GREENSBURG COMMUNITY SCHOOLS
Computer, Network and Internet Use Agreement
Please read this document carefully before signing.
Acceptable Use Policy for the Internet
Internet access is now available to students and teachers of Greensburg Community Schools (GCS). We are very pleased to be able to offer this access and believe the Internet offers vast, diverse and unique resources to both students and teachers. Our goal in providing this service to students and teachers is to promote educational excellence in schools by facilitating resource sharing, innovation and communication.
The Internet is an electronic highway connecting thousands of computers all over the world and millions of individual subscribers. Students and teachers have access to:
• information and news from government organizations such as NASA
• university library catalogs and the Library of Congress
With access to computers and people all over the world, also comes the availability of material that may not be considered of educational value in the context of the school setting. GCS has taken precautions to restrict access to controversial materials. However, on a global network it is impossible to control all materials and an industrious user may uncover controversial information. GCS firmly believes that the valuable information available on this network far outweighs the possibility that users may procure material that is not consistent with the educational goals of GCS.
Internet access is coordinated through a complex association of government agencies and regional and state networks. In addition, the smooth operation of the network relies upon the proper conduct of the end users who must adhere to strict guidelines. These guidelines are provided here so that you are aware of the responsibilities you are about to acquire. In general, this requires efficient, ethical and legal utilization of the network resources. If a GCS user violates any of these provisions, his or her privileges will be terminated and future access could possibly be denied. The signature(s) at the end of this document is (are) legally binding and indicate(s) the party (parties) who signed has (have) read the terms and conditions carefully and understand(s) their significance.
• Acceptable use—The purpose of NSFNET, which is the backbone network to the Internet, is to support research and education in and among academic institutions in the U.S. by providing access to unique resources and the opportunity for collaborative work. Your use of the Internet must be in support of education and research consistent with the educational objectives of GCS. Transmission of any material in violation of any U.S. or state regulation is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, copyrighted material or material protected by trade secret. Use for commercial activities is generally not acceptable. Use for product advertisement or political lobbying is also prohibited.
• Privileges—The use of the Internet is a privilege, not a right, and inappropriate use will result in the cancellation of those privileges. The system administrators will deem what is inappropriate use and their decision is final. Also, the system administrators may close an account at any time required. The administration, faculty and staff at GCS may request the system to deny, revoke or suspend specific users.
• Network etiquette—You are expected to abide by the generally accepted rules of network etiquette. These include, but are not limited to the following:
• Be polite; do not get abusive in your messages to others.
• Use appropriate language. Do not sear, use vulgarities or use any other inappropriate language.
• Do not reveal your personal address or phone number.
• Do not use the network in such a way that you would disrupt the use of the network by other users.
• All communications and information accessible via the network would be assumed private property.
• GCS makes no warranties of any kind, whether expressed or implied, for the service that it is providing. GCS will not be responsible for any damages you suffer. This includes loss of data resulting from delays, no deliveries, mis deliveries or service interruptions caused by its own negligence or your own errors or omissions. Use of any information obtained via the Internet is at your own risk. GCS specifically denies any responsibility for the accuracy or quality of information obtained through its services.
• Security on any computer system is a high priority, especially when a system involves many users. If you feel you can identify a security problem, you must notify a system administrator. Do not demonstrate the problem to others. Any user identified as a security risk or having a history of problems with other computer systems (example: in another computer lab) may be denied access to the computer lab.
• Vandalism will result in the cancellation of privileges. Vandalism is defined as any malicious attempt to harm or destroy data of another user, Internet or any of the agencies or other networks connected to the NSFNET Internet backbone. This includes, but is not limited to, the uploading or creation of computer viruses.
Greensburg Community Schools currently is using a software package to provide internet filtering. The software has the capability to track usage and attempts to access web pages by user. The information can be used to terminate privileges and can become public knowledge.