2007-2008
Mt. Ephraim School District
Computer/Internet/Email Acceptable Use Policy for Staff
Please read the
following before signing the attached agreement.
Mount Ephraim Public Schools maintains and provides technology to staff for a broad range of applications. This includes a network account, access to the Internet, and a district email account. Access and use of equipment and software technology comes with responsibility. The district’s technology resources are expected to be used exclusively for education-related purposes. All users need to know that they have no expectation of privacy with respect to all stored files, including email files.
As a condition of employment, staff will read, understand, and adhere to the Mount Ephraim Public Schools Computer/Internet/Email Acceptable Use Policy as outlined below.
TERMS & CONDITIONS:
· Acceptable Use – The use of your account must be in support of education and research and consistent with the educational objectives of the school district. Use of other organization’s network or computing resources must comply with the Rules appropriate for that network. Transmission of any material in violation of any U.S. or state regulation is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to: copyrighted material, threatening or obscene material, or material protected by a trade secret. Use for commercial activities is not acceptable. Use for product advertising or political lobbying is also prohibited.
· Privileges – The use of school network and the Internet is a privilege, not a right, and inappropriate use will result in cancellation of these privileges. The system administrators will deem what is inappropriate use and their decision is final. Also, the administration may close an account at any time as required. The administration may request the technology director to deny, revoke or suspend specific accounts.
· Etiquette – You are expected to abide by the generally accepted rules of network etiquette. These include (but are not limited to) the following:
· Vandalism – Vandalism will result in a cancellation of privileges and possible legal action. Vandalism is defined as any malicious attempt to harm equipment, destroy data of another user, Internet or other networks that are connected to the Internet backbone. This includes, but is not limited to, the uploading or creation of computer viruses.
· Equipment – Computer equipment, including but not limited to, headphones, CD’s, etc. is the property of the Mt. Ephraim School District. Anyone malicious attempt to harm, destroy, or remove such equipment will be subject to disciplinary measures such as loss of computer privileges, replacement costs, etc.
· Security – Security on any computer system is a high priority, especially when the system involves many users. Never share your password or account with anyone. You have full responsibility for the use of your account, and can be held responsible for any policy violations that are traced to your account.
· Procedures for use – All users have the same right to use the equipment. Therefore, users shall not play games or use the computer resources for other non-academic activities when other users require the system for academic purposes. In addition, users shall not waste nor take supplies, such as paper, printer ribbons and diskettes. Users will minimize the use of the printers and print only school-related materials. Users will minimize the printing of emails.
· Encounter of Controversial material – Users may encounter material, which is controversial, and which users, parents, teachers or administrators may consider inappropriate or offensive. However, on a global network it is impossible to control effectively the content of data and an industrious user may discover controversial material. It is the user’s responsibility not to initiate access to such material. Any decision by the Mount Ephraim Board of Education to restrict access to Internet material shall not be deemed to impose any duty on the Mount Ephraim Board of Education to regulate the content of material on the Internet.
· Email – Email is not a private method of communication. System administrators or school administration may review email messages. Any email that is of a confidential nature regarding student or personnel matters should be marked ‘confidential’ in the subject line. It should be handled in a discreet manner and not be left open while away from the computer.
· Web Page development – Each person posting information to the public Internet is responsible for his or her content. Student or adult work may be published. No student names may be included with the work. Instead, a group description such as “Mrs. Smith’s Classroom” may be used. Images of students that show identifiable characteristics may only be posted if legal consent is given. Every student is responsible for returning the signed consent form ‘Mt. Ephraim Public Schools Website/Photograph’ policy. The list for students whose pictures are allowed on the website is available in the school office as well as the Media Center. Website content should be accurate and timely, and free of errors. Materials posted must adhere to copyright law.
· Exceptions of Terms and Conditions – All terms and conditions as stated in this document are applicable to all users of the network. These terms and conditions reflect an agreement of the parties and shall be governed and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of New Jersey and the United States of America.
School computer systems are for use by authorized individuals only. Any unauthorized access to these systems is prohibited and is subject to criminal and civil penalties under Federal laws (including, but not limited to public laws 83-703 and 990474.) Individuals using these are subject to having all activities on these systems monitored by system or security personnel. Anyone using these systems expressly consents to such monitoring. Prosecution and/or account termination will occur without warning.
Any user violating these rules, applicable state and federal laws or posted classroom and district rules are subject to loss of network/Internet privileges and any other district Disciplinary options.
In addition, pursuant to State of New Jersey law, any unauthorized access, attempted access, or use of any state computing and/or network system is a violation of the New Jersey Penal code and/or other applicable federal laws and is subject to criminal prosecution.
I understand and will abide by all rules, conditions and Computer/Internet Use Policy. I further understand that any violation of these is unethical and may constitute a criminal offense. Should I commit any violation, my access privileges may be revoked, disciplinary action may be taken and/or appropriate legal action.
Name of Staff Member (please print)
Date Position
Building Department/Grade
c: First Day Packet: Computer/Internet Use Policy ’07-08