CLASSIFICATION:	Business and Non-Instructional	POLICY NO.: 3514
SUBJECT:	Acceptable Use of Internet by Students and Staff	ADOPTED: May 16, 1996
RESPONSIBLE OFFICE:	Fiscal Services	REVISED:
REFERENCE:	Regulation 3514.1	NEXT REVIEW: 2000

I. Purpose

The board of trustees requires that access to computer information systems by students and staff of the district be governed by a comprehensive policy of acceptable use.

II. Use of the Internet

The board recognizes that the quality and content of materials which exist on electronic data networks are beyond the control of the district. The board's goal is to promote the free exchange of information between the students and staff of the district and the educational resources available throughout the global information systems community. The board also seeks to protect the value of data contained in information systems owned by the district and those owned by other entities that are used by students and staff of the district.

III. Superintendent to Develop Regulations

The superintendent shall formulate such administrative regulations as necessary to implement this board policy.

CLASSIFICATION:	Business and Non-Instructional	REGULATION NO.: 3514
SUBJECT:	Acceptable Use of Internet by Students and Staff	ADOPTED: JUNE 11, 1996
RESPONSIBLE OFFICE:	Fiscal Services	REVISED:
REFERENCE:	Regulation 3514, 6550, 6551	NEXT REVIEW: 2000

I. Introduction

The Internet is a global network made up of many smaller networks that contribute to an open exchange of information among students, schools, and other information resources from all over the world. This global electronic network, however, does include some material that is not suited for students. The district promotes the use of these Internet resources for purposes consistent with district curriculum. Anyone, student or staff, who uses these electronic data networks illegally or improperly may be subject to disciplinary actions, revocation of access to the district network, and possible legal action.

Workstations and computers that are part of a local area network (LAN) are available for use by both students and staff. These computers have access to many forms of electronic data, including the Internet. Any user of the district's computer and electronic data systems agrees to use these systems in accordance with generally accepted moral and ethical guidelines stated in this regulation.

II. All Students and Staff Must Sign a Consent Waiver Before Being Granted Access to the Internet

Every user of the district's electronic data network shall receive and read this regulation which specifies the appropriate use of the Internet. Each student who uses the district's electronic data network shall sign a "Student Consent and Waiver." District employee shall sign an "Employee Consent and Waiver." The "Student Consent and Waiver" and "Employee Consent and Waiver" will summarize the right and responsibilities enumerated in this regulation.

III. Inappropriate Materials for a School Environment Will not be Accessed Through the District's Electronic Data Network

Through the Internet, the district provide access to other electronic data systems around the world, such as UseNet newsgroups, world-wide web sites (WWW), electronic mail (E-mail) and file transfer protocol (FTP) sites. The district does not have control of the information content that resides on these systems. Some systems may contain inaccurate, obscene, profane, sexually oriented, or illegal material and the district does not condone or permit the use of such materials in the school environment. To promote a positive learning environment, individuals who use the district's data network agree not to publish, display, transmit, or receive any material that is defamatory, inaccurate, abusive, obscene, profane, sexually oriented, or potentially offensive to others.

IV. All Internet Users will Abide by District Copyright Policies and Regulations

Information residing on systems accessible numbers through the district's data network is subject to district policy numbers 6550- "Use of Copyright Materials" and 6551- "Adherence to Copyright Laws Regarding Microcomputer Software" and protection under federal law. Users agree not to submit, publish, plagiarize, or transmit material which violates or infringes upon the copyrights held by others.

V. Users of Electronic Mail (E-mail) Will Conform to Ethical Standards of Behavior

The use of electronic mail (E-mail) is encouraged to facilitate the exchange of information and curriculum between district students and staff and other members of the global network. When using E-Mail, users are expected to abide by the following rules of network etiquette ("Netiquette"):

A. Be polite. Maintain a pleasant demeanor in messages sent to others.

B. Use appropriate language. Vulgar or profane language is not appropriate.

C. For your safety, and the safety of others, do not reveal the address, phone number, or other personal details of yourself, other students, or colleagues.

 

Security on any computer system is very important, especially systems that involve many users. When using systems that require password verification for access, a user will make reasonable efforts not to use easily guessed passwords. Attempts to log in to any computer system using another user's account and password is inappropriate behavior.

VI. The Internet Will Not be Used for Criminal Purposes

Criminal activity is strictly prohibited. Criminal activities include, but are not limited to the following:

VII. There are Consequences that Result from the Failure to Adhere to this Regulation

Failure to abide by these guidelines will result in one or more of the following actions:

VIII. Instruction and Administration

Each school shall provide one unit of instruction that presents the information in this regulation to each student who will use the Internet. Successful completion of this instructional unit includes the return of the signed student consent waiver. Each waiver shall be placed in the student's cumulative record. A record of each student's completion of this instructional unit shall be maintained by each site in the district's electronic student database.