Acceptable Use Policypage 1

Acceptable Use PolicyPage 1

Acceptable Use Policy

for

Technology

Version 2.0

Metro Early College

High School

August 2012

5613824v3

Acceptable Use PolicyPage 1

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

1.Note

2.Acceptable Use

3.Availability of Access

4.Monitored Use

5.Disclaimer of Liability

6.Training

7.Copyright

8.Network Access

9.Network Coordinator

10.Individual User Responsibilities

10.1Acceptable Use

10.2Standards of Acceptable Use

10.2.1Standard One

10.2.2Standard Two

10.2.3Standard Three

10.2.4Standard Four

10.2.5Standard Five

10.2.6Standard Six

10.2.7Standard Seven

10.2.8Standard Eight

10.2.9Standard Nine

10.2.10Standard Ten (Personal Safety)

11.Vandalism Prohibited

12.Forgery Prohibited

13.Limitation, Termination and/or Revocation of Privileges

14.Warning

15.Safety Issues

16.Internet Access

16.1Terms and Conditions of Use

16.2Procedures for Use

16.3Rules Governing Use

16.4Penalties for Improper Use

16.5Warranty

16.6Security

16.7User Privacy

16.8School Policies

17.Other

18.Code of Conduct – Your copy

19.Signature – Code of Conduct

Revision History

Name / Date / Reason For Changes / Version
Education Council / 03/31/08 / Conception / 1.0
Metro High School / 8/1/2012 / Updates / 2.0

Note

Metro Early College High School(the “School”) computers, personally-owned devices that access the School’s Network, and the use of the School Network, Internet access, the electronic communications system and/or on-line services (collectively, the “Network”) support leaning and enhance instruction, as well as assist in administration. All students and staff members must have a signed AUP form on file before they have access to technology and Internet services.

USE OF TECHNOLOGY RESOURCES

Purpose: To establishSchool’s vision and the basic structure for the use of technology resources.

1.Acceptable Use

The School’s Chief Academic Officeror his/her designee will implement, monitor and evaluate electronic media resources for Schoolpurposes.

The purpose of the School’s Network is to support research and education in and among institutions by providing access to unique resources and the opportunity for collaborative work. All use of the Internet and Network must be in support of education and research and be consistent with the educational objectives of the School. Use of other networks or computing resources must comply with the rules governing those networks. Transmission of any material in violation of any federal or state laws or regulations and FERPA rules are prohibited; this includes, but is not limited to, copyrighted material, threatening or obscene material, or material protected by trade secret. Access to computer Networks and Networks owned or operated by the

Schoolis subject to internal policies and local, state, and federal laws.

Acceptable use is always ethical, reflects honesty, and shows restraint in the consumption of shared resources. It demonstrates respect for intellectual property, ownership of information, Network security mechanisms, and the individual’s rights to privacy and freedom from intimidation, harassment, discrimination, and unwarranted annoyance.

The School will have the following in continuous operation, with respect to any computers belonging to the School and having access to the Internet:

1.A qualifying technology protection measure, as required by CIPA. The protection measures are designed to block or filter internet access to pictures that are: (a) obscene; (b) child pornography; or (c) harmful to minors; and

2.Procedures or guidelines that provides for monitoring the online activities of users and the use of the chosen technology protection measure to protect against access through such computers to visual depictions that are obscene, pornographic, or harmful to minors, as those terms are defined in CIPA.

Such procedures or guidelines will be designed to:

1.Provide for monitoring the online activities of users to prevent, to the extent practicable, access by minors to inappropriate matter on the Internet and the World Wide Web;

2.Promote the safety and security of minors when using electronic mail, chat rooms, and other forms of direct electronic communications;

3.Prevent unauthorized access, including so-called "hacking," and other unauthorized activities by minors online;

4.Prevent the unauthorized disclosure, use and dissemination of personal identification information regarding minors; and

5.Restrict minors' access to materials "harmful to minors," as that term is defined in CIPA.

Pursuant to Federal law, students shall receive education about appropriate on-line behavior, including: (a) access by minors to inappropriate matter on the Internet; (b) the safety and security of minors while interacting with other individuals on social Networking websites,using e-mail, chat rooms, other forms of direct electronic communications, and cyberbullying awareness and response; (c) unauthorized access (e.g., "hacking") and other unlawful activities by minors on line; (d) unauthorized disclosure, use, and dissemination of personal information regarding minors; and (e) measures restricting minors’ access to materials harmful to them.

2.Availability of Access

The School will make access to the School’s Network, including the Internet, available to students and employees exclusively for instructional and administrative purposes and in accordance with administrative rules.

Access to the School’s Network is a privilege, not a right. All users will be required to acknowledge receipt and understanding of all administrative rules governing use of the Networkand will agree in writing to comply with rules and guidelines. Noncompliance with applicable administrative rules will result in disciplinary action consistent with School policies and administrative rules up to and including termination of employment or expulsion of students. Violations of law may result in criminal prosecutions, as well as disciplinary action by the School and or its affiliates.

In order to enhance the learning experience, students may bring personally-owned computers or other web-enabled devices to school for use in curricular and extra-curricular activities (“Bring Your Own Devices” or “BYOD”) as approved by a teacher, coach and/or administrator (a “School Official”). Pursuant to BYOD, students will be allowed to access the Network for approved activities, projects and/or assignments. Because the Network is meant to support your educational progress, you are not allowed to access it for personal uses.

The School reserves the right to approve the types of devices that it will allow to access the Network. The approval is subject to change at the School’s sole discretion at any time. All approved devices must allow access to the Internet through a fully functional web browser and be capable of accessing the MHS Network. All Internet access shall occur using the MHS Network. Cellular Network adapters are not permitted to be used by students to access the Internet at any time.

The use of personal technology to provide educational material is not a necessity but a privilege. A student does not have the right to use his or her laptop, cell phone or other electronic device while at school. When abused, privileges will be taken away. When respected, privileges will benefit the learning environment. The School will establish rules governing when and where Technology may be used.

The School accepts no responsibility for personal property brought to the school. Personally-owned laptops or other devices that are stolen or damaged are the responsibility of the student and their parents/guardians. The School’s information technology personnel are not responsible for repairing and/or maintaining privately-owned devices. The owner of the device is solely responsible for ensuring that the device is in good working order.

Students and parents/guardians participating in BYOD must adhere to all School policies and the Acceptable Use Policy. Additionally:

1. The device will not be used in the hallways, bathrooms or parking lots unless otherwise directed by a School Official. Students are prohibited from using head phones or ear buds in the hallways, bathrooms or parking lots unless otherwise directed by a School Official.
2. The device must be in silent mode while on school campuses unless otherwise directed by a School Official.
3. The device may not be used to cheat or assist cheating on assignments or tests or for non-instructional purposes during instructional time.
4. The device may not be used to record, transmit or post photographic images or video of a person, or persons on campus during school activities and/or hours unless assigned by a School Official as allowed by the Acceptable Use Policy.
5. The device may only be used to access files or internet sites which are relevant to the classroom curriculum. Non-instructional games are not permitted.
6. Students must comply with a School Official’s request to turn off the device.

Students acknowledge and agree that:

1. The School's Network filters will be applied to all access to the internet and should not be circumvented. Any attempt to circumvent the filters is a violation of the Acceptable Use Policy and will subject the user to loss of privileges, discipline and/or referral to law enforcement.
2. The School may take possession of and examine any device when School personnel observe or reasonably suspect that a device is being used in violation of these rules or that a search is required to discover evidence of a violation of law or other School rules, including but not limited to the Acceptable Use Policy.
3. Personal technology must be charged prior to bringing it to school and the device must run off its own battery while at school.
4. The students remain subject to all other School behavior rules and the Code of Conduct. Violation of the BYOD provisions of this policy may lead to discipline under the Code of Conduct and/or confiscation of the device. The device may be confiscated even if the student does not own the device. Confiscated devices will be released to the parent of the student upon request. Confiscated devices will be released to the student when the disciplinary consequences have been served or at the end of the school year, whichever is sooner.

3.Monitored Use

Students and employees should have no expectation of privacy in their use of the Network and/or their use of the Network to transmit or receive electronic mail or other messages. Designated staff may monitor these actions at any time to ensure appropriate use for educational or administrative purposes, for maintenance or repair, or for no reason.

4.Disclaimer of Liability

Users accept all risks attendant upon the use of the Network, without exception. The School will not be liable for loss, damage, inconvenience, or any other harm or damages resulting from the use of the School’s Network,including but not limited to user misuse including violations of copyright restrictions, users’ mistakes or negligence or costs and /or chargesfor service incurred by users. The Schoolis not responsible for ensuring the accuracy or usability of any information found on the Internet, or for the suitability of the Network for any particular use.

The Chief Academic Officer or his/her designee will oversee the School’s Network and is the final authority over any and all aspects of its use.

Oversight of the posting of official School, campus or division/department materials on the Network will be the responsibility of the Chief Academic Officer, principal or division/department supervisor or his/her designee.

The Network will be used only for administrative and instructional purposes consistent with the School’s mission and goals.

5.Training

It is the goal of the Schooltoprovide training for employees and students, and management or teachers will answer any user questions regarding the proper use of the Network and provide copies of the School’s acceptable use guidelines for users. Teachers and managers will emphasize ethical use of the Network’s resources.

6.Copyright

Users shall abide by copyright law, and shall respect the intellectual property rights of authors and creators without exception. Violation of copyright may lead to disciplinary action up to and including termination or the expulsion of students. Copyrighted software or data may not be placed on any Network connected to the Network without documented permission from the holder of the copyright. Only the owner or individuals the owner specifically authorizes may upload copyrighted material to the Network.

7.Network Access

Access to the Network will be governed as follows:

• With the approval of the principal or division/departmental supervisor or his/her designee, users will be granted appropriate access to the Network subject to this policy and all applicable policies, regulations and law.
• Any Network users identified as having violated School, campus and/or division/department Network acceptable use guidelines, policies, or lawwill be subject to disciplinary action consistent with School policies and administrative rules up to and including termination of employment or expulsion of students.

8.Network Coordinator

The Network coordinator (center coordinator or his/her designee) for the electronic communication Network will do the following:

• Disseminate and enforceapplicable School as well as University policies and acceptable use policiesfor the School’s Network
• Ensure that all users of the School’s Network complete and sign an agreement to abide by School policies and administrative rules regarding such use. All such agreements will be kept on file by the human resource coordinator
• Ensure that all employees supervising students who use the School’s Network provide education and training emphasizing the appropriate uses of these resources
• Monitor or examine Network activities asappropriate to ensure proper use of the Network
• Set limits for storage of data and other technical parametersfor users of the Network, as needed or as directed from School level technology staff

9.Individual User Responsibilities

9.1 Acceptable Use

Activities in direct support of teaching and learning, such as professional development, administrative communications, grant applications, new project announcements and student product publishing, are acceptable. It is the general policy that SchoolNetwork facilities are to be used in a responsible, efficient, ethical and legal manner in accordance with the instructional mission of the School, the acceptable use and other School policies, and applicable local, state and federal law(s). Faculty and students must acknowledge by signature their understanding of the general policy and guidelines and their agreement to abide by those policies as a condition of receiving access to the Network.

9.2 Standards of Acceptable Use

Failure to adhere to this policy and the standards within may result in disciplinary action, including revocation of the offender’s Network access privilege by the Networkadministrator, termination of employment and expulsion of students.

Willful misuses may lead, in addition to serious disciplinary action, to criminal prosecution under applicable state and federal law. The standards do not attempt to articulate all permitted or prohibited behavior by users and require application of common sense in light of the purpose and general policy for Network and Internet access. The Chief Academic Officer shall have the final authority over decisions regarding acceptability of use. It is the responsibility of users to seek the approval and guidance of management or teaching staff if there is any question of the acceptability of a specific proposed use, and the responsibility of such managers or teachers to seek appropriate guidance in cases of uncertainty.

9.2.1 Standard One

Acceptable uses of the Network are activities which support learning and teaching. The School encourages Network users to develop uses which meet their individual needs and which take advantage of the Network’s functions, including but not limited to:

• Databases
• Internet resources
• Conferences and publishing

9.2.2 Standard Two

Unacceptable uses of the Network include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Accessing the password protected materials of any student or employee, or of any third person or entity.
• Transmitting profanity, obscenity or other communications in any form or medium which may be offensive to the recipient to any individual, group, web site, news group, mailing list or similar forum
• Downloading, storing or printing files or messages (text, sound, still or moving graphics or any combination thereof) that are pornographic or obscene or that use language, sounds or imagery which offends or tends to degrade others (the designated official in the administration shall have the final authority to determine suitability in particular circumstances)
• Transmitting any material which is threatening to another person, group or the general community, whether or not such material is transmitted to that third person
• Copying proprietary information, including software, in violation of applicable law and policy
• Using the Network for personal financial gain, business activity not on behalf of the School or any illegal activity
• Knowingly or negligently transmitting or opening the Network to the reception of computer viruses and other malware or failing to scan downloaded files for viruses
• Deliberately trying to degrade or disrupt Network performance (such acts will also be viewed as criminal activity under applicable state or federal law)
• Re-posting personal communications without the author’s prior consent
• Transmitting product advertisement, political lobbying, chain letters or "spamming"
• Personal use not related to educational purposes, including the playing of games
• Knowingly or maliciously falsifying or corrupting data, including changing grades, attendance data, financial data, etc. for personal gain or vandalism purposes
• Any other use deemed not consistent with the School policy or mission in the sole discretion of the Chief Academic Officer
• Purchasing items via a credit card number or other electronic payment Network or obligating another staff member, student or the school to pay
• Sending or receiving messages or information with someone else’s name
• Participating in any electronic "chat" unless it is for specific educational purposes, authorized in advance and directly supervised by staff
• Accessing offsite personal e-mail accounts
• Using the Network for any purpose that wastes the time of employees and/or students, or that wastes limited Network resources including but not limited to printing supplies and bandwidth
  

9.2.3 Standard Three

Employees may have their own e-mail accounts. Teachers will act as sponsors for students using any e-mail accounts set up for classroom use. E-mail accounts are secured for educational purposes only. No individual student account will be created for the general use of a student. The user has no expectation of privacy in any communication made using the Network or stored on the Network, and the school Network reserves the right to access and review all electronic messages transmitted on any Network provided by the school Network. Sponsors are responsible for guiding student access to appropriate sections of the Network and for assuring that students understand that misuse of the Network may cause them to lose their accounts and/or face disciplinary action. Where appropriate, sponsors will assume responsibility for teaching the students proper techniques and standards for participation and explaining issues of privacy, copyright infringement, tool use and Network etiquette.