Responsible Computing and Acceptable Use Policy

The guiding principle of Jefferson State Community College's Information Technology, consistent with the College's vision and statement of philosophy and purpose is to provide:

• students with the appropriate technology and support to succeed in both learning academic theories and in applying those theories to real-world situations;

• faculty with the appropriate computing tools to succeed in their teaching and research endeavors; and

• staff members with a computing environment that fosters productivity and assists in accomplishing job objectives.

In order to achieve these objectives, it is necessary to set forth policy guidelines for all users of the College's computing resources. This policy is applicable to, but is not limited to, the use of computing resources found in/on student computing labs, desktop workstations, administrative computers and workstations, campus network facilities (such as electronic mail systems, network connections), the World Wide Web, and all other technology-related resources of the College. All users of the computing resources are responsible for reading and understanding this policy.

The rights of academic freedom and the freedom of expression apply to the use of Jefferson State Community College's computing resources. Along with these rights there are associated responsibilities and limitations. The College supports a campus and computing environment open to the free expression of ideas, including unpopular points of view. The use of the College's computing resources is subject to College policies, and local, state and federal laws. Acceptable use always is ethical, reflects academic honesty, and shows restraint in the consumption of shared resources. It demonstrates respect for intellectual property, ownership of data, system security mechanisms, and individuals' rights to privacy and freedom from intimidation and harassment.

These rules apply to all users of the College's computing resources, whether affiliated with the College or not, and to all uses of those resources whether on campus or from remote locations. Users do not own accounts on College computers but are granted the privilege of using the College computing resources. All users of the Jefferson State Community College's Intranet will be authenticated for security and access rights.

1. Users of College computing resources must comply with federal and state laws, College rules and policies, and the terms of applicable contracts including software licenses while using the college computing resources. Examples of applicable laws, rules, and policies include the laws of libel, privacy, copyrights, trademark, obscenity and child pornography; the Electronics Communications Privacy Act and the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act, which prohibit "hacking," "cracking," and similar activities; the Student Code of Conduct; and the college's Sexual Harassment Policy.

2. Users are responsible for keeping their accounts and passwords secure. Users are responsible for all activities on their user ID or that originate from their systems. It is important to choose a password that is secure. Under no circumstances should users allow anyone else to use their personal account and password.

3. Certain limits are in place for the purpose of ensuring the efficient operation of College computing resources. Users of the computing resources may be asked to limit or refrain from specific uses if, in the opinion of the system administrator, such use interferes with the efficient operations of the computer systems.

4. Users must not use College computing resources to gain unauthorized access to remote computers or to impair or damage the operations of the College's computers, networks and peripherals. This includes, but is not limited to, blocking communication lines and running, installing or sharing virus programs. Deliberate attempts to circumvent data protection or other security measures are not allowed.

5. Users must have the appropriate authorization to use College trademarks and logos while using College computing resources.

6. This policy may be modified as deemed appropriate by the College. Users are responsible for reading and understanding this policy and should periodically review this policy as posted in the College's Administrative Policy and Procedures Manual.

The college considers violations of the general rules of acceptable use to be a serious offense. Users who violate this policy may be denied access to College computing resources and be subject to other penalties and disciplinary action, both within and outside the College. Alleged violations will be investigated, and appropriate disciplinary action will be taken. However, the College may temporarily suspend, block, or restrict access to an account or computing resource (i.e. network ports, processes) independently of such procedures, as it deems necessary to protect the integrity, security or functionality of College or other computing resources or to protect the College from liability. The College may also refer suspected violations of applicable law to appropriate law enforcement agencies.

1. Under the Electronic Communications Privacy Act of 1986 (Title 18 U.S.C. section 2510 et. Seq.), users are entitled to privacy regarding information contained in their accounts. This act, however, allows system administrators or other College employees to access user files in the normal course of system management when necessary to protect the integrity of computer systems or the rights or property of the College. At times, system administrators may also need to access files to ensure compliance with College policy. User files may be subject to search by law enforcement agencies under court order if such files contain information that may be used as evidence in a court of law. System administrators are obligated professionally and morally to maintain the confidentiality of user files, email and activity logs. The College may also specifically monitor the activity and accounts of individual users of computing resources, including individual login sessions and the content of individual files, without notice, when the College determines that:

   It is necessary to protect the integrity, security and functionality of College or other computing resources or to protect the College from liability; There is reasonable cause to believe the user has violated or is violating this policy; An account appears to be engaged in unusual or unusually excessive activity; or The law otherwise permits it.

2. Although the College considers email to be private, it also recognizes that email facilities are supported on the computing networks, hardware, and software, which are the property and responsibility of Jefferson State Community College. Therefore, as indicated above, the College reserves the right to access and examine email messages in accord with technical support, system maintenance needs, and college policy.

3. The College employs various measures to protect the information of its computing resources and its user's accounts. Users should be aware that the College cannot guarantee security and confidentiality. Users should engage in safe computing practices by establishing appropriate access restrictions for their accounts, making frequent back-up of critical files, and guarding their passwords.

College computing resources are not to be used for personal commercial purposes or for personal financial or other gain. Limits may be imposed upon personal use in accordance with normal supervisory procedures concerning the use of college equipment.