1. Network Etiquette: The use of technology requires that you abide by accepted rules of etiquette, which include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Courtesy: Do not send or forward abusive messages to anyone.
- Appropriate Content: Defamatory, intentionally inaccurate, abusive, obscene, profane, sexually oriented, threatening, racially offensive, harassing or illegal material is prohibited.
- Privacy: All communication and information accessible via the network should be assumed to be copyrighted property. Transmission of data on the Internet cannot be guaranteed to be private or secure. Note that electronic mail (e-mail) is not guaranteed to be private. People who operate the system do have access to all mail and electronic transmissions. Electronic transmissions relating to or in support of illegal activities may be reported to the authorities. Do not reveal your or any individual’s personal address, phone or credit card number.
2. Email: Limited personal use of email is permitted, however, personal use should not interfere with assigned duties and responsibilities. The use of email requires that you abide by accepted rules of etiquette, which include, but are not limited to, the following:
- SPAM, the sending of unwanted mail is a significant problem for users and for the network. Do not send emails that are not directly business or school related to groups or persons within the system.
- Using GCS email directories or address books to send emails that are for personal gain or that promise personal gain are a violation of Administrative Policy GAG.
- Use of GCS email directories or address books to communicate views, solicit membership, or raise funds for any non-school sponsored purpose, whether profit or non-profit, is prohibited.
- Network administrators will distribute virus warnings. If you feel you have information regarding a virus please contact network administration immediately and do not forward such emails to users.
- Email is not private. Technicians who operate the system can access all mail. Access is usually limited to investigative or trouble-shooting purposes, however, the Chief of Human Resources, Chief Information Officer, or the Superintendent may at any time, and for any reason, allow the search of email or data stored on all district owned computers.
3. Passwords: Passwords are personal and should not be shared with anyone. Attempts to log in to the system as any other user will result in cancellation of user privileges and/or criminal prosecution.
4. Copyright: Information transmitted through the Internet, which is copyrighted, is subject to the same copyright laws as govern non-electronic data.
5. Security: Security on any computer system is high priority, especially when the system involves many users. If you feel you can identify a security problem on the service provided you, notify a system administrator or teacher. Do not demonstrate the problem to other users.
6. Plagiarism: Data received through the Internet is subject to the same rules of documentation as traditional information. Give credit for all material used in research.
7. Vandalism: Vandalism will result in cancellation of your privileges. This includes, but is not limited to, altering web sites, intentionally damaging equipment or cabling, uploading or creation of a computer virus, and any other activity that corrupts individual programs, data or the network.
8. Network resources: The user is responsible for his or her actions and activities involving the network. Some examples of unacceptable uses are: wastefully using resources such as file space, file sharing networks, circumventing safety configurations, modifying setup policies, modifying settings on machines, attaching unauthorized devices, modifying infrastructure, invading the privacy of individuals, gaining unauthorized access to resources or entities, using the network while access privileges are suspended or revoked.
9. Unauthorized charges: The District assumes no responsibility for any unauthorized charges or fees, including telephone charges, long-distance charges, per-minute surcharges and/or equipment or line costs.
10. Warranties: GCS makes no warranties of any kind, whether expressed or implied, for the service it is providing. GCS will not be responsible for any damages the user suffers. This includes loss of data resulting from delays, non-deliveries, missed-deliveries or service interruptions caused by its negligence or the users’ errors, omissions, or failure to properly back up their data and files.
11. Emerging Technologies: The tenets of Policy EFE are inclusive of emerging technologies in devices that provide wireless capabilities. Examples of these devices include but are not limited to, mobile phones with cameras and internet capabilities, and Personal Digital Devices (PDA’s) with internet connectivity. The following are not permitted uses of these devices by students on Guilford County Schools’ campuses and school related activities:
a) Connecting to unfiltered Internet information,
b) Using such a device to capture images, transmit, and manipulate media electronically.
One example of an inappropriate use is using a camera phone to take pictures, emailing the pictures, and the pictures are posted on the web. Student use of these devices is not allowed without written permission from Guilford County School’s administrative staff with expressed intent and purpose for use.
Teachers and staff members that have devices capable of these functions are guided by the tenets of policy EFE and are to ensure that no privacy rights are violated regarding Family Education Rights Privacy act (FERPA).
The use of technology resources and Internet access is a privilege and not a right; inappropriate use will result in cancellation of those privileges. Do not use the network in any way that will disrupt the use of the network by others. Technology Services may make decisions regarding whether or not a user has violated standards, policies or procedures; and may deny, revoke, or suspend at any time.
12. Internet Safety and Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) and Guilford County Schools Student Email Accounts: The Children’s Internet Protection Act (“CIPA”), enacted December 21, 2000, require recipients (Guilford Country Schools) of federal technology funds to comply with certain Internet filtering and policy requirements.
Access to Inappropriate Material
- To the extent practical and feasible, technology protection measures (or “Internet filters”) are used to block or filter Internet traffic, and other forms of electronic communications (student email). Access to inappropriate information as required by the Children’s Internet Protection Act, will be filtered or blocked this is applied to visual depictions of material deemed obscene or child pornography, or to any material deemed harmful to minors.
Inappropriate Network Usage
- To the extent practical and feasible technology and policies are used be to promote the safety and security of users of the online computer networks when using electronic mail, other forms of direct electronic communications inappropriate network usage includes, but is not limited to:
(a) unauthorized access, including so-called ‘hacking,’ and other unlawful activities;
(b) unauthorized disclosure, use, and dissemination of personal identification information regarding students.
(c) using another student’s user name and password to access network resources
(d) transmitting obscene or pornographic visual imagery,
(e) harassing, menacing or any type of language that is deemed profane, cyber-bullying, threatening; any communication that indicates fear or intimation to an individual or groups of individuals.
Supervision and Monitoring
- Technology Services for Guilford County Schools supervise and monitor usage of district resources, the network infrastructure, and access to the Internet in accordance with this policy and the Children’s Internet protection Act. Any use of an electronic medium connected to these resources (an example is but not limited to; student email accounts) is governed by this Policy.
- Anyone found violating any Policy EFE, Internet Safety, and Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) and Guilford County Schools Student Email Accounts provision will have their access revoked and will be subject to the actions defined in the Student Code of Conduct.
- Procedures for the disabling or otherwise modifying any technology protection measures shall be the responsibility of Guilford County Schools Technology Services or designated representatives.
Board Policy EFE along with its Administrative Procedure EFE-P revises and replaces the former Administrative Policy EFE issued June 18, 2002.
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