Internet access to global electronic information resources on the World Wide Web is used by the campus to assist students in obtaining education-related data and technology. The following guidelines have been established to help ensure responsible and productive Internet usage.
All Internet data that is composed, transmitted, or received via the campus computer communications systems is considered to be part of the official records of the school and, as such, is subject to disclosure to law enforcement or other third parties. Consequently, students should always ensure that the information contained in the Internet email messages and other transmissions is accurate, appropriate, ethical, and lawful.
The equipment, services, and technology provided via the Internet are the property of the College. As such, the College reserves the right to monitor Internet traffic, and retrieve and read any data composed, sent, or received through its online connections and stored in its computer systems. Data that is composed, transmitted, accessed, or received via the Internet must not contain content that could be considered discriminatory, offensive, obscene, threatening, harassing, intimidating, or disruptive to any employee or other person. Examples of unacceptable content may include, but are not limited to, sexual comments or images, racial slurs, gender-specific comments, or any other comments or images that could reasonably offend someone on the basis of race, age, sex, religious or political beliefs, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by law.
The unauthorized use, installation, copying, or distribution of copyrighted, trademarked, or patented material on the Internet is expressly prohibited. As a general rule, if a student did not create the material, does not own the rights to it, or has not secured authorization for its use, it should not be put on the Internet. Likewise, copyrighted and/or trademarked information should not be downloaded from the Internet to the school’s networks or devices without obtaining prior permission in writing or having possession of a legal bill of sale or license from the owner to use such material.
Abuse of the Internet access provided by the College in violation of law or school policies will result in disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal. Students may also be held personally liable for any violations of this policy. The following behaviors are examples of previously stated or additional actions and activities that are prohibited and can result in disciplinary action:
- Sending, printing, or posting discriminatory, harassing, or threatening messages or images
- Stealing, using, or disclosing someone else’s code or password without authorization
- Copying, pirating, or downloading software and electronic files without permission
- Violating copyright law
- Failing to observe licensing agreements.
- Engaging in unauthorized transactions that may incur a cost to the organization or initiate unwanted Internet services and transmission.
- Sending or posting messages or material that could damage the organization’s image or reputation; including the use of the College’s Full name, titles and positions in any publication that may be perceived as offensive.
- Participating in the viewing or exchange of pornography or obscene materials
- Sending or posting messages that defame or slander other individuals.
- Posting on behalf of the College, without explicit permission from the Campus President of the College.
- Posting or discussing confidential patient/client information related to externship and clinical experiences, or any information or photographs concerning patients/clients or their families.
- Posting work-related pictures of College employees, students, or anyone associated with the College, without that person’s permission.
- Attempting to break into the computer system of another organization or person.
- Performing operations against another organization’s computers or networks intended to identify security vulnerabilities or disrupt service.
- Refusing to cooperate with security investigation.
- Sending or posting chain letters, solicitations, or advertisements not related to education purposes or activities.
- Using the Internet for political causes or activities, religious activities, or any sort of gambling
- Jeopardizing the security of the organization’s electronic communications systems
- Sending or posting messages that disparage another organization’s products or services or the passing of personal views as representing those of the organization.
- Sending anonymous e-mail messages
- Engaging in any other inappropriate or illegal activities