Procedure 2130

Computer and Electronic Access and Usage

Access to computer and electronic communication resources, such as the Internet, electronic mail, computer classrooms and networks, is a privilege provided at the discretion of Northland Pioneer College. Information Services will work in cooperation with departments for computer setup, maintenance, and security issues. Individual departments may have additional rules determining security, hours of operation, and usage. Information Services, in cooperation with departments and individuals, has final authority to determine unique account names. So that Internet service and the college networks are efficiently maintained, any material on any campus server shall be accessible to authorized personnel when necessary to fulfill their administrative responsibilities. The college reserves the right to monitor its computing network resources under appropriate circumstances and to prohibit use to protect the integrity of its computer system.

Users:

• Internet, computing, and network accounts are generally available to faculty and staff, and may be available to registered students and authorized guests. Accounts are for the sole use of the individual to whom the account is issued.

Acceptable use:

• To support educational objectives and enhance the mission of the college.
• To conduct official college business.
• To support teaching and learning.
• To serve the information and communication needs of the college community.
• To deliver instructional content.
• To disseminate information about the college.

Any activity violating state or federal laws, Northland Pioneer College Code of Conduct, or Northland Pioneer College Policies and Procedures may result in disciplinary action, including loss of access and repair charges.

Unacceptable use:

• Plagiarism, falsification, forgery, or unauthorized modification of college-related documents, including the college logo; unauthorized use of the college name; false representation; unauthorized use of the account or files of another individual; and forgery to conceal identity.
• Electronic mail chain letters or spamming.
• Installation and use of unauthorized software or hardware.
• Use for personal financial gain or for private commercial activities with the exception of approved coursework or contracted services.
• Due to limited bandwidth and resources, playing network games and using high-resource applications, including printing multiple copies or excessive copies.
• Destruction, impairment, misuse or changes in configuration of hardware or software; actions which obstruct, disrupt or interfere with college activity; circumvention of data and software protection schemes.
• Any illegal activities, including but not limited to harassment, obscenity, violation of privacy, violation of copyright protection.
• Storing or downloading files, software, or documents on the hard drives of computers open to public access.
• Failing to follow established guidelines for computer use.

Disclaimer: The College is not responsible for lost or deleted files. Computer and electronic communication usage may be limited, restricted or unavailable at certain times or in certain areas depending upon equipment availability and necessary maintenance requirements. The college will not assume any responsibility for damages, direct or indirect, arising from the use of electronic services through its system, including the Internet.

[Based on Policy #1138, 3/08/01]