Policies

COMPUTER CODE OF ETHICS

Preface Rights A. Free Inquiry and Expression B. Reasonable Confidentiality C. Due Process in Cases of Discipline D. Participation in Policy Making Responsibilities A. Use of Broadcast Messages B. E-Mail Etiquette Guidelines C. Mail Bombing Maintaining Security of Accounts, Data, and Network A. Account Security B. Password Security C. Data Security D. Network Security Use of Electronic Materials, Data, and Viruses A. Computer Viruses B. Offensive Material Responsible Use of Computing Facilities and Resources A. Commercial Use B. Student Computer Lab Usage C. Treatment of Computer Equipment D. Use of Computing Facilities by Non-Community Members E. Internet Acceptable Use Policy F. Access Privileges System Administration A. User Accounts B. Access by Administrators to Files Stored on the Network C. Limits on the Use of Disk Space Policy Enforcement Administrative Contacts
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PREFACE

The information employed by Southeast Technical, its students, faculty, and staff is a critical asset of the institution governed by various laws of privacy, confidentiality, and non-disclosure. It is the common responsibility of all members of the College community to protect the institution's information assets and to ensure the proper and ethical use of information at all times.

Southeast Technical information technology environment affords easy, anytime/anywhere access to information. This arrangement allows students, faculty, and staff to conduct business in an effective and efficient manner. These benefits are a privilege that is shared by the community as a result of a significant investment of college resources and comes with its own set of responsibilities.

The same moral and ethical behaviors that apply in the non-computing environment apply in the computing environment. Examples of inappropriate behavior include:

Those who use the college computer facilities, equipment, or network servers are responsible for understanding and adhering to all college policies. They are required to use the technology in a manner consistent with Student Conduct as outlined in the Student Handbook. The expected behavior includes:

This behavior includes the use of campus personal computers and terminals, departmental computing facilities, general-use computers, printers, campus network resources, and networks throughout the world to which the College provides computer access.

If you are aware of any abuse, loophole, virus, or other possible security compromises, please report it immediately to the Director of Technology, 507-453-2726. Unauthorized access to information resources, unauthorized use of college computing facilities, and intentional corruption or misuse of information resources is direct violation of the college's standards for computer use.

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RIGHTS

A. Free Inquiry and Expression Users have the right to free inquiry and expression in accordance with the purposes of the college.

B. Reasonable Confidentiality Users have the right to keep certain data reasonably confidential, such as electronic mail (e-mail) correspondence. Users have the right to be informed of what the limits of confidentiality are in the computing resources and facilities.

C. Due Process in Cases of Discipline Users have the right to due process in cases of discipline from policy violation. See Policy Enforcement on page 10.

D. Participation in Policy Making Users have the right to representation in the formation of information technology policies and regulations affecting them by way of the college's appointed Technology Committee.

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RESPONSIBILITIES

Access to e-mail systems is provided by the college to enhance communication with other college users or external e-mail addresses. Use of such capabilities is a privilege afforded to students, employees, and affiliates of the college.

Any attempt to forge, snoop, destroy, alter, or otherwise change the contents or addresses of e-mail will result in disciplinary action and loss of network privileges.

It is a violation of college policy to send obscene or harassing messages through electronic mail, just as it is with any other communications medium. The use of e-mail to send chain letters or commercial solicitations is likewise prohibited. The use of the college network for such purposes will result in a loss of network privileges and other sanctions as deemed appropriate.

Attempt to forge, snoop, destroy, alter, or otherwise change contents or addresses Extended loss of privileges and disciplinary probation. Harassing or obscene e-mail message First violation: Loss of network privileges for a minimum of one month and disciplinary probation.
Further violations: Extended loss of privileges and disciplinary probation. Use of e-mail for solicitation or to send chain letters Extended loss of privileges and disciplinary probation.
A. Use of Broadcast Messages The use of broadcast or mass e-mails is restricted to faculty or administrative department use or those approved by the Information Technology Department. Broadcast messages must relate directly to college business. Violations of this policy may result in individual or organizational sanctions including fines, disciplinary probation, and other sanctions deemed appropriate. Responding to the recipients of a broadcast message is a violation of policy and will result in a warning for the first offense and loss of privileges and other relevant sanctions for subsequent violations. B. E-Mail Etiquette Guidelines Use mixed case to send your message. TYPING IN ALL UPPER CASE GIVES THE APPEARANCE OF SHOUTING. When sending a message to several people, make it clear exactly whom the message is directed to and who is being sent a copy. C. Mail Bombing Mail bombing (e.g. sending large amounts of e-mail) should not be used as retaliation under any circumstances. It usually doesn't work and only damages innocent sites on the Internet. At best, it reflects badly on you and on Southeast Technical. Any person found mail bombing will be strictly disciplined.
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MAINTAINING SECURITY OF ACCOUNTS, DATA, AND NETWORK

A. Account Security For any computer account, you are responsible for the use made of your account. All accounts are required to be protected from unauthorized access by the use of a password. You are responsible for guarding against unauthorized use of your account. If you discover that someone has made unauthorized use of your account, you should immediately report the intrusion to the Information Technology Department. Guidelines for securing your account: B. Password Security Passwords keep accounts secure. Information Technology has implemented reasonable precautions to make it more difficult for others to break into the system: Information Technology cannot protect your account without your help. You must take an active role to protect your password from others. If you have knowledge that any other password or account has been compromised, contact the Information Technology Department immediately. Tips for creating a secure password: C. Data Security Information stored on the college's computers and network equipment is the property of the college. Some of it is personal property (e.g. class assignments, term papers, etc.). Along with the privilege of using the college's computer and network resources comes the responsibility to honor the privacy of other people's information. Attempts to browse, copy, or modify files or passwords belonging to other people or organizations, whether at the college or elsewhere, will result in strict disciplinary action and possible loss of network privileges. In addition, redistribution of college materials and information, which may be obtained from the network, to third parties, is prohibited. As members of the Southeast Technical community, all computer users are honor bound to observe the rules of confidentiality and protection of privacy when accessing and using information that resides on the college's computing facilities. Data pertaining to the finances of the college, individual employees, and students must be kept in the strictest confidence. D. Network Security Systems Administrators in Information Technology at the college maintain security for the protection of all the college users. Any attempt to access, copy or modify this system security information or to obtain system privileges to which you are not entitled will result in disciplinary action.
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APPROPRIATE USE OF ELECTRONIC MATERIALS, DATA, AND VIRUSES

A. Computer Viruses A computer virus is a "man-made" program that is potentially damaging to computer-based information and resources. Users need to be sensitive to the ease of spreading viruses and should take steps to ensure that files and disks are virus free. Viruses can come from a variety of sources, including shrink-wrapped software and Microsoft Word and Excel documents. If you suspect that any file, disk, or system that you are using is infected with a virus, you should check the system with a virus-scanning program. If you find a virus, report it immediately to the Information Technology Department. Any attempt to create or disseminate computer viruses on the college computers or network resources will result in disciplinary action and possible loss of network privileges. B. Offensive Material Use of college-owned or college-provided equipment for viewing, accessing, or transmitting offensive material is strictly forbidden. This applies to any screen display or printing of images, sounds, or messages that could reasonably be considered unlawful, threatening, abusive, libelous, defamatory, obscene, pornographic, profane, or otherwise objectionable. Any attempt, whether by student, employee, or guest of the college, to access, view, or transmit such material using college-owned equipment or network resources will result in disciplinary action, possible loss of network privileges, and possible criminal penalties. If you receive any offensive material, please forward a copy with all relevant information (e.g. if e-mail, forward with all headers) to the Information Technology Department and we will address the situation.
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RESPONSIBLE USE OF COMPUTING FACILITIES AND RESOURCES

A. Commercial Use Computing facilities and accounts are owned by the college and are to be used for the college-related activities for which they are assigned. College computing resources are not to be used for commercial purposes. This policy applies to all college-owned and college-leased microcomputers, networks, minicomputers, and software used on the college system, as well as those accessible via networks at other locations. B. Student Computer Lab Usage Southeast Technical computer labs are provided specifically to meet the following needs of the student body: These above activities are listed in order of priority use. Users are expected to respect this hierarchy and yield the use of systems to others with higher priority needs. Excessive use of public systems for Internet browsing, e-mail or game playing should be avoided out of consideration for others. C. Treatment of Computer Equipment Users are expected to treat the college computer equipment with respect, taking reasonable precautions against subjecting desktop computers, portable computers, printers, accessories, etc. to unusual wear and tear or damage by the elements. Any damage to, vandalism or theft of college-owned computer equipment will be reported to local police. D. Use of Computing Facilities by Non-Community Members Certain services will be made available via public accounts that might be established for alumni, prospective students, professional colleagues, or the general public. Generally, individual accounts are not issued to non-Southeast Technical community members. Certain exceptions can be made for individuals who need access to the system for operational reasons (e.g. service providers or volunteers) if the request is made in writing from the appropriate director or president's cabinet member to the Director of Technology. The request must document the reasons for granting access. It is important to note that much of the college's software is licensed for educational use only. Southeast Technical does not have the legal right to grant access for commercial use. E. Internet Acceptable Use Policy Computers at Southeast Technical are connected to the Internet via Cable & Wireless. Members of the college community who use the Internet must abide by the Cable & Wireless Internet Service Statement of Use. Since the Internet is made up of many autonomous networks, Southeast Technical users of the Internet must also abide by the policies of any networks that they access via the Internet. Policy violation could result in termination of the Southeast Technical network connection and/or legal action against that individual and possibly the college. State, federal, and international laws apply to misuse and abuse of computer networks. Questions regarding acceptable use should be directed to the Director of Technology. F. Access Privileges The privilege of using the campus and network computing resources provided by the college cannot be transferred, loaned, rented, or otherwise provided to people or groups outside the college without the explicit approval of the Director of Technology.
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SYSTEM ADMINISTRATION

A. User Accounts Individual network and e-mail accounts, and the access they provide to computing resources, are a privilege granted by the college. The college retains the right to deny access to the system and network, and/or to suspend, discontinue, or revoke access privileges. B. Access by Administrators to Files Stored on the Network The college's System Administrators have the right to access all files, stored data, and programs for the purposes of maintaining the system in working order, preventing damage to the system and its components, and enforcing compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and the college rules and regulations, including the Computer Code of Ethics. C. Limits on the Use of Disk Space All users of the college computer facilities, network, and equipment are subject to limits on the use of disk space. In order to enforce disk space limits, Information Technology Systems Administrators have the right access individual accounts and free the amount of disk space necessary to bring users into compliance. Administrators may delete any information without regard to date, content, or label, etc., with or without advance notice to the user.
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POLICY ENFORCEMENT

Users in violation of any of the Information Technology policies stated in this document may have their computing privileges restricted, suspended, or revoked. In some cases, such as theft of equipment or violation of copyright laws, the user may be subject to criminal penalties. Information Technology or other appropriate authorities will follow up on all instances of policy violation. Information Technology may refer violations of policies to the appropriate channels for disciplinary action.

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ADMINISTRATIVE CONTACTS

Contact the Director of Technology to report violations or issues of the above-stated policies and guidelines.

Director of Technology Mohamed A. Elhindi (507)453-2726 Melhindi@southeasttech.mnscu.edu

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