CESA 8 TECHNOLOGY
ACCEPTABLE USE/INTERNET
SAFETY POLICY
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Please read this document carefully before signing.
Introduction:
Technology offers challenges and opportunities. Using technology provides valuable, diverse, and unique resources that will assist agency employees as they work with the 26 school districts in Northeast Wisconsin. However, with this opportunity comes responsibility. CESA 8’s goal is to promote educational excellence in our service area by facilitating resource sharing, innovation and communication. Internet and network access is available to employees of CESA 8.
With access to computers and people worldwide also comes the availability of material that may not be considered of value in the context of the educational setting. Users should be warned that some material obtained via the World Wide Web may contain items that are illegal, defamatory, inaccurate, or offensive. However, on a global network it is impossible to control all materials, and an industrious user may discover controversial information by accident. CESA 8 firmly believes that the benefits to employees from on-line access far outweigh the possibility that users may procure material that is not consistent with the educational goals of the agency. Given the importance of technology to the business of the Agency, it is imperative that we maintain the highest standards of use of the Agency’s technological equipment.
The purpose of this policy is to ensure that use of technology is consistent with the agency's stated mission, goals, and objectives. The smooth operation of the network relies upon the proper conduct of employees who must adhere to these guidelines.
Your signature at the end of this document indicates that you have read the terms and conditions carefully, understand their significance, and agree to follow them.
Any violations may result in loss of access to technology as well as other disciplinary action up to and including discharge.
Technology Defined:
Under this policy, technology is defined as including, but not limited to, the use of software audio and video media, computers and hardware peripherals, network and telecommunications equipment, including e-mail, internet, telephone systems and video and audio equipment owned or leased by CESA 8. This policy applies whether those systems are accessed from Agency premises or from off-site. Agency technology is to be used to enhance instruction and support learning.
Access is a Privilege:
CESA 8 realizes the importance of incorporating technology and the vast resources of the Internet to enhance the workplace, including research capabilities and communicating with others. With these new tools, all users must understand and practice proper ethical use and security. Use of technology, including the Internet, is a privilege, not a right, which may be revoked at any time by the Agency.
Home Access:
If employees have personal Internet accounts at their homes, they will be able to access the CESA 8 network at any time. It is important to note that prior approval must be obtained from your Department Head if you desire compensation for work performed at home, unless you are an “exempt” employees under the Wage and Hour laws. If you have any questions about your status as an exempt or non-exempt employee, please consult your supervisor.
General Responsibilities:
CESA 8 has the capability and reserves the right to place restrictions on the use of technology resources including, but not limited to, e-mail, voice mail, Internet, and other usage of the Agency electronic communication systems at any time. Users should not expect that files, data, e-mail, voice mail, or any other resources stored on agency servers or other hardware will be private or confidential. You should be aware that the Agency’s technology systems and all information transmitted by, received from or stored in them are the property of the Agency and can be accessed, searched or monitored by the Agency at any time. Employees do not have a right to privacy concerning use of the systems or in connection with any information transmitted or stored on the system.
Users must respect all copyright laws that protect software owners, artists, and writers. Thus, users may not download, copy or distribute copyrighted material through the Agency’s electronic communication systems without first confirming that the Agency has the right to copy and distribute such material. Plagiarism will not be tolerated. Security is a high priority when multiple users are involved.
Users who identify a security problem must notify the system administrator or a member of the Technology Committee. Do not demonstrate the problem to others. Using someone else's password or trespassing in folders, work, or files without written permission is prohibited. Attempts to log-on to the Internet or the agency network as anyone else is prohibited.
CESA 8 makes no warranties of any kind, whether expressed or implied for the service it is providing. The agency assumes no responsibility or liability for any phone charges, line costs, or usage fees, nor for any damages a user may suffer. This includes loss of data resulting from delays, non-deliveries, mis-deliveries, or service interruptions caused by its own negligence or user errors or omissions. Use of any information obtained via the
Internet is at your own risk. The agency specifically denies any responsibility for the accuracy or quality of information obtained through its services. No public forum is created through the provision of this access or the use of CESA 8’s technology.
Access by Students in compliance with CIPA (Children’s Internet Protection Act):
Internet safety must be exercised at all times by all users, including students. The following guidelines apply to the use of Agency technology by students:
• Access by minors to inappropriate material on the Internet and World Wide Web is prohibited.
• The Agency promotes safety and security of minors when using electronic mail, chat rooms, and other forms of direct electronic communications (i.e. Instant message services). Thus, students will have access to Agency technology only when supervised.
• Unauthorized access, including so-called “hacking” and other unlawful activities by minors online is prohibited.
• Unauthorized disclosure, use, and dissemination of personal identification information regarding minors is prohibited.
• The Agency will implement measures designed to restrict minors’ access to materials harmful to minors.
• Student users will not post personal contact information about themselves or others on the Internet or World Wide Web including: first and last name, address, e-mail address, telephone number, social security number, personal photograph.
CESA 8 will make every reasonable effort to block or filter and monitor access to “visual depictions” that are obscene, child pornography, harmful to minors, or that CESA 8 determines is inappropriate for minors. Internet filtering will be used to limit access by minors and adults to inappropriate or harmful material on the Internet and World Wide Web.
All users (students and adults) are required to report any sites that contain inappropriate materials or materials harmful to minors. This information is to be reported by a student to the supervisor in charge or if a staff member, to the Network Administrator. This would include any text, audio segment, picture, image, graphic image file, or other visual depiction that:
• Takes as a whole and with respect to minors, appeals to a prurient interest in nudity, sex, or excretion;
• Depicts, describes, or represents, in a patently offensive way with respect to what is suitable for minors, an actual or simulated sexual act or sexual contact, actual or simulated or perverted sexual acts, or a lewd exhibition of the genitals; and
• Taken as a whole, lacks serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value as to minors.
It is the responsibility of all instructors/employees to properly inform students/staff under their charge of this policy and to see that the policy is strictly enforced. Students using the Internet and World Wide Web will be under the direct supervision of the instructor.
Offensive Material Prohibited:
Utilizing the Agency’s electronic communication systems to transmit, download, review, send, or save offensive material is prohibited. Examples of offensive materials include, but are not limited to, pornography, sexual comments, racial or ethnic slurs and jokes, offensive images and other materials which could create a hostile work environment based on any legally protected characteristic.
Acceptable Uses:
The Agency’s technology is to be used only in furtherance of the Agency’s mission. While limited personal use for non-Agency purposes is permitted, the Agency expects that such personal use will not interfere with your work at the Agency. Examples of appropriate uses include:
• Use consistent with the mission of CESA 8;
• Use of technology, including the Internet for Agency approved work-related activities;
• Use that encourages efficient, cooperative, and creative methods to perform the user’s job duties or educational tasks;
• Use in support of research and education;
• To provide unique resources to and collaborative projects with Board approved educational partners;
• Users are responsible for the activity recorded to their network accounts and are responsible for notifying the Network Administrator when they believe a breach of security has occurred;
• All other uses must be approved by the Agency Administrator or his or her designee, if an employee; or the teacher in charge if a student.
Unacceptable Uses:
The following is a list of unacceptable uses of the Agency’s technology. The list does not include all unacceptable uses, but serves to demonstrate the types of uses that are not authorized. Examples of inappropriate uses include but are not limited to:
• Use of technology, including the Internet for anything but agency approved activities;
• Use of technology for a commercial, political, product advertising, or profit making enterprise, except as specifically authorized by the Agency;
• Accessing, viewing, downloading or distributing inappropriate material (i.e. obscene, abusive, threatening, harassing (religious, sexual, racial), or any material specifically prohibited by federal, state, or local law);
• Sending or displaying offensive messages or pictures, pornography, etc.;
• Using obscene language;
• Harassing, insulting or attacking others;
• Unacceptable network etiquette;
• Use of the Internet for unlawful or malicious activities;
• Breaching security by sharing and/or using unauthorized passwords or working from network accounts not assigned to you;
• Improper access of information (unauthorized use of the Internet Relay Chat, Multi-User Dimensional or other network intensive games);
• Activities that could cause congestion and disruption of networks and systems;
• Deliberate destruction or diminishment in value or effectiveness of any technology system or information;
• Attempt to illegally access, alter, or delete files, data, information, or accounts;
• Misrepresentation of oneself; attempting to gain unauthorized access including attempting to log in through another person’s account or access another person’s files;
• Use of unauthorized software, hardware, printers, using district technology, or printing non-school-related materials using Agency technology;
• Violating copyright laws;
• Loading non-Agency owned software on Agency owned hardware;
• Users are expected to abide by generally accepted rules of etiquette and conduct themselves in a responsible and polite manner while using technology;
• Users are not permitted to transmit, receive, submit, or publish any defamatory, inaccurate, abusive, obscene, profane, sexually oriented, threatening, offensive, or illegal material. Physical or electronic tampering with technology resources is not permitted. Damaging computers, computer systems, computer networks, technological hardware, or software intentionally will result in cancellation of privileges.
If you are not sure if an action is permissive, contact your supervisor, the CESA 8 Network Administrator, or a CESA 8 Technology Committee Member for clarification.
Consequences:
Any user who violates this policy will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination, and will normally lose user privileges as stated below:
• 1st offense - 4 weeks
• 2nd offense - 8 weeks
• 3rd offense – 12 weeks or possible permanent loss of privileges.
Loss of privileges, like discipline, is determined on a case-by-case basis and can start with a permanent loss of privileges, at the discretion of the Agency. In all cases, restitution for damages will be assessed.
The CESA 8 Technology Committee will make a recommendation concerning employee violation(s) of the Technology Acceptable Use/Internet Safety Policy. Policy violation may result in disciplinary action up to and including written reprimand, suspension without pay, and discharge. After the Technology Committee makes its recommendation, the Agency Administrator will issue penalties regarding employee violations.
Due Process:
The Agency will cooperate fully with local, state, or federal officials in any investigation related to any illegal activities conducted through the system. In the event there is a claim that a user has violated these procedures in the use of the system, the user will be provided with notice by the Agency Administrator or system administrator and an opportunity to be heard in the manner set forth in policy. If the violation also involves a violation of other provisions of agency policy, it will be appropriately handled. Additional restrictions may be placed on the use of the system.
Limitation of Liability
The Agency:
· makes no guarantee that users will be unable to circumvent preventative strategies to access objectionable materials
· will not be responsible for any damage users may suffer, including but not limited to, loss of data or interruptions of service
· is not responsible for the accuracy or quality of the information obtained through or stored on the system
· will
not be responsible for financial obligations arising through the unauthorized
use of the system.
CESA 8 Technology Acceptable Use Policy Agreement:
I have read the CESA 8 Technology Acceptable Use/Internet Safety Policy. I agree to follow the rules contained in this policy. I understand that if I violate the rules, the matter may be reviewed by the CESA 8 Technology Committee and that my account can be terminated and I may face other disciplinary measures. I also understand that any violations may result in loss of access to technology as well as other disciplinary or legal action. Users are considered subject to all local, state, and federal laws.
USER NAME: __________________________________________________________
(Please print)
USER SIGNATURE: _____________________________________________________
Date: ___________________________________
Project Director: _________________________________________________________
Date: ____________________________________
Agency Administrator: ____________________________________________________
Date: ____________________________________
Return to:
Sharon Quade
CESA 8
P O Box 320
Gillett WI 54124
This space reserved for System Administrator:
Assigned User Name: _____________________________________________________
Assigned Temporary Password: ____________________________________________