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Computer System Policy

Technology Acceptable Use Policy

Schools within the Diocese of Columbus have implemented voice, data, and video electronic communication systems that will allow unprecedented educational opportunities for students and staff to communicate, learn, and publish information.   These network resources provide students and staff access to electronic resources and are to be used for educational purposes.  

Communication over the diocesan network is not to be considered private.   Network supervision and maintenance may require review and inspection of network activity.

 

Terms and Conditions for Internet Access and Use

The use of the Internet must be in support of education or research and adhere to the educational goals and objectives of the Diocese of Columbus Department of Education.  While some material accessible via the Internet may contain information that is inappropriate or inaccurate, the Department believes that the benefits to students exceed the disadvantages.  Ultimately, parents and guardians of minors are responsible for setting and conveying the standards that their children should follow when using network resources. 

Acceptable Use of the Internet:

Students are responsible for appropriate behavior when using the Internet just as they are in a classroom or hallway.   Students are expected to abide by the generally accepted rules of network etiquette: 

• Do not view, send or access abusive, obscene or harassing materials.  A good rule to follow is never view, send, or access materials which you would not want your teachers and parents to see.  Should students encounter such material by accident, they should report it to their teacher immediately.
• Do not access or participate in chat rooms, or multi-user environments including but not limited to IM, MUDs or MOOs; download or play games; subscribe to or access listservs; download music files or check, send or receive e-mail unless prior permission is granted by a teacher.
• Do not give out any personal information including names, addresses, phone numbers or credit card information pertaining to themselves or any other person without appropriate staff approval.
• Do not engage in any commercial, for-profit activities.
• Do not violate copyright laws.  Materials accessed through the Internet must be properly cited when referenced in a student research assignment.
• Do not download or install any commercial software, shareware, or freeware onto network drives or disks.   Do not copy other people’s work or intrude into other people’s files.
• Do not waste school resources by printing excessively or consuming limited hard drive space or network space.
• Do not use the Internet in any way, which disrupts the service or its operation for others.

 Consequences for Inappropriate Use of the Internet:

Since Internet access is a privilege and not a right, users have the responsibility to use the Internet in an appropriate manner.   Consequences of misuse or abuse of the Internet, depending upon the severity of the situation may include one or more of the following:

• A warning, followed by re-clarification of the acceptable use guidelines.
• Loss of privilege of Internet access for not less than 45 school days.
• Notification of parents and administrators by phone or personal conference.
• Referral to proper authorities for disciplinary and/or legal action.

Terms and Conditions for Technology Network and
Equipment Access and Use: 

Schools within the Diocese of Columbus provide a variety of technology resources that will allow unprecedented educational opportunities for students and staff to communicate, learn, and publish information.   These resources include computers, software, scanners, printers, digital cameras, video cameras and much more.   Students will be required to act appropriately when utilizing technology equipment and work areas.
 

 Acceptable Use of Networks and Technology Equipment:

Students are responsible for appropriate behavior when using Diocesan or school technology resources.  Students are expected to abide by the following rules: 

• Do not intentionally damage computers, computer systems or computer networks.  Students    should take special care with the physical facilities, hardware, software, and furnishings.
• Students may not remove/move, unplug, alter or add equipment or software to the network without the approval of the network administrator.
• Do not create or willfully disseminate computer viruses.   Students should be sensitive to    the ease of spreading viruses and should take steps to ensure that disks and files are virus free.
• Do not attempt to gain unauthorized or illegal access to Diocesan technology resources or any other technology resources.
• Do not attempt to gain access to the Diocesan or any other computer system or go beyond your authorized access by entering another person’s password or accessing another person’s    files.
• Do not download, install or run any software without the express permission of your teacher or the network administrator. Personal technology equipment brought to school is subject to the procedures outlined in the Student Acceptable Use Policy.
• Do not alter the computers or change the settings or system configurations in any way.
• Do not alter, damage or vandalize Diocese technology equipment or software in any way.
• Do not use Diocese resources to create, manage or access personal web pages or personal servers without the express permission of your teacher or network manager.

 Consequences for Inappropriate Use of Networks or
Technology Equipment:

Users have the responsibility to use technology resources in an appropriate manner. Consequences of misuse or abuse of these resources, depending upon the severity of the situation may include one or more of the following:

• A warning, followed by reclarification of the acceptable use guidelines.
• Loss of access to Diocese technology resources.
• Notification of parents and administrators by phone or personal conference.
• Referral to proper authorities for disciplinary and/or legal action.
• Students who have lost technology privileges may not use personal equipment in lieu of Diocese or school equipment.

Conclusion:

School personnel will exercise reasonable oversight to ensure that the communication and technology resources of the school and diocese are used in the appropriate manner.

The Diocese makes no guarantee that the functions or the services provided by or through the Diocesan system will be error-free or without defect.   The Diocese will not be responsible for any damage you may suffer including, but not limited to, loss of date or interruptions of service. 

The Diocese is not responsible for the accuracy or quality of the information attained through or stored on the system.   The diocese will not be responsible for financial obligations arising from unauthorized use of the system.