Guidelines On Access To Computer Networks And Internet

May, 2010

1. NACS Network and Internet Access -- NACS network and Internet access is provided to NACS students and employees subject to the terms and conditions found in this document. The purpose of the access is to facilitate communications in support of research and education. The educational value of student Internet access is the joint responsibility of students, parents, and NACS staff. Students utilizing NACS networks and Internet access must first have the permission of and be supervised by NACS's professional staff. NACS filters Internet access to limit access to material that would violate the terms of this policy, but these technical methods are not a foolproof means of enforcing these provisions. Unauthorized use may result in the cancellation of network privileges and additional disciplinary action. Parents and guardians have the option of requesting for their children alternative activities not requiring Internet use. Such a request is to be submitted in writing to the building principal each year.

2. Acceptable Use -- The use of the NACS network and Internet must be in support of education and research which is consistent with the educational objectives of Northwest Allen County Schools. Use of another organization's network or computing resources must also comply with the rules appropriate for that network. The following uses of the NACS networks or Internet access are prohibited:

a. Program Access: Do not access any program or part of a program not assigned by an NACS staff member. Students may not access any e-mail account using NACS computers unless granted an exception by school administration.

b. Storage Media: Do not use a USB drive or other removable media without the direct consent of an NACS staff member.

c. User Accounts: Do not login under another user's ID or access another individual's files, information, or software without prior authorization from an NACS staff member. Keep all passwords secret and contact a staff member immediately if another person has learned a password. Do not vandalize, damage, or disable the files of others.

d. System Resources: Do not use the network in a way that would waste system resources or disrupt the use of the network by others. This includes but is not limited to unnecessary printing, file storage, and high bandwidth activities.

e. Network Etiquette: Users are expected to abide by the generally accepted rules of network etiquette, being polite and using appropriate language. Do not use profanity, vulgarities, or other inappropriate, offensive, harassing, bullying, or stalking language or behaviors.

f. Copyrights: Do not violate copyright laws or otherwise use the intellectual property of another individual or organization without the permission of the owner.

g. On-line activities: Students may not purchase goods or services through the NACS network. The network is not to be used for commercial activities, product advertisement, or political lobbying without approval of the NACS Superintendent.

h. Personal Privacy: Students may not reveal personal name, address, phone number(s), bankcard number(s), etc. or those of anyone else. Be cautious of unsolicited on-line contact and advertising. Report communications which cause suspicion or discomfort to an NACS staff member.

i. Unacceptable Uses: Do not access, compose, upload, download, or distribute pornographic, obscene, or sexually explicit material or language. Do not use the network to violate any local, state or federal statute, or other school policy. This includes, but is not limited to, transmission of copyrighted material, threatening or obscene material, or material protected by trade secret. Immediately back out of any unacceptable web pages that are accessed and delete any unacceptable files and messages that are received. Report any such access to an NACS staff member so that technology staff and/or administration may be notified.

j. Downloads: Assume that all communications, programs, files, and any other information accessible via the NACS network are private, copyrighted property and respect them as such. Do not upload or download any text or graphic file without doing each of the following:

1) Receiving prior authorization by an NACS staff member;

2) Verifying that it is legal to do so under U.S. copyright laws;

3) Making sure each file is not infected with a computer virus.

Other types of files and large files require permission of an NACS technology staff member.

3. Installations - All installations of software and hardware in NACS are subject to the following requirements. Software or hardware found on NACS computers or networks in violation of this policy will be removed immediately and reported to administration.

i. License requirements are met;

ii. Approval is granted by a building administrator and district technology personnel;

iii. Original program media and licensing information are kept in the possession of the technology department.

b. Hardware - Non-NACS hardware and peripherals may not be connected to NACS computers or network unless approved by a building administrator and district technology personnel. This includes, but is not limited to, computers, printers, scanners, cameras, PDAs, hubs, and wireless access points.

4. Privileges -- The use of the NACS networks and the Internet is a privilege, not a right, and inappropriate use will result in a cancellation of those privileges. The district administrators or their designee will judge what is inappropriate use, and their decision is final. The system administrators may close an account/password at any time as required. Administrators, faculty, and other professional staff of NACS may request the system administrators to deny, revoke, or suspend specific user accounts/passwords. Failure to follow these guidelines may also result in disciplinary consequences.

5. Vandalism -- Vandalism will result in the cancellation of privileges and any additional disciplinary action deemed appropriate. Vandalism includes but is not limited to defacing, disassembling, or destroying any part of the computer hardware, software, or settings. Students are not to move any cables, switches, and plugs associated with the computers or network. Vandalism also includes any attempt to steal or damage data of another user, the NACS network, the Internet, or any other connected agency or network. Payment for the repair or replacement of damaged hardware or for services needed to undo software changes may be required of the offender.

6. Security -- Security on any computer system is a high priority, especially when the system involves many users. If a user feels able to identify a security problem on the NACS network, the user must notify a supervising professional or a system administrator. Do not demonstrate the problem to other users. Students may not, under any circumstances, use another individual's account. Do not give any passwords to another individual. Attempts to login to the system as another user may result in suspension or cancellation of user privileges. Attempts to login to the system as a system administrator will result in cancellation of user privileges. Users are prohibited from bypassing or attempting to bypass NACS servers or internet filters by any means, including but not limited to use of proxies or other methods of anonymous website surfing. Any user identified as a security risk or having a history of problems with other computer systems may be denied access to the NACS network and the Internet.

7. Privacy -- Users should not expect that any files or messages stored on school-based computers or networks will always be private. Administrators and faculty may review files and messages to maintain system integrity and to ensure that users are acting responsibly.

8. Publishing -- Prior to publication on the Internet, home pages that are intended to represent any school or department of NACS and those created as part of classroom or work assignments for the school district must be approved by Central Office Administration or its designee. Student names, images, or work may be published on NACS web pages in support of educational goals. Parents and guardians may complete a form with the school office if they are opposed to such publication for their children. Student addresses and phone numbers will never be published on the web pages.

9. Wireless Access - As NACS begins to deploy wireless network connectivity in its schools, access for non-NACS-owned devices may be approved for use. This approval would come from administration and district technology staff. While connected to the NACS wireless network, the guidelines of this Acceptable Use Policy still apply. NACS reserves the right to search private equipment if there is reasonable suspicion that school policies are being violated, whether or not the equipment is connected to the wireless network. Any physical connection of non-NACS equipment to NACS equipment requires separate approval. Student connection to the Internet other than through the NACS networks, such as via a cell phone data plan or with a separate router, is never allowed.

10. Disclaimer -- Northwest Allen County Schools, its employees and agents, make no warranties of any kind, neither expressed nor implied, concerning the network and Internet access it is providing. Furthermore, NACS is not responsible for:

a. The accuracy, nature, quality, or privacy of information stored on any storage device, hard drives or servers, or of information gathered through the Internet access;

b. Any damages suffered by a user, including but not limited to, loss of data resulting from delays or interruptions in service, computer viruses, or to personal property used to access computers, networks, or the Internet;

c. Unauthorized financial obligations resulting from the use of the network or Internet.