The purpose of this policy is to facilitate network (electronic mail and electronic bulletin board) and internet access (all referred to as "Network"), for educational purposes for the staff and students where appropriate. As such, this access should (1) assist in the collaboration and exchange of information, (2) facilitate personal growth in the use of technology, and (3) enhance information gathering and communication skills. For the purpose of this policy, "user" includes both staff and students.

The use of the Network is a privilege which may be revoked by the District at any time and for any reason. Appropriate reasons for revoking privileges include, but are not limited to, the altering of system software or the placing of unauthorized information, computer viruses or harmful programs on or through the computer system in either public or private files or messages. The District reserves the right to remove files, limit or deny access, and refer the user for other disciplinary actions.

The District reserves all rights to any material stored in files which are generally accessible to others and will remove any material which the District, at its sole discretion, believes may be unlawful, obscene, pornographic, abusive, or otherwise objectionable. A user will not use his/her District-approved computer account/access to obtain, view, download, or otherwise gain access to such materials.

In District locations where public access is granted, students are required to use only those computers assigned for student use. In public areas having computer use available, computers shall be clearly marked in an unalterable manner: "For Students," or "For General Public." Students who are not eighteen (18) years of age or accompanied by an adult shall not use computers marked "For General Public." Each unauthorized use is a violation of this policy.

"For Student" computers will utilize a system or method that is designed to prevent a minor from viewing obscene matter or sexually explicit matter that is harmful to minors. The District may use passwords and or filters.

All information services and features contained on District or Network resources are intended for the private use of its registered users and any use of these resources for commercial-for-profit or other unauthorized purposes (i.e. advertisements, political lobbying), in any form, is expressly forbidden.

The District and/or Network resources are intended for the exclusive use by their registered users. The user is responsible for the use of his/her account/password and/or access privilege. Any problems which arise from the use of a user member’s account are the responsibility of the account holder. Use of an account by someone other than the registered account holder is forbidden and may be grounds for loss of access privileges.

Any misuse of the account will result in suspension of the account privileges and/or other disciplinary action determined by the District. Misuse shall include, but not be limited to:

E interfering with others’ use of the Network;

The use of District and/or Network resources are for the purpose of (in order of priority):

All of the above uses should still be related to the educational or business mission of the District.

The District and/or Network does not warrant that the functions of the system will meet any specific requirements the user may have, or that it will be error free or uninterrupted; nor shall it be liable for any direct or indirect, incidental, or consequential damages (including lost data, information, or time) sustained or incurred in connection with the use, operation, or inability to use the system.

The user will diligently delete old mail messages on a daily basis from the personal mail directory to avoid excessive use of the electronic mail disk space.

The District and/or Network will periodically make determinations on whether specific uses of the Network are consistent with the acceptable-use practice. The District and/or Network reserves the right to log Internet use and to monitor electronic mail space utilization by users.

The user may transfer files from information services and electronic bulletin board services. For each file received through a file transfer, the user agrees to check the file with a virus- detection program before opening the file for use. Should the user transfer a file, shareware, or software which infects the Network with a virus and causes damage, the user will be liable for any and all repair costs to make the Network once again fully operational and may be subject to disciplinary action.

The user may not transfer file, shareware, or software from information services and electronic bulletin boards without the permission of the immediate supervisor. The user will be liable to pay the cost or fee of any file, shareware, or software transferred, whether intentional or accidental, without such permission.

The District reserves the right to log computer use and to monitor fileserver space utilization by users. The District reserves the right to remove a user account on the Network to prevent further unauthorized activity.

The user is responsible for the proper use of the equipment and will be held accountable for any damage to or replacement of equipment caused by abusive use.

M.C.L.A. 397.606 (6)

Adopted 6/00