Information Technology Acceptable Use

Electronic information technology systems at Surry Community College are essential and indispensable tools for learning, research and administration. It is the policy of the College that the facilities be used ethically and legally, in accordance with applicable licenses and contracts, and according to their intended use for educational purposes in support of the College's mission and goals.

The systems are owned by the College and provided for the appropriate use of students, faculty, and staff. It is expected that all users of these systems will do so responsibily, respecting the rights of other users, maintaining the integrity of the physical facilities and adhering to all applicable laws and regulations.

Access to electronic systems is a privilege that is granted by the College and comes with a responsibility to respect the rights of other users and the rights of the College at all times. All technology equipment and records are considered the property of Surry Community College, and their use may be monitored as a means to ensure their proper and effective use. Users should be aware that seemingly private computer records may be subject to public disclosure.

Examples of specific activities not permitted on College-owned equipment include:

• sending or displaying offensive messages, pictures or materials
• using obscene language, or sending/posting any harassing, abusive, libelous, or obscene materials, or assisting in any similar activities
• damaging electronic components, computers, computer systems, or networks, including knowingly transferring viruses
• violatiing the rights of any person protected by copyright, trade secret, patent, or other intellectual property laws, including, but not limited to, the installation or distribution of "pirated" or other software products that are not appropriately licensed for use by the College
• trespassing in others' files, folders or storage areas of any kind or using others' passwords
• intentionally wasting limited resources (Internet time, supplies, etc.)
• using the network for commercial, political or any unlawful purposes
• connecting to inappropriate Internet sites, such as pornography, hate groups, and other similar sites

North Carolina criminal statutes outlaw certain computer-related conduct, including unauthorized access or use of another person's computer, computer system, or computer network to (1) commit fraud or obtain property under false pretenses; (2) cause computer-related damage; or (3) alter, disable, delete, or copy computer data. Most of these criminal provisions apply in incidents involving computer "viruses" or "hacking." It is also a crime to send (or allow to be sent) electronic communications that (1) threaten harm to a person or property; (2) are sent, repeatedly, for the purpose of "abusing, annoying, threatening, terrifying, harassing, or embarrassing any person," or (3) contain any false statement "concerning death, injury, illness, disfigurement, indecent conduct, or criminal conduct . with the intent to abuse, annoy, threaten, terrify, harass, or embarrass." Educational institutions or officials who are victimized by such conduct, therefore, may file criminal charges against perpetrators of such crimes, and may recover damages through civil actions.

Electronic information systems include, but are not limited to, terminals, computers, computer peripherals, communication devices, telephones and telecommunications equipment, fax machines, computer data networks, video equipment, tapes or video networks, photocopying machines, computer software, supporting documentation, supplies, storage media, support facilities and energy sources. Electronic systems are limited to those leased, rented, owned by, or loaned to the College wherever located.

Violation of this policy should be reported to the appropriate area supervisor. Violations may result in suspension of privileges to access the information technology involved, initiation of college disciplinary procedures, or in extreme cases, criminal prosecution under federal or state law. Before attempting any activity about which you are in doubt, or if you have questions about this policy, consult your local area supervisor, dean or vice-president.

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