General User Policy

WILLIAMSBURG-JAMES CITY COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

NETWORK ACCEPTABLE USE AND RESPONSIBILITY POLICY AGREEMENT

REGULATION

Please read the following carefully before accepting this agreement.  This is a legally binding agreement and must be agreed to before you will be given access to any WJC network resource.  This agreement is in compliance with state and national telecommunication regulations.

Williamsburg–James City County (WJC) Public Schools supports instruction through the use of educational and administrative computers, school-licensed software and other media, as well as networks and servers. In addition, WJC Public Schools provides Internet access through an electronic network.  The Internet is an electronic highway connecting thousands of computers all over the world and millions of individual people. With access to computers and people all over the world comes the availability of some material that may not be considered to be of educational value within the context of the school setting. WJC Public Schools has taken precautions to restrict access to controversial materials. Students, teachers, support staff, parents, School Board members and others with accounts on the Internet server have limited access to:  (1) electronic mail (e-mail) communication with people all over the world; (2) information and news from a variety of sources and research institutions; (3) public domain and shareware software; (4) discussion groups on a wide variety of educational topics; (5) access to many university libraries, the Library of Congress, online databases and more.

Following are guidelines provided to establish the responsibilities of anyone using WJC Public Schools’ computers, media, computer networks and/or Internet access.  Network accounts are a privilege.  If a user violates any of these provisions, his or her access may be terminated and any future access could be denied.  The acceptance of this agreement is legally binding and indicates the party has read the terms and conditions carefully and understand their significance.  Any user who violates the terms of this policy will immediately lose his/her access privileges and may be subject to a hearing before the School Board, and/or further legal action.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

I.         ACCEPTABLE USE:  The purpose of the WJC Public Schools’ computer network(s) is to support research and instruction, or the business of conducting education, by providing access to unique resources and opportunities for collaborative work.  The use of networked resources must be in support of education and research, or the business of conducting education, consistent with the educational objectives of the WJC Public School system.  Additionally, use of other organizations’ networks or computing resources must comply with rules appropriate for that network.  Transmission of any material in violation of any U. S. or state law or state agency provisions is prohibited.  This includes, but is not limited to:  copyrighted material, threatening or obscene material, or material protected by trade secret. Use for any noneducational purpose (as determined by WJC Public Schools administration) or commercial activity by any individual or organization, regardless of for–profit or not–for–profit status, is not acceptable.  Use for product advertisement or political lobbying is strictly prohibited.

II.       PRIVILEGES:  The use of network resources is a PRIVILEGE, not a right; therefore, inappropriate use may result in a cancellation of those privileges.  Each student who receives access by accepting this agreement will be part of a discussion with a WJC Public Schools faculty member pertaining to the proper use of the network.  Each adult who receives access will abide by these guidelines for appropriate use. WJC Public Schools administration and the system administrator(s) will deem what is inappropriate use.  The decision of the administration or the system administrator(s) is final.  The system administrator(s) may close an account at any time.  Based on the recommendation of teachers and staff, the administration of WJC Public Schools may request that the system administrator deny, revoke, or suspend specific user accounts.

III.     NETIQUETTE (NETWORK ETIQUETTE):  The use of any WJC Public Schools network resource requires that you abide by accepted rules of network etiquette, which include, but are not limited to, the following:

1.        BE POLITE.  Do not send abusive messages to ANYONE.

2.        APPROPRIATE LANGUAGE.  In all messages, do not swear, use vulgarities or any other inappropriate language.

3.        APPROPRIATE ACTIVITIES.  Anything pertaining to illegal activities is strictly forbidden.  Any activity not directly related to the educational mission of WJC Public Schools is strictly forbidden.  Activities relating to, or in support of, illegal activities will be reported to appropriate authorities.

IV.     PROTOCOLS:

1.        PRIVACY.  Do not reveal the personal address or phone numbers of yourself or any persons.  All communications and information accessible via the network should be assumed public property.  Electronic mail is not guaranteed to be private.  Systems Administrators have access to all mail.  Messages relating to, or in support of, illegal activities will be reported to appropriate authorities.

2.        CONNECTIVITY.  Do not use the network in such a way that would limit or disrupt   the use of the network by others.

3.        SERVICES.   WJC Public Schools will not be responsible for any damages suffered.  This includes loss of data resulting from delays, nondeliveries, or service interruptions caused by negligence, errors or omissions.  Use of any information obtained via networks is at user’s risk.  WJC Public Schools specifically denies any responsibility for the accuracy or quality of information obtained through its network services.

4.        SECURITY.  Security on any computer system is a high priority.  If users can identify a security problem on any of the networks, they must notify a system administrator either in person or via the network as soon as possible.  Users must not demonstrate the problem to other users.  Use of network service accounts provided by WJC Public Schools is not transferable or assignable.  Any users who knowingly allow another to use the account assigned to them will immediately lose their access privileges and may be subject to further legal action. Attempts to fraudulently log in on any network as a system administrator or another user will result in immediate cancellation of user privileges and may be subject to further legal action.  Any user identified as a security risk, or having a history of problems with other computer systems, may be denied access to the networks and other computer services.

5.        VANDALISM AND ELECTRONIC MISCHIEF.  Vandalism will result in cancellation of privileges.  This includes, but is not limited to, electronic mischief, the uploading or creation of computer viruses, attempts to tamper with any programs, applications, files, etc.

6.        UPDATES.  WJC Public Schools may occasionally require new registration and account information from users to continue providing services.  Users must notify the system administrator(s) of any changes in account information.

V.       CONSEQUENCES FOR INAPPROPRIATE USE:

1.        Access privileges may be denied for any violation of this policy.

2.        Violations deemed to be misdemeanor or felony offenses will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

3.        All WJC school discipline policies will continue to be in effect in addition to any and all specific consequences stated herein.

I understand and will abide by the Terms and Conditions of the WJC Network Acceptable Use and Responsibility Policy Agreement Regulation for the privilege of accessing network resources on any WJC network.  I further understand that any violation of the above regulations is unethical and may constitute a criminal offense.  Should I commit any violation, my access privileges may be revoked, school disciplinary action and/or appropriate legal action may be taken.

(Revised  June 5, 2001)