Authorization for Internet Access All use of the Internet shall be consistent with the District’s goal of promoting educational excellence by facilitating resource sharing, innovation and communication. This Authorization does not attempt to state all required or proscribed behaviors by users. However, some specific examples are provided. The failure of any user to follow the terms of the Authorization for Internet Access will result in the loss of privileges, disciplinary action and/or appropriate legal action. The signature(s) at the end of this document is legally binding and indicates the party that signed has read the terms and conditions carefully and understands their significance. Terms and Conditions 1. Acceptable Use – Access to the District’s Internet account must be for the purpose of education or research, and be consistent with the educational objectives of the District. 2. Privilege – the use of the District’s Internet account is a privilege, not a right, and inappropriate use will result in a cancellation of those privileges. The system administrator will make all decisions regarding whether or not a user has violated this Authorization and may, revoke, or suspend access at any time; his or her decision is final. 3. Unacceptable Use – You are responsible for your actions and activities involving the Internet. Some examples of acceptable uses are: a. Using the Internet for any illegal activity, including violation of copyright or other contracts, or transmitting any materials in violation of any U.S. or State law or regulation. b. Unauthorized downloading of software, regardless of whether it is copyrighted or devirused. c. Downloading copyrighted materials for other than personal use. d. Using the Internet for private financial or commercial gain. e. Wastefully using resources, such as file space. f. Gaining unauthorized access for other than personal use. g. Invading the privacy of individuals. h. Using another’s account password. i. Posting material authored or created by another without his/her consent. j. Posting anonymous messages. k. Using the Internet for commercial or private advertising. Authorization for Internet Access l. Accessing, submitting, posting, publishing or displaying any defamatory, inaccurate, abusive, obscene, profane, sexually oriented, threatening, racially offensive, harassing, or illegal material. m. Using the Internet while access privileges are suspended or revoked. 4. Network Etiquette – You are expected to abide by the generally accepted rules of network etiquette. These include, but are not limited to, the following: a. Be polite. Do not become abusive in your messages to others. b. Use appropriate language. Do not swear or use inappropriate language. c. Do not reveal personal addresses or telephone numbers of students or colleagues. d. Recognize that electronic mail (E-mail) is not private. People who operate the system have access to all mail. Messages relating to or in support of illegal activities may be reported to the authorities. e. Do not use the network in any way that would disrupt its use by others. f. Consider all communications and information accessible via the network to be private property. 5. No Warranties – The District makes no warranties of any kind, whether expressed or implied, for the service it is providing. The District will not be responsible for any damages you suffer. This includes loss of data resulting from delays, non-deliveries, or service interruption caused be its negligence or your errors or omissions. Use of any information obtained via the Internet is at your own risk. The District specifically denies any responsibility for the accuracy or quality of information obtained through its services. 6. Indemnification – the user agrees to indemnify the School District for any losses, costs or damages including reasonable attorney fees, incurred by the District relating to, or arising out of, any breach of this Authorization. 7. Security – Network security is a high priority. If you can identify a security problem on the Internet, you must notify the system administrator or Superintendent. Do not demonstrate the problem to others. Keep your account and password confidential. Do not use another individual’s account without written permission. Attempts to log-on to the Internet as a system administrator will result in cancellation of user privileges. Any user identified as a security risk may be denied access to the network. 8. Vandalism – Vandalism will result in cancellation of privileges and other disciplinary action. Vandalism is defined as any malicious attempt to harm or destroy data of another user, the Internet, or any other network. This includes, but is not limited to, the uploading or creation of computer viruses. Authorization for Internet Access 9. Telephone Charges – The District assumes no responsibility for any unauthorized charges or fees, including telephone charges, per minute surcharges, and/or equipment or line costs.