Student Computer and Internet Acceptable Use

Policy Statement

State Technical College of Missouri’s information technology resources are provided for College related purposes, including support for the College’s mission, research, administrative support, and student activities.  Each user will abide by, and be familiar with, the conditions set forth below.

Procedures

User Responsibilities

1. Only currently enrolled students with good standing can be authorized users of the College computer and network resources.
2. All users understand that the use of the Internet requires responsibility on their part.
3. All computers and associated network resources provided by the college are state resources and hence require users to be good stewards of these resources.
4. Damage, security, and use of your computer hardware, software, and accounts while utilizing the College’s computer and networking resources and services remain the users’ responsibility. Students will accept full responsibility for their equipment, accounts, and activity performed while utilizing the College’s computing resources and services.
5. All computer users understand that assignments, correspondences, or other information should be saved on an individual’s data storage device to ensure that work is saved rather than saving such information on the College’s computers.
6. All computer users understand the download and installation of any kind of software on a State Tech resource requires the approval of the State Tech Information Technology Department.
7. Connecting networked devices (other than computers) into the College’s network is prohibited.
8. All computer users understand that the use of any form of tobacco is not allowed in the computer lab and food and that drinks are not allowed around the computer terminal.
9. All users of the computer and networking resources realize the importance of online safety by adhering to the following:

1. Be selective in giving out personal information such as your address or telephone number.
2. Never send pictures that are personally identifiable.

Acceptable Use

Acceptable use includes the following:

1. Instructional use in classes, research, administrative support, electronic mail, and resume´ or vita posting.
2. Use for, or in support of, research, education, local, state, or national government affairs, economic development, or public service.
3. Use that is compliant with federal and state law.

Unacceptable Use

The following violations may lead to sanctions (see below):

1. Accessing or participating in activities that contain obscene or otherwise inappropriate materials
2. Tampering with computer equipment, computer users, or computer data
3. Plagiarizing or violating copyright restrictions
4. Violating any federal or state law
5. Invading the privacy of individuals or organizational groups
6. Harming or harassing others
7. Accessing protected and private network resources without authorization
8. Using the Internet for commercial activities, including, but not limited to, commercial solicitation of business
9. Hosting a website, file sharing activities, and hosting FTP sites
10. Accessing the Internet utilizing a school account without permission from the appropriate school personnel
11. Disrupting normal network use and service including the propagation of computer viruses
12. Inappropriate use of social networking sites

Possible Sanctions for Misuse

1. State Tech Information Technology monitors the use of all computer and network systems and will disconnect anyone who appears to be violating this agreement.
2. Upon detection of an alleged violation, Technology Services will disable the account and turn all pertinent information over to the appropriate instructor or Director or Associate Dean of Student Affairs.
3. Penalties for violation of this agreement range from the loss of computer resources to dismissal from the College, prosecution, and/or civil action.

LINE OF AUTHORITY

Responsible Office: President’s Office

Contact person in that office: Executive Assistant to the President

EFFECTIVE DATE: November 17, 2023

Presidential approval: November 17, 2023