Dorset Collegiate

 
Acceptable Use Policy
 

Computer networks have been established for the enrichment of learning in the school. They provide students with the opportunity to prepare for the technological world in which we live which includes access to online resources enabling integration in all areas of learning.

PRIVILEGES

The use of the electronic information system is a responsibility and a privilege, not a right. Rules for using the Internet and e-mail help everyone. By following these rules everyone can use the Internet to learn more about the world and communicate with others. Only students who follow these rules may use the Internet and other telecommunications tools.

I will abide by guidelines which include but are not limited to the following.

• All activity on the school's computer network shall be in support of, and consistent with the mission and goals of Dorset Collegiate.
• Each user is responsible for all activity, that occurs through the use of their user-account. This includes selection and confidence of an appropriate password, and properly logging out when the user leaves the computer. Users are not allowed to share passwords NOR allow others to use their accounts.
• Users should only use Network resources via their own account. 
• It is unacceptable to interfere in any way with the functioning of the school network and related networks on the Internet. No user shall ATTEMPT unauthorized access to other user accounts, systems, networks, data resources, or programs.
• The school network and the Internet shall not be used for unapproved functions or for extensive personal use. For-profit or commercial activity is not allowed.
• The school network shall not be used for the distribution of any material which is offensive, obscene, pornographic, harassing (this includes chain letters!), sexist, racist, malicious, or slanderous, nor for any activity that may be considered unethical, immoral, or illegal. This means NO BAD, OR CRUDE LANGUAGE. Student email is considered to be Post-card email and is not private. Administrators reserve the right to read a students email. Also note that anonymous email is NOT PERMITTED at Dorset Collegiate.
• Users of the school network are subject to Federal and Provincial Law.
• Students are not to bring food or drink near computers.  Treat computer lab equipment and furniture with respect, i.e.  no marking on desks, chairs, table or computers.  Treat computers, keyboards and mice gently.
• Students and teachers are to save any files/information in their personal folder on the server (drive H:) or on their own floppies.
• Game playing is prohibited, either locally or via the internet.  Internet Relay Chat (Chat Lines/Rooms) and instant messaging are prohibited.
• No students or teachers are to install anything from the Internet or diskette/cd/flash drive to workstations in computer rooms or library unless permission is granted by administration. School computers are to be used 100% for educational pursuits.
• In the event that there are questionable uses that are not addressed by this statement the administration reserves the right to revoke network privileges and possibly impose discipline on the grounds of "common sense" and "permission was not given."
• Student personal computing devices are not to be connected to the school's infrastructure.

SCHOOL RESPONSIBILITIES

The network/system administrators will have the following authorities to be exercised in conjunction with school principal:

• the right to monitor and supervise all computer use, communication ,or system accounts.
• the right to grant or revoke user accounts, which allow access to the computer network.
• provide teacher supervision of students using the network. Due to the lack of explicit standards and monitoring technology the individual teacher acting within the guidelines shall have the final say on what is deemed appropriate use of the computer.
• allow use of specific computer applications.
• monitor which Internet sites are being accessed.
• block access to certain Internet sites.
• read all outgoing/incoming electronic information
• monitor all network traffic.

DISCIPLINARY ACTION - CONSEQUENCES FOR STUDENTS

Penalty for contravention of any or all of these guidelines may range from the revoking of any/all computer privilege, and/or other disciplinary action including suspension, expulsion and/or criminal prosecution.

First Offence: If the incident is deemed unintentional, the incident may be considered an honest mistake. Then, the student may be given a verbal warning and the incident may be recorded in the student's record. If the incident is intentional, then the student shall be suspended from the school Network, lose all computer privileges for a minimum of one week. the students parents will be notified and the incident will be recorded in the student's record.  The teacher reserves the right to give the student a zero grade if the child is misusing or abusing the computer services.

Second Offence: The student shall be suspended from school for one day and lose all computer privileges for at least one week. The incident will be documented in the student's record and parents shall be notified.

Third Offence: Parents shall be called in and a meeting shall take place to discuss further actions, legal or otherwise.

Deadlines for completion of assignments will not be extended because of service interruptions or revoking of accounts.