ADMINISTRATIVE RULE NO: 5075-01

RELATED TO POLICY SERIES NO: 5075

TITLE: USING COMPUTERS AND RELATED RESOURCES

PURPOSE
To ensure that LBCC will maintain secure and equitable access to its computer and network resources consistent with the mission of the college.

STATEMENT
Everyone within the LBCC community who uses a computer or network resource has the responsibility to use these resources in an ethical and legal manner. Computer and network use must reflect principles of academic honesty, respecting ownership of data, the need for secure system mechanisms, and the need to protect individual rights to privacy and freedom from intimidation, harassment, and unwanted annoyance.

Users of LBCC computer resources shall agree to the following principles:

  1. Users shall respect the integrity of the computer system – its networks, hardware, software (local or Internet provided), and files. Users may not make copies of copyrighted software or change how systems or programs are set up on computers used by others. Users shall read and follow the copyright agreements provided by software vendors. Although LBCC has site licenses for several programs, such site licenses do not generally allow students or staff to make copies for off-site use. Check with Information Services for specific instructions.
  2. Users shall respect the data being used. Users shall not plagiarize or otherwise misuse copyrighted materials without giving credit, gaining permission, and/or following "fair use" guidelines (the right to use copied data in a reasonable manner without the author's consent and for nonprofit educational purposes). These rules consider the nature of the data, the amount of the data copied in relation to the work as a whole, and the effect of the copying on the work's commercial value.

    As per the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA), LBCC Information Services has a designated agent for notices of copyright infringement by material on all LBCC web pages and network. If a formal notice is received, the designated agent will implement takedown procedures as specified in the DMCA and offer the staff/department administrating the web page/s to file counter-notice if they so choose. For repeat instances of DMCA takedown notification, the college will investigate for:

    1. abuse on the part of the claimant; and
    2. copyright infringement on the part of the LBCC staff/department.

      Consequences for staff found in copyright infringement may range from education to disciplinary action.

  3. Users shall respect other users. Using LBCC-provided computer resources to send threatening, malicious, pornographic, or harassing messages or materials electronically is forbidden and may lead to disciplinary action. Also, users may not intrude upon others, for example, by reading someone else's messages, changing passwords, or sending electronic messages to someone who has requested to not receive them.

  4. Users shall know and follow established rules for using computers in different areas of the college. Many computer-use facilities have specific prohibitions about food, beverages, computer games, and other use guidelines to protect the equipment, provide equal access opportunities, and respect the rights of other users. Computer users are expected to learn and follow the guidelines at each facility they use.

    Persons accessing the wireless network using personal equipment must adhere to LBCC policies and regulations regarding computer use. LBCC is not responsible for privately-owned equipment or its damage when accessing any portion of the college network or third party resources on the Internet (such as Moodle or Google).

  5. Users shall use only programs and files they are authorized to use. No one may obtain unauthorized access to another user's accounts, passwords, or files. Users may not enter or use systems without authorization, and may not represent themselves electronically as being another person.

  6. Users shall respect the intended use of all LBCC computer resources. Students, faculty, and staff will use college computer resources primarily for LBCC course- related learning, research, or LBCC administrative purposes. Appropriate use of the internet should show restraint in the consumption of shared resources. Unsolicited advertising is not appropriate. LBCC computer resources shall not be used to access, distribute, or store pornographic materials; violation of this policy may lead to disciplinary action.

    The college continuously monitors its computer systems to ensure that it has sufficient bandwidth available for research, learning, and administrative functions. In the event that the college discovers a use that is consuming an extraordinary amount of bandwidth or other resources, it reserves the right to consult with the user(s) to develop and direct plans to mitigate such use. Further, the college reserves the right to monitor individual computer use in extraordinary circumstances where the college has a clear and reasonable belief that its computer resources are being used for inappropriate or illegal purposes. The monitoring of individual computer use will only occur when such monitoring has been approved by the director of human resources.

  7. The LBCC email address provided by the college is the official email address through which the college sends email communications. The college expects students to check their email to stay current with all college-related communications, including but not limited to financial aid, registration, class work, and emergency notifications. The college expects staff to use and check their LBCC email when appropriate to stay current with all college-related work, including but not limited to emergency notifications, announcements, departmental communications, administrative communications, and student inquiries.

  8. Users shall understand that electronic communications may create a public record and audience. When participating in an online discussion, users become a representative of LBCC. Once users send an electronic message, it can be forwarded to others. Computer users should assess this implication in their decision to use their college accounts, network resources, or internet connection for personal purposes. Users are expected to follow all LBCC policies as listed on the LBCC website when sending messages to the "Everyone" or "Public" groups.

  9. Users shall recognize that legal protections may take precedence over rights to privacy. The Electronic Communications Privacy Act (federal law) treats electronic communication or other records as confidential materials and defines unauthorized attempts to access another user's information as unlawful behavior. Because the computer systems are provided by the college, all files and electronic messages are considered college records and are subject to public records laws. For example, a court may subpoena electronic files and/or records for a pending case. Any requests for release of electronic records by law enforcement agents will not be acted upon unless explicitly authorized by the vice president of student services or the director of human resources.

While carrying out necessary systems tasks, network and system operators will treat the contents of electronic files as private and confidential to the extent possible. In working with Banner or other administrative electronic data, staff will recognize they are all responsible for protecting student and staff confidentiality, and will not use such data for personal gain.

In summary, when using computers at LBCC, college policies prohibit account theft, file theft, violations of informational privacy, and/or harm to operating systems. If abuse of computer systems occurs, or if computer resources are used for purposes that violate

U.S. or state laws, those responsible for such abuse may be held legally accountable.

DISCIPLINARY PROCESS

  1. If an LBCC student receives any message that they feel is inappropriate or observes behavior that they believe violates this computer use policy, they should notify the Student Conduct and Retention Manager. If a formal complaint for misuse of computer resources is filed with the Student Conduct and Retention Manger, the student will be notified and may be asked to meet with the Student Conduct and Retention Manager in accordance with the Students' Rights, Responsibilities, and Conduct policy. Student penalties may range from a warning to expulsion from the college.

  2. LBCC employees with questions about appropriate use of computer resources should see their supervisor. Concerns about harassment should first be referred to Human Resources. Any employee reported for misuse of computer resources, will have their supervisor notified and disciplinary procedures will be followed as defined in association agreements and/or in board policies. Staff penalties may range from verbal and written reprimand to termination.

DATE OF ADOPTION: 05/28/96
DATE(S) OF REVISION(S): 06/11/96; 11/25/97; 10/19/99; 04/19/05; 03/20/07; 01/13/11; 12/1/16; 1/7/21
DATE OF LAST REVIEW: 10/22/13; 12/1/16