The following is a set of regulations that govern the appropriate use of the computer network at Savannah Christian Preparatory School (SCPS). While it cannot cover every aspect of computer use, it does address many of the major concerns.  This policy specifically details the expectation that all members of the SCPS community use their computers and the network in a safe, responsible, respectful, considerate, and appropriate manner.

I.  Hardware (CPU, monitor, keyboard, mouse, microphone, headphone, network cabling, printer, scanner, camera, or other peripherals)
A. Users should treat all equipment with respect.
B. No one shall tamper with, treat roughly, or remove any piece of hardware or its cabling from its proper location.
C. All users must comply with use guidelines and restrictions from time to time posted or distributed by the system administrator.
D. All users should show proper care for all hardware items and cabling to minimize wear and tear on them and to leave them in good working order for their next users.
E. Malfunctions or suspected malfunctions should be reported to the system administrator for immediate attention.
F. No one should attempt to repair or modify any equipment without the direct supervision of the system administrator.
G. Sound is to be disabled unless specifically authorized.

II. Applications and Software
A. All installation of software is the responsibility of the division coordinator or system administrator
B. Users shall:
1. Not install any type of software to a computer or the server.
2. Not attempt to introduce system-corrupting software, such as viruses, into any computer system or otherwise intentionally interfere with the operation of any system.
3. Access only those applications made available to them by the system administrator.
4. Not use or install unauthorized applications (e.g. games)
5. Not change any settings on computers.  This includes, but is not limited to, screen savers, wallpaper, fonts, display settings, printer assignment, etc.
6. Not attempt to circumvent password protection or discover and use the password in order to gain access to the protected portion of the system.  If a security loophole is discovered, it is the user's responsibility to make the condition known to the system administrator and to avoid demonstrating it to others.
7. Respect the need for security and confidentiality.  The school will have information on the server that is not open to the public.  Users are to make no efforts to bypass security systems and gain access to information not intended for them.
8. Not attempt to alter, copy, transfer or remove any licensed software, including programs, applications, data, files, or fonts that are installed on any computer hard drives.
9. Observe the terms of software license agreements and Federal and State laws pertaining to software copyrights.

III. Disks, Files and Documents
 A.  The work of individuals stored on floppy disks or saved on hard drives is considered to be private.
1. Users shall not access, read, alter or copy work stored electronically without the permission of the owner.
2. SCPS will consider unauthorized electronic copying or electronic theft to be offenses subject to the SCPS honor and disciplinary codes just as they would the copying or theft of information in written or other physical form.
3. Work in progress in open documents is also considered the property of the creator.
B.  Outside disks shall not be introduced to any computer without permission from the system administrator.
C. Students are not allowed to share disks unless they are working on a group school project and have received approval from the system administrator.

IV.  Internet and Other “On Line” Services
A. The goal in providing Internet access to teachers and students is to promote educational excellence at SCPS by facilitating resource sharing, innovation and communication.
B. The use of the school’s Internet connection is a privilege, not a right.
1. Failure to abide by any of guidelines could result in cancellation of Internet access.
2. Any administrator, faculty member, or staff member may request the denial of a student’s network privileges.
C. The following guidelines will be employed while using technology belonging to SCPS.
1. Students must have written parental permission before being given Internet privileges.
2. The user accepts personal responsibility for any information obtained through the school’s Internet access.
3. The e-mail system is to be used only for the exchange of appropriate information.
a. There are to be no emotionally charged, derogatory, or otherwise inappropriate exchanges on the e-mail system.
b. Users may not give out personal information such as names, addresses or phone numbers of themselves or others.
4. Internet is to be used for scholarly research and as a means of obtaining needed information.
a. Users shall not access information that is inappropriate (e.g. - pornographic materials, vulgarity, gambling, militant or extremist materials, etc.). The school administration will make the final determination on such appropriateness.
5. Chat rooms, instant messaging, and the use of the Internet to play computer games are prohibited, unless specifically authorized by the system administrator.
6. Students may not access their personal on-line services or web-based e-mail using the school network.
7. Material obtained through research on the Internet and then used in academic work is to be properly documented and credited.  Note:  Since some material is unique to the Internet and can disappear overnight, documentation might necessitate the printing of a hard copy.
8. Users may not violate copyright laws of the United States. If you have any questions about what constitutes a violation, please see a member of the computer department.
9. Users may not engage in illegal activities while using the Internet.

V.  Disclaimer
The Savannah Christian Preparatory School strives to maintain the highest moral and ethical standards. SCPS makes no warranties of any kind, whether expressed or implied, for the services it is providing. SCPS will be held blameless of any infraction of local, state, federal, or international law advanced by those parties signing this agreement. Civil liabilities are the sole responsibility of the user and his/her guardian, with all transmissions or communications being the sole property of the user unless written authorization accompanies the transmission.  SCPS reserves the right to terminate a user’s access rights without prior notification.

This policy in no way precludes the United States federal copyright law. Unauthorized copying of licensed software is a direct violation of the United States federal copyright law. This includes any programs, applications, databases, fonts, and any other materials covered by copyright.  In general, any programs and software not clearly marked for redistribution should be viewed as proprietary and treated accordingly.
 
 
 
 
 

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