Pensacola State College
Information Technology Resources
Acceptable Use Standard Guidelines
Purpose | Scope | General Use | Unacceptable Use | File Sharing and Copyright Infringement
Privacy of Information and Incidental Disclosure | Enforcement | Revision History | Other Policy Links
The purpose of these guidelines is to establish requirements concerning the acceptable use of Information Technology (IT) resources at all Pensacola State College campuses and centers.
These guidelines apply to all users of Pensacola State College IT resources, including all students, employees, vendors, contractors and other visitors. IT resources include, but are not limited to, computer equipment and peripherals, applications, data and the supporting network infrastructure.
Pensacola State College provides a wide variety of IT resources that are administered by Information Technology Services (ITS) and are intended for the academic pursuits of Pensacola State College students and faculty, and for the normal business of the college.
IT resources at Pensacola State College are property of the college and are subject to Pensacola State College policies concerning general use of facilities, services and equipment. The college's general policies for academic freedom and responsible, considerate, legal and ethical behavior also extend to the use of these resources. Since IT resources are not unlimited, the college may give priority to certain users or certain groups of users in support of its mission. The use of IT resources shall not be denied or abridged because of race, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability or marital status.
Anyone using a Pensacola State College IT resource is responsible for:
- recognizing and honoring the intellectual property rights of others, making attribution as appropriate;
- refraining from any illegal or improper activity that would lead to unauthorized access into any IT resource, system or user account;
- taking all reasonable steps to ensure the accessibility, confidentiality and/or integrity of Pensacola State College information and information technology;
- being ethical and respectful of the rights of others, including the rights to privacy;
- abiding by all other applicable college policies, standards, guidelines, and all federal, state and local laws pertaining to the use of information technology.
Computer and/or network accounts may be provided to students, faculty, and staff for academic pursuits, transmitting and receiving electronic mail and messages, daily business and administrative operations, and other authorized activities.
Account holders are responsible for the use of the account and the security of the information for which the account provides access. Accounts should be logged-off and/or locked when left unattended.
Accounts are for the use of the single individual for which they are provided. Account holders are not permitted to share accounts, the information provided by accounts, or account usernames and passwords with others.
Account passwords will be assigned and used in compliance with current account username and password standard guidelines.
Following is a list of examples that constitute violations of these Acceptable Use Standard Guidelines. This is not a comprehensive list and other activities that are contrary to Pensacola State College policies, standards, and guidelines are still considered violations even if not specifically listed here.
- Browsing Internet sites, transferring information, or passing information through Pensacola State College email resources that contain illegal, obscene, or harmful content that is objectionable and inappropriate.
- Using Pensacola State College IT resources for personal financial gain or commercial purposes.
- Using Pensacola State College IT resources to impersonate another person or misrepresent authorization to act on behalf of others or Pensacola State College.
- Using Pensacola State College IT resources to harass another person, or to transmit to others or display images, sounds or messages that might be perceived by a reasonable person as, or have been identified as, harassing. (See Pensacola State College policies on sexual harassment and the student conduct codes.)
- Using Pensacola State College IT resources to invade the privacy of others or to make unauthorized use of their work. Users should not attempt to read or copy information belonging to others, or decrypt or translate encrypted material unless the information has deliberately been made accessible by the owner(s) or authorization has been obtained to do so.
- Intentionally bypassing any security feature(s) for the express purpose of gaining unauthorized access to a Pensacola State College network, a computer, or other information resource.
- Intentionally damaging, disabling, relocating, or removing computer systems, peripherals, network equipment or software for any purpose without proper authorization.
- Disabling, modifying, or removing software designed to protect against viruses, spyware and adware.
- Installing or connecting IT equipment to the Pensacola State College wired network without prior approval. Pensacola State College provides wireless network access on all campuses and centers for the use of students, faculty, staff, and some visitors.
- Installing software on Pensacola State College computers without prior approval. Procedures for requesting new software are addressed in the Pensacola State College Software Installation Request Procedures.
5.0 FILE SHARING AND COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT
Federal copyright law applies to all forms of information, including electronic communications. Copyright infringement includes the unauthorized copying, displaying, and/or distributing of copyrighted material. All information should be considered protected by copyright law unless specifically stated otherwise.
Any use of Pensacola State College computers, networks, email systems, or web sites to illegally transfer copyrighted material including, but not limited to, software, text, images, audio and video is strictly prohibited. Therefore the use of popular file sharing applications such as Limewire, BearShare, BitTorrents, etc. may be a violation of Pensacola State College guidelines and federal law.
Anyone using Pensacola State College resources to commit acts of copyright infringement may be subject to prosecution. Acts of piracy are violations of state and federal laws, and as such, may result in civil or criminal charges.
Users found to be in violation of copyright laws will be disciplined according to procedures outlined in the Pensacola State College Student Handbook or the Pensacola State College Employee Handbook, as appropriate.
6.0 PRIVACY OF INFORMATION AND INCIDENTAL DISCLOSURE
Guidelines concerning the privacy of information are addressed in the Pensacola State College Information Privacy Standard Guidelines and the Pensacola State College Internet Privacy Statement.
The use of Pensacola State College IT resources is provided to students, faculty, staff, and some visitors as a privilege, not a right. In order to maintain this privilege, users are responsible for following the letter and the spirit of these Acceptable Use Standard Guidelines. Pensacola State College reserves the right to deny the use of Pensacola State College IT resources to any user(s) determined to be in violation of these guidelines.
Pensacola State College is committed to maintaining the integrity, security, and functionality of its IT resources. Failure to follow these guidelines may result in denial, revocation or suspension of privileges or in disciplinary action. Pensacola State College may also refer suspected violations of applicable law to appropriate law enforcement agencies for legal action.
July 15, 2010
April 2, 2009
September 15, 2008
Other Policy Links
Acceptable Use Policy (PDF version)
Privacy Policy
CampusDownloading.com -
Information about legal downloading for parents and students.
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