I. Policy

Quincy College provides Internet access to students, faculty, staff, and administration as part of its educational mission. When the Internet is used appropriately, it can provide a wealth of information and  resources to supplement classroom learning. All Quincy College students, staff, and faculty must utilize the Internet appropriately on campus and on any and all Quincy College technology.

Scope

The policy applies to the use of the Internet via the College’s computers or Internet services. When using the Internet via the College’s computers or Internet services, users must follow the rules of this policy.

Quincy College has taken precautions to restrict access to controversial materials. However, it is impossible to control all materials and an industrious user may discover controversial information. We at Quincy College firmly believe that the valuable information and interaction available on the Internet far outweighs the possibility that users may procure material that is not consistent with the educational goals of the College. 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 users may become aware of the responsibilities they are about to acquire. In general this requires efficient, ethical, and legal utilization of the network resources.

Acceptable Use

Acceptable use of the Internet is defined by the following:

  • Be courteous and polite when using the Internet. Do not do or say things on the Internet that would not be said or done to someone in person. Be polite in the messages that are sent via the Internet. Do not use swear words, vulgarities, obscenities, or threatening language. Do not use the Internet to send harmful or offensive material that is based on stereotypes relating to sexual orientation, religion, nationality, ethnicity, gender, or race.
  • Only use the Internet for educational purposes. Students should use the Internet to learn more about classroom topics, complete classroom projects, and to do homework. The College recognizes that some personal use is inevitable, and that occasional personal use that is brief in duration or infrequent is permitted, so long as it does not interfere with College business, occurs on personal time, and is not otherwise prohibited by College policies and procedures.

Unacceptable Use

The following inappropriate activities could endanger the safety of students using the Internet. For this reason, the College specifically prohibits the following activities when using the Internet.

  • Engaging in illegal activities. Do not use the Internet for indecent, illegal, or harassing purposes. Do not use the Internet to sell or buy firearms, drugs, or any other object or substance that is prohibited on school grounds. Do not view materials or send messages that encourage people to violate the law. Do not use the Internet to send or transmit materials that encourage illegal activities. Do not use the Internet to download or send confidential or copyrighted materials (pictures, music, or movies that are copyrighted).
  • Sending harmful messages or materials. Do not transmit threatening, harassing, or offensive  messages over the Internet. This includes posting messages in newsgroups, chat rooms or forums, and transmitting messages via e-mail or instant messaging.
  • Viewing inappropriate materials. Do not use the Internet to download, transmit, or view pornographic materials. In addition, do not use the Internet to view, transmit, or download materials that are inappropriate.
  • Uploading harmful materials. Do not upload a virus, Trojan horse, Worm, or any harmful form of  programming or software.
  • Unauthorized access. Do not use the Internet to gain unauthorized access to other information systems, networks, or computers. Do not use another person’s password to access the Internet. Do not send messages that mislead or confuse the recipient as to who is sending the message. Do not allow others to use personal passwords.
  • Vandalism. Do not commit vandalism, or any malicious attempt to harm or destroy data of another user, Internet, or any of the other networks that are connected to any of the Internet backbones. This includes, but is not limited to, the uploading or creation of computer viruses.

Security on any computer system is a high priority, especially when the system involves many users. If a  security problem is identified on the Internet, notify the office of Information Technology & Mission Support. Any user identified as a security risk or having a history of problems with other computer systems may be denied access to the Internet.

Quincy College may monitor any Internet activity occurring on Quincy College equipment or accounts. If  Quincy College discovers activities which do not comply with applicable law or policy, records retrieved may be used to document the wrongful content in accordance with due process. Note that electronic mail (e-mail) is not guaranteed to be private. Messages relating to or in support of illegal activities may be reported to the authorities.

II.  Definitions

Internet: Includes e-mail, chat rooms, the World Wide Web, instant messaging, and other forms of  communication accessed via the Internet.

III.  Procedures

The use of the Internet is a privilege, not a right, and inappropriate use will result in a cancellation of those privileges. Each student or staff member who receives an account will be part of a discussion with  a Quincy College staff member pertaining to the proper use of the network. Quincy College system administrators deem what is inappropriate use and their decision is final. The system administrators may close an account at any time as necessary. The administration, faculty, and staff of Quincy College may request the system administrator to deny, revoke, or suspend specific user accounts.

The Office of Technology & Mission Support will verify compliance with this policy through various methods, including, but not limited to” business tool reports, internal and external audits, and feedback to the Office of Technology & Mission Support.

If a Quincy College user violates any of these provisions, his or her account may be terminated, and he  or she may be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including expulsion or termination of employment.

Additionally, Quincy College may, at its discretion, seek legal remedies for damages incurred as a result of any violation. Quincy College may also be required by law to report certain illegal activities to the proper enforcement agencies.

Original: October 1999

Revised: May 2006, September 2011, January 2017