Descriptor Term Descriptor Code Date Issued
IFBG June 11, 2001
ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY
FOR ELECTRONIC INFORMATION,
SERVICES AND NETWORKS
(AUP) Rescinds Issued
IJNDB 04-14-97
OVERVIEW:
Scotland
County Schools offers an Internet network accessible by students, teachers,
staff and others. The Internet, an electronic highway, connects thousands of
computers, computer networks and individual subscribers around the world. All
network users and their parents or guardian, if they are under the age eighteen
(18), must sign an "Internet Acceptable Use Agreement" prior
to being given access to the network.
This Policy (IJNDB) will define the educational objectives and
guidelines for use as well as unacceptable uses, which will lead to revocation
of access and possible legal action.
The
Internet provides access to computer systems located all over the world. Users
(and parents of users, if the user is younger than age 18) must understand that
Scotland County Schools cannot completely control the content of the
information available. Some of the
information is controversial and, sometimes, offensive. However, the valuable information and
interaction accessible on this worldwide network outweigh the possibility that
users may find inappropriate material.
The Scotland County School System does not condone the use of such
materials and takes all reasonable precautions to filter access to these
materials. The responsibilities
accompanying freedom of speech and access to information will be taught. School
employees, students, and parents must be aware that access to the Internet will
be withdrawn from users who do not respect the rights of others or who do not
follow the rules and regulations established by the Scotland County School
System.
Following
is a listing of Scotland County Schools’ goals regarding internet use and
examples of the types of information users will be able to access:
Scotland
County Schools’ Goals:
1.
To support the
implementation of Scotland County Schools' Performance Standards and the North
Carolina Standard Course of Study,
2.
To enhance learning
opportunities by focusing on the application of skills in information
retrieval, searching strategies, research skills, and critical thinking, and
3.
To promote life-long
learning.
Information
accessible includes:
1.
Information, news, and
resources from businesses, libraries, educational institutions, government
agencies, research institutions, and a variety of other sources,
2.
Telecommunications with
individuals and groups around the world, and
3.
Public domain and
shareware software.
I. ACCEPTABLE USE
The
Scotland County Schools network may be used only in a responsible,
efficient, ethical and legal manner and must be in support of the
educational objectives and the student behavior guidelines of the Scotland
County Schools. Transmission of any
material in violation of any
federal
or state regulation is prohibited. Unacceptable uses include, but are not
limited to, the following:
SCOTLAND
COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION Page
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A. Violating copyright laws
B. Using threatening or obscene material
C. Distributing material protected by trade secret
D. Utilizing the network for commercial purposes
E. Providing political or campaign information
Scotland
County Schools has installed a software solution that provides Internet
control, monitoring, and filtering.
This software is the critical component of the Internet protection
package since it allows valuable online Internet access while restricting
access to specific unwanted categories including pornography, gambling, illegal
drugs, online merchandising, hate speech, criminal skills, alternative
journals, and games. The program will be updated on a regular basis to keep the
restriction list as current as possible.
Users
must abide by network etiquette rules. These rules include, but are not limited
to the following:
A.
Be polite; rudeness is
never acceptable.
B.
Use appropriate
language; do not swear, use vulgarities or other abusive or inappropriate
language.
C.
Do not reveal personal
addresses or phone numbers.
D.
Do not disrupt the use
of the network.
E.
Assume that all
communications and information accessible via the network is private property.
The
use of the Scotland County Schools network is a privilege, not a right. Inappropriate use by students will result in
limitation or cancellation of user privileges and possible disciplinary actions
under the student code of conduct.
Inappropriate use by employees and others could result in disciplinary
action, legal action or termination of employment.
Scotland County
Schools will not be responsible for any damages suffered, including loss of
data resulting from delays, non-deliveries, service interruptions, or
inaccurate information. The user
accepts personal responsibility for any information obtained via the Scotland
County Schools network.
Security
on any computer system is a high priority, especially when the system involves
many users. Attempts to tamper with the program, to access the system under
another person’s name, or to share a password will result in cancellation of
user privileges. Electronic mail is not
guaranteed to be private; system operators have access to all mail. Messages relating to or in support of
illegal activities may be reported to the authorities, and disciplinary action
will follow.
Vandalism
will result in cancellation of user privileges and disciplinary action. Vandalism is defined as any malicious
attempt to harm or destroy equipment and/or data of anyone connected to the
network or Internet. This includes, but
is not limited to uploading, creating, or transmitting computer viruses.
SCOTLAND COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION Page 2 of 3
A.
STUDENTS
Students
will not be allowed access to the Scotland County Schools network until he/she
has signed Section A.1 of this Agreement Form, and if the student is under the
age 18, his/her parent must also have signed Section A.2 of the Agreement Form.
1.
(STUDENTS) I,
_____________________________________________ (typed or printed name), have
read and understand and will abide by the Scotland County Schools' Internet Acceptable
Use rules and regulations for network use.
I further understand that any violation will result in the loss of
access privileges and school disciplinary action.
Student
Signature: __________________________________________________
Student
ID#: ___________________________
Date:
___________________________
2. (PARENTS) I,
_____________________________________________ (typed or printed name), have
read and understand the Scotland County Schools' Internet Acceptable Use rules
and regulations for network use and understand that this access is designed for
educational purposes only. I also
recognize that it is impossible to restrict access to all inappropriate
materials. However, I accept full
responsibility for my child's compliance with such rules and regulations and,
hereby, give my permission for my child to use the network.
Parent/Guardian's
Signature:
__________________________________________________
Date:
___________________________
Students will have a
signed copy of this document on file at their school no later than the first
grading period. Transferring or new
students will have a signed copy of this document on file at their school upon
registration.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I,
_____________________________________________ (typed or printed name), have
read and understand and will abide by the Scotland County Schools' Internet
Acceptable Use rules and regulations for the network. I further understand that any violation will result in the loss
of access privileges and possible disciplinary action.
User
Signature: __________________________________________________
Date:
___________________________
Employees and others must
have a signed copy of this document on file at their respective school by the
end of the first month of employment or use.
Employee’s AUP AGREEMENT will be maintained in their personnel file as a
continuous agreement throughout the term of their employment. AUP AGREEMENTS of
other users of the SCS Network will be kept on file at the site of use.
SCOTLAND
COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION Page
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