Computer Use Policy

Introduction

Computers at North Shore Community College are made available to students, faculty, and staff and when appropriate, to the community at large. Use is devoted exclusively to educational purposes, including scholarly and institutional communication, information gathering and computing instruction. It is understood that all users agree to abide by the following rules and regulations.

1. All computers are used only as permitted by the College in accordance with NSCC policies and procedures designed to further educational objectives. Illegal or unethical use which violates those policies will not be tolerated. NSCC networks are public networks, and NSCC Information Systems reserves the right to monitor remotely, or in person, any/all College computers. The Information Systems Department also reserves the right to remove any programs not authorized by Information Systems. Acceptable use of the College's computing and networking resources includes usage for academic, educational or professional purposes which are directly related to official College business and in support of the College's mission.
2. Illegal or unethical computer use will not be tolerated and is subject to legal/disciplinary action. This includes but is not limited to: (1) any attempt to breach system security, propagate viruses, damage files or otherwise disrupt services; (2 unauthorized copying and sending of software; (3) disregard of copyright and proprietary restrictions; (4) misrepresentation or use of another's work; (5) utilizing material or communication which constitutes sexual harassment, obscenity, child pornography, or creates a hostile or intimidating environment. (6) intentionally hindering others' ability to utilize any networks accessed from NSCC; and (7) unauthorized use of the name or logo(s) or graphical representation of NSCC without the express permission of College authorities.
3. Computer users must respect the privacy of others. No network user shall intentionally seek information on, obtain copies of, or modify files, data or passwords belonging to another person.
4. Computer users must keep their passwords confidential, use only their own accounts and identify themselves accurately when online.
5. Computer users may not use computing resources for commercial venture, personal profit, or political purposes.
6. To ensure fair access for all, computer users must respect NSCC limitations on computer use such as time limits, age appropriate limits, storage space or amount of resources consumed, game playing, MUDDs, chain letters. A user is prohibited from wasting computer resources: placing a program in an endless loop, printing excessive amounts of paper, distributing chain letters, game playing, chat/rooms, etc.
7. Users of the College's Computer Network for electronic mail purposes should have no expectation of privacy. The College reserves the right to access or interrupt e-mail communications or transmissions for routine system maintenance, technical problems, criminal investigations, or in response to, and in compliance with, a request made under the Commonwealth's Public Records Laws. E-mail and files related to course work are the sole occasions on which students may download files.
8. With North Shore's College Web Site, it is possible that personal and commercial web pages are linked to it. It is understood that the College is neither responsible, nor maintains control over any pages linked to its Web Site.
9. Unauthorized use of accounts and any other complaints should be reported to the Dean of Enrollment Management or designee (for student violations) or to the Dean of Academic Affairs or designee.
10. NSCC network users agree to waive any claim and release North Shore Community College, its employees and agents, from any claim, demand, liability, cause of action, or suit for damages arising out of their use of NSCC network(s), including but not limited to: loss of data, equipment failure or consequences resulting from the preceding.

Violations

Violations of this policy may result in disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal, as well as civil liability and/or criminal prosecution. Unacceptable uses -may also constitute a violation of the Electronic Communications Privacy Act of 1986, the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, Massachusetts Wiretap and /or Privacy Laws, defamation, copyright and/or trademark infringement laws and state or federal sexual harassment or discrimination laws.

Revised and Approved 12/16/02