Last updated 3-08	Isothermal Community College P.O. Box 804, Spindale NC 28160 (828) 286-4636  fax (828) 286-8208 For more information, contact Director of Library Services Charles P. Wiggins

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Certain activities violate Federal and/or NC State laws governing use of computer systems, and may be classified as misdemeanors or felonies. Those convicted could face fines and/or imprisonment.

IMPORTANT, PLEASE NOTE: The library provides equipment in support of the academic needs of students; therefore, the library staff reserves the right to limit the number of printouts and photocopies to help control costs and prevent abuse.

By using this workstation you are indicating that you have read, understand and will abide by the Guidelines for Use of Library Computers and the Computer Resources, Internet, and Network Use Policy outlined in this Agreement as presented below.
 

Guidelines for Use of Library Computers

Equipment use is documented for statistical purposes; however, no personal information is recorded or retained.

Anyone wishing to use Isothermal Community College Library computers will:

1. be registered as a patron at the college library. Children six to fourteen years old may use the equipment, provided that they are accompanied by an adult who is registered as a library patron and who agrees to be responsible for supervision of children in his/her care who use the equipment, by monitoring its use to prevent the child's exposure to inappropriate subject content, and by preventing equipment damage. (Children under six will not be permitted to use the equipment. According to college policy, children under the age of sixteen must be supervised by a parent or guardian at all times while on campus.)

2. agree to use the equipment for information or research purposes only, and not to use it for purely recreational purposes such as, but not limited to, playing games; gambling; dating online; or using chat rooms or instant messaging, other than in support of the research, educational, and administrative purposes of the College. (Other prohibited activities are listed in the Unacceptable Activities section of the college's Computer Resources, Internet, and Network Use Policy below. See Violations for possible disciplinary actions.)

3. agree to limit use to 30 minutes in the event that others are waiting to use the equipment.

Computer Resources, Internet, and Network Use Policy
Policy No: II:08:00 (replaces Policy No: I:01:23)

Purpose Isothermal Community College strives to provide computer resources, Internet, and Network access in an environment in which access is shared equitably among users. This access is intended to be used in support of the research, educational, and administrative purposes of the College. College owned or operated computer resources are for the use of College employees, students, and other authorized individuals. The purpose of this policy is to protect the College’s technology users and computer resources and to ensure equitable access and proper management of these resources.

Acceptable and Unacceptable Uses
The College abides by the guidelines and policies of the NC Information Resource Management Commission (IRMC). The computer resources owned and operated by Isothermal Community College are intended for the use of its students, employees, and other authorized individuals for purposes related to instruction, learning, research, and campus operations. Users are expected to exercise responsible, ethical behavior when using all College computer resources. This policy makes no attempt to articulate all required or prohibited behavior by users of the computer resources of Isothermal Community College.

Unacceptable activity includes, but is not limited to, the following:
1. Deliberately downloading, uploading, creating, or transmitting computer viruses
2. Destroying or modifying directory structures or registries; or interfering or tampering with another’s data or files
3. Developing programs that infiltrate a computer or computing system, harass other users, and/or damage software
4. Attempting to obtain unauthorized computer access or privileges, or attempting to trespass in the work of another individual
5. Using hardware or software sniffers to examine network traffic, except by appropriate College personnel to diagnose the network for bottlenecks or other problems
6. Using another person’s password or sharing of one’s own password; users who choose to share their passwords are responsible for the outcomes resulting from the use of their password
7. Committing any form of vandalism on equipment, communications lines, manuals, or software; attempting to defeat or circumvent any security measures or controls
8. Consuming food and/or beverages in computer labs, computer classrooms, or in any other areas restricted to protect systems
9. Wastefully using finite resources, such as large amounts of bandwidth for extended periods of time
10. Connecting unsanctioned products (software or hardware) to the College network, or installing products for personal use. Special provisions may be made for visiting artists, lecturers, and trainers at the discretion of the Director of Information Services and Technology. IST support staff can offer assistance in gaining network access under these special circumstances, but the College cannot guarantee functionality, and assumes no responsibility for configuration of or damage to Non College equipment.
11. Using chat rooms or instant messaging, other than in support of the research, educational, and administrative purposes of the College
12. Sending hate mail, chain letters, and anonymous or pseudonymous messages
13. Using, distributing, or making accessible profane, obscene, pornographic, or discriminatory images or remarks, or other content which reasonably may be considered to be offensive to another user; or participating in other antisocial behaviors
14. Using computer resources for political campaigns or distribution of political material
15. Using computer resources for fraud, financial gain, or for any commercial or illegal activity
16. Disclosing student information in violation of the provisions of the federal statute known as the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974
17. Violating copyright laws and/or fair use provisions by downloading or uploading pirated or illegal material, including, but not limited to, software and music files; inappropriately reproducing or disseminating Internet materials, except as permitted by law or by written agreement with the owner of the copyright

Reservation of Rights and Limits of Liability
1. Isothermal Community College reserves all rights in the use and operation of its computer resources, including the right to monitor and inspect computerized files or to terminate service at any time and for any reason without notice.
2. The College makes no guarantees or representations, either explicit or implied, that user files and/or accounts are private and secure. No right of privacy exists in regard to E-mail or Internet sessions.
3. The College is not responsible for the accuracy, content, or quality of information obtained through or stored on the College network.
4. The College and its representatives are not liable for any damages and/or losses associated with the use of any of its computer resources or services.
5. The College reserves the right to limit the allocation of computer resources.
6. The College makes efforts to maintain computer resources in good working condition but is not liable for damages incurred by loss of service.
7. College funds may not be used to purchase personal network access or products.
8. The College is not liable, legally, financially, or otherwise, for the actions of anyone connecting to the Internet through College systems.

Electronic Mail
College computer resources may be used to access electronic mail systems and resources. The use of College resources for electronic mail must be related to College business, including academic pursuits. Incidental and occasional personal use of electronic mail is acceptable when such use does not generate a direct cost to the College. The College will make reasonable efforts to maintain the integrity and effective operation of its electronic mail systems, but users are advised that those systems should in no way be regarded as a secure medium for the communication of sensitive or confidential information. Because of the nature and technology of electronic communication, the College can assure neither privacy of an individual’s use of the College’s electronic mail resources nor the confidentiality of particular messages that may be created, transmitted, received, or stored. The College does not monitor electronic mail as a routine matter, but may do so to the extent permitted by law, as the College deems necessary. Any user of the College’s computer resources who makes use of an encryption device shall provide access when requested to do so by the appropriate College authority. The College reserves the right to access and disclose the contents of employees’, students’, and other users’ electronic mail without the consent of the user. The College will do so when it believes it has a legitimate business need including but not limited to those listed below.

1. In the course of an investigation triggered by indications of misconduct or misuse
2. As needed to protect health and safety
3. As needed to prevent interference with the academic mission
4. As needed to locate substantive information required for College business that is not more readily available.
5. As needed to respond to legal actions
6. As needed to fulfill the College’s obligation to third parties

Electronic mail, including that of students, may constitute "education records" as defined in the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) (20 U.S.C. § 1232g; 34 CFR Part 99). Electronic mail that meets the definition of education records is subject to the provisions of FERPA. The College may access, inspect, and disclose such records under conditions set forth in the federal statute. See the Isothermal Community College Student Handbook for selected guidelines, procedures, and definitions regarding FERPA.

North Carolina law provides that communications of College personnel that are sent by electronic mail may constitute “correspondence” and, therefore, may be considered public records subject to public inspection under the North Carolina General Statutes, chapters 121 and 132.

Electronic files, including electronic mail, that are considered to be public records are to be retained, archived and/or disposed of in accordance with current guidelines established by the North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources.

Violations
Library patrons found to be in violation of any part of this document could face the following:

1st violation - loss of Internet access privileges in the library for one week
2nd violation - loss of Internet access privileges in the library for three months
3rd violation - indefinite loss of Internet access privileges in the library

Each individual is ultimately responsible for his/her own actions; failure to exercise responsible, ethical behavior will result in disciplinary action as appropriate. Disciplinary action may include reprimand or denial of access. In severe cases, 1) students may be sanctioned according to procedures described in the Student Handbook; 2) employees may be subject to disciplinary action as determined by their immediate supervisor.

Policy No: II:08:00 last updated: November 2003