Computer Use Policy

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(Subject to Change without Notification)

To protect students’ access to functioning computers and to protect computer hardware, software, networks and the proprietary rights of the Institution and third parties in commercial software, all students must assume the following responsibilities of legal and ethical computer and network use. Depending on the severity of any violation of this policy, consequences may include a written or oral reprimand, loss of computer use privileges, expulsion from this Institution and/or referral to the appropriate legal authorities.

  • Any currently enrolled student or graduate in good standing may use the computer labs and resource center computer facilities. Guests are not permitted in the computer labs or resource center. These resources are to be used primarily for school or job-search related activities such as research, homework assignments, and resume preparation. Limited personal use of computing facilities (e.g. checking e-mail, web browsing, etc.) is permitted so long as it is done outside of class time and does not unduly burden the Institution’s facilities or prevent others from making use of them. The Institution reserves the right to limit or prohibit personal use of computing facilities at any time.
  • Students are prohibited from using Internet resources or computer facilities for the purpose of accessing pornographic content; for the purpose of sending, receiving and/or storing chain mail, advertising, or fraudulent materials; for any commercial or for-profit activity; for annoying or harassing other users by such means as broadcasting unsolicited messages or sending harassing, obscene, or offensive messages; and for any purpose which is prohibited by law.
  • The computer facilities of the computer labs and resource center may be used for authorized purposes only. The computer labs may be used whenever the Institution is open and classes are not in session in the labs. The resource center may be used anytime during its normal operating hours. The Institution reserves the right to close the labs or resource center at any time, with or without advance notice, whenever necessary for maintenance or other purposes.
  • Food or drinks may not be brought into the computer labs or the resource center. NO EXCEPTIONS.
  • Students are prohibited from installing, downloading and/or running any software, other than that provided by the Institution, without explicit permission from a faculty member or administrator.
  • Changing any settings or running any diagnostic or utility programs on any computer or network of the Institution without specific instruction by a faculty member or administrator is strictly prohibited. “Settings” include, but are not limited to, video display settings, mouse settings, printer settings, network settings and protocols, etc.
  • Students will be provided with personal storage space on the Institution’s computer network for saving files. Students may also choose to save files on a personal USB flash drive. Saving data to any location other than the student’s personal network storage space or USB flash drive is prohibited. Attempting to change or delete any data on the Institution’s computers or computer network is also prohibited.
  • Although the Institution makes a best effort to ensure the integrity of files saved on its network, students are strongly encouraged to keep a backup of all files saved on either a personal USB flash drive. The Institution is not responsible for any lost or damaged data saved on its computer network.
  • Every student in good standing will be assigned an account on the Institution’s computer network. Sharing of accounts is strictly prohibited. Students will be held accountable for all activity occurring on their account! Therefore, all account information including passwords must be kept confidential. Use these basic account safety measures:
  • Choose hard-to-guess passwords, such as short word phrases (e.g. learn2learn). Do not use common names. If you forget your password, notify administration so that your password may be reset. Never use another student’s account to log on for any reason!
  • Never leave computers unattended without logging off. Always log off at the end of class.
  • Never give passwords to someone else or allow others to use your account.
  • If you suspect that your account has been used by someone else, notify administration immediately.
  • Use shared resources considerately. Do not monopolize systems, overload networks with excessive data, or waste computer time, disk space, paper or other resources. Leave the work area clean and in order for the next person when finished.
  • Do not assume information stored on the Institution’s computer facilities to be private. Any and all information saved on Institution computer facilities may be accessed or deleted at any time.
  • All computer files, disks, USB flash drives, etc. belong to somebody. Assume them to be private and confidential unless the owner has given explicit permission to make them available to others. If in doubt, ask first.
  • Staff, faculty and students are strictly prohibited from copying commercial or otherwise copyrighted software, whether for use on or off campus (except as specifically permitted by the software’s author or manufacturer) or engaging in any other activity that may violate a copyright, patent or trademark. (Consult the College President or the appropriate software license agreement should you have any questions.)
  • It is the institution’s policy to comply with all copyright laws.  All faculty, staff, students, and members of the campus community are expected to be aware of and follow these requirements.  Copyright law information can be found at www.copyright.gov. 
  • Students are prohibited from accessing data or programs for any reason without the owner’s explicit permission.
  • Students are prohibited from downloading, installing, creating, modifying or transmitting any computer program or instruction intended to gain unauthorized access to, or make unauthorized use of, any computer facilities or software.
  • Students are prohibited from using the Institution computer facilities with the intent to compromise other computers or networks, to commit crimes, or to engage in other unethical acts. The Institution will take necessary steps to preserve the security of its computer resources.
  • Students will be billed for the cost of any damage to computer hardware or the cost of reconfiguration of any software, or for any other costs incurred by the institution as a result of a violation of these rules.
  • Report any violation of this Computer Use Policy to the administration immediately.