Information Technology Guidelines

TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR  INTERNET USE

Internet access is now available to students and staff in the Tennessee College of Applied Technology Upper Cumberland. We are pleased to offer this access to TCAT Upper Cumberland students and staff and believe the Internet offers vast, diverse, and unique resources that can support education. Our goal in providing this service to teachers and students is to promote educational excellence in the school by facilitating resource sharing, innovation, collaboration, and communication. Open wi-fi is available to students upon acceptance of open wi-fi terms and conditions. Students contact computer information technology instructor for wi-fi usage statement.

The Internet is an electronic highway connecting thousands of computers all over the world and millions of individual subscribers. There are currently two levels of network access available to TCAT Upper Cumberland students. Students may access much of the information on the Internet through the World Wide Web without a personal Internet account. Individual access is offered as a privilege granted to users on the basis of their ability to use the network resources responsibly and in the manner outlined in this document. With this level of access users can:

• use the world wide web to access many current information resources
• communicate with people all over the world through electronic mail
•  retrieve public domain and shareware software of all types (using ftp)

The educational value of appropriate information on the Internet is substantial. However, the Internet is comprised of information provided by institutions and people all over the world and thus, also includes material that is not of educational value in the context of the school setting. Among other things, there is information, which may be judged as inaccurate, abusive, profane, sexually oriented, or illegal Tennessee College of Applied Technology Upper Cumberland wishes to support students in responsible use of the Internet and does not condone or permit the use of this material. It is a joint responsibility of school personnel and students to act responsibly when using the Internet. In addition to student education, Internet access in school is available only on computers that are in highly traveled areas of the school building such as classrooms, computer laboratories and the computer training room. Staff and students are expected to use the resources in a manner consistent with this document and will be held responsible for their use. Additionally, instructors should discuss with their students their own expectations for Internet use.

The smooth operation of the network relies upon the proper conduct of the users who must adhere to strict guidelines. These guidelines are provided here so that you are aware of the responsibilities you are about to acquire. In general this requires efficient, ethical, and legal utilization of the network resources. If a Tennessee College of Applied Technology Upper Cumberland user violates any of these provisions, his or her account may be suspended and future access could be denied. In addition, violation of any school rules while using the Internet will result in appropriate school disciplinary action.

The Tennessee College of Applied Technology Upper Cumberland Network – Terms and Conditions

1. Acceptable Use – The purpose of the Tennessee College of Applied Technology Upper Cumberland Internet access is to support education by providing access to unique resources and the opportunity for collaborative work. The use of your account must be in support of education and academic research and consistent with the educational objectives of the school. Use of other organization’s networks or computing resources must comply with the rules appropriate for that network. Publication, ownership, or transmission of any material in violation of any U.S. or state regulation is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to: copyrighted material, threatening or obscene material, or material protected by trade secret. All communications and information accessible via the network should be assumed to be private property. Use of the Tennessee College of Applied Technology Upper Cumberland network for product advertisement or political lobbying is not allowed. Illegal activities are strictly prohibited. All communication must be appropriate language and be polite. Do not swear, use profanity, vulgarities, or harass other users. Users are responsible for staying abreast of changes in the system by reading the announcements on the Tennessee College of Applied Technology Upper Cumberland web page, calendar or e-mail notifications regularly.

Your electronic mail (e-mail) on the Tennessee College of Applied Technology Upper Cumberland network is not guaranteed to be private. People who operate the system do have access to all e-mail and although e-mail is not read randomly, it can be accessed if a user is suspected of violating this contract. Messages relating to or in support of illegal activities may be reported to the proper authorities.

Internet activities that are permitted by the acceptable use policy:

• investigation of and communication about topics being studied in school;
• Investigation of and communication about opportunities outside of school related to community service, employment or further education.

Internet activities that are not permitted by the acceptable use policy:

• searching, viewing, or retrieving materials that are not related to school work, community service, employment or further education (thus, searching or viewing sexually explicit, profane, or illegal materials is not permitted);
• copying, saving, or redistributing copyrighted material (users should assume that all material is copyrighted unless explicitly noted);
• subscription to any services or ordering of any goods or services;
• sharing of staff or student’s home address, phone number, or other information;
• playing games or using other interactive sites, such as chats, unless specifically assigned by a teacher;
• using the network in such a way that you disrupt the use of the network by other users (e.g. downloading large files during prime time; sending mass e-mail messages; annoying other users using the talk or write functions;
• using your Tennessee College of Applied Technology Upper Cumberland account to telnet to other machines for purposes not allowed on the Tennessee College of Applied Technology Upper Cumberland network;
• any activity that violates a school rule or a local, state, or federal law.

Users who have any questions or doubts about whether a specific activity is permissible should consult a teacher, administrator, or the Tennessee College of Applied Technology at Upper Cumberland network personnel.

1. Privileges – The use of the Tennessee College of Applied Technology Upper Cumberland network is a privilege, not a right, and inappropriate use can result in a cancellation of those privileges. Based upon the acceptable use guidelines outlined in this document, the system administrators and technology committee will deem what is inappropriate use of the network and take appropriate action. The system administrators or Director may suspend or close an account at any time as required. The administration, faculty, and staff of Tennessee College of Applied Technology Upper Cumberland may also request the system administrator or Director to deny, revoke, or suspend specific student’s access. Students whose accounts are denied, suspended or revoked do have the right to submit a written appeal to the Director and as a follow up to this letter to have a meeting with the Director and any other involved or interested staff. Students who are under 18 must have a parent or guardian present at the meeting.
2. Security – Security on any computer system is a high priority, especially when the system involves many users. If you feel you can identify a security problem on the Tennessee College of Applied Technology Upper Cumberland network, you must notify a system administrator or send e-mail to cliff.wightman@uppercumberland.edu. Do not demonstrate the problem to other users. Users may not, under any circumstances, use another individual’s account. Do not give your password to any other individual. Attempts to log-in to the system as any other user may result in suspension or cancellation of user privileges. Attempts to log-in to the Tennessee College of Applied Technology Upper Cumberland network as a system administrator will result in cancellation of user privileges. Any user identified as a security risk or having a history of problems with other computer systems may be denied access to the Tennessee College of Applied Technology Upper Cumberland network.
3. Vandalism – Vandalism may result in cancellation of privileges. Vandalism is defined as any attempt to obtain, harm, or destroy data of another user, the Tennessee College of Applied Technology Upper Cumberland network, or any state agencies or other networks that are connected to the Internet backbone. This includes, but is not limited to, the uploading or creation of computer viruses.
4. Updating Your User Information – Tennessee College of Applied Technology Upper Cumberland network may occasionally require new registration and account information from you to continue the service. You must notify the Tennessee College of Applied Technology Upper Cumberland network of any changes in your account information (address, etc.).
5. Reliability – Tennessee College of Applied Technology Upper Cumberland makes no warranties of any kind, whether expressed or implied, for the service it is providing. Tennessee College of Applied Technology Upper Cumberland will not be responsible for any damages you suffer. This includes loss of data resulting from delays, non-deliveries, misdeliveries, or service interruptions caused by its own negligence or your errors or omissions. Use of any information obtained via the network is at your own risk. Tennessee College of Applied Technology Upper Cumberland specifically denies any responsibility for the accuracy or quality of information obtained through its services.
6. Exception of Terms and Conditions – All terms and conditions as stated in this document are applicable to Tennessee College of Applied Technology Upper Cumberland. These terms and conditions reflect the entire agreement of the parties and supersede all prior oral or written agreements and understandings of the parties. These terms and conditions shall be governed and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of Tennessee, United States of America.

In review, applicants are advised that the network is provided for the specific purpose of supporting the educational mission of the Tennessee College of Applied Technology Upper Cumberland. All users are expected to abide by the terms and conditions above. If the perspective user cannot abide by all of the terms and conditions set forth in this document, she or he is advised to acquire Internet access through a commercial Internet Access Provider as an alternative to using the Tennessee College of Applied Technology Upper Cumberland network.