibility shall lie solely with the user.

5. Computer Viruses

Because the Internet is unregulated, viruses that are potentially harmful to the user's computer system may be downloaded from the World Wide Web. Responsibility for identifying and eliminating such viruses downloaded in data or files rests with the user. The College disclaims any responsibility for damages resulting from viruses transmitted through data or files obtained through the use of the College's electronic information systems.