These rules apply to use of computers and networks at Waubonsee Community College, and use of computers and networks elsewhere if a Waubonsee Network is utilized to gain access. These rules are provided to ensure fair, equitable and appropriate electronic communication, taking into account the fundamental principles of privacy, confidentiality, and intellectual property rights in balance with free expression and speech.
The term "computer facilities" as used herein includes without limitation all networks, laboratory computer systems, personal computer and printing services, home pages, and use of software. Users of computer facilities, such as electronic mail, networks, bulletin board and newsgroups, are obligated to comply with the restrictions and acceptable practices established for those specific facilities.
Computer account codes (log-ins) providing access to computer facilities are made available to faculty, staff and registered students of Waubonsee Community College to assist them in carrying out the instructional and administrative goals of the College.
Access to Waubonsee's Computer Facilities is a privilege not a right. Members of the College community use computer facilities, rely on the availability of computer facilities to accomplish their work and assignments, and use them to store important and confidential data. Certain types of communications are expressly forbidden such as random mailing of messages; sending or receiving obscene, harassing, or threatening material; or the use of facilities for commercial, personal, or political purposes.
It is prohibited for individuals to access or attempt to access or view any other individual’s or department’s computer account for which they do not have specific authorization.
Actions that intentionally disrupt, delay, endanger or expose another person’s work or college operations are also prohibited. Individuals engaged in any such actions will be prosecuted under the internal rules, policies and procedures of Waubonsee Community College and applicable laws of the state of Illinois and the United States.
Examples of prohibited conduct include (without limitation):
- Intentionally providing computer access to unauthorized individuals (by loaning your account to another person, disclosing someone else’s password to a third party, using
another’s account, etc.).
- Disrupting access to a computer system, network or file (by crashing a system, releasing viruses, altering or attempting to learn other’s passwords, tying up terminals, printers or operating systems, using college computer facilities for illegal activities, etc.).
- Accessing or changing other individual’s or department’s files
without permission.
- Sending or distributing harassing messages.
- Purposefully wasting resources.
- Attaching non Waubonsee equipment to the Waubonsee network, computers, or phone system.
Computing log-ins are provided for Waubonsee Community College use and work only. Certain types of usage is expressly forbidden such as the random mailing of messages, sending or accessing obscene, harassing, or threatening material, or the use of facilities for personal or commercial purposes. It is prohibited for individuals to access or attempt to access or view any other individual's or department's computer account for which they do not have specific authorization. Actions which intentionally disrupt, delay, endanger or expose another person's work or college operations are also prohibited. Individuals engaged in any such actions will be prosecuted under the internal rules, policies and procedures of Waubonsee Community College and applicable laws of the State of Illinois and the United States.
Each log-in is assigned to a single individual or class who is responsible for all computer usage under that account. The possibility always exists that the computer system will crash, or that a network outage or other interruption of work will occur resulting in loss of data, files, or software. Please take steps to minimize your risks; frequently back up any work. While the College has implemented certain safety and security measures, there is no guarantee that your work product will be protected.
The College generally regards files and data on the network as private. However, the College reserves the right to view or scan any file or software stored on College systems or transmitted over College networks, and will do so periodically to verify that software and hardware are working correctly, to check for viruses, or to audit College resources.
Electronic mail and messages sent or received through computer facilities, including internet and e-mail may not remain confidential while in transit or on the destination computer system.
Note also that all the provisions of the “Code of Student Conduct” apply to the use of computers and networks at Waubonsee. Refer to “Student Conduct” policy explained earlier and especially the description of “proscribed conduct,” page 115. |
