Policy & Procedures :: Technology Code of Ethics and Acceptable Use Policy

A printable copy of this policy is available in our filing cabinet. This policy is also included in the Student Code of Conduct.

The following policy for acceptable use of computers, networks, and system resources, including the Internet, shall apply to all Georgetown ISD administrators, faculty, staff, and students. All technology equipment shall be used under the supervision of the site administrator. Any user who violates any condition of this policy is subject to disciplinary action or administrative sanctions as specified in the Student Code of Conduct and Board Policy. 

  1. The individual in whose name a system account is issued will be responsible at all times for its proper use.
  2. Users shall not let other persons use their name, logon, password, or files for any reason (except for authorized staff members).
  3. Users shall not store or display their system resource passwords anywhere except on their person (e.g. wallet, purse) or in an otherwise secure location (e.g. locked cabinet or file drawer).
  4. Users shall not use others' system accounts or try to discover another user's password by any method.
  5. Users shall not erase, rename, or make unusable anyone else's computer files, programs, or disks.
  6. Use of non-instructional / non-administrative internet games, Multi-User Domains (MUDS), Internet Relay Chats (IRCs), and unapproved commercial email or webmail (e.g. Hotmail, Yahoo, AOL) is prohibited.  This includes, but is not limited to, instant messaging or personal use of streaming media such as online radio stations or video broadcasts.
  7. Users may not copy or distribute copyrighted materials such as software, audio, video, files, graphics, and text without the express written permission of the copyright owner and the permission of the site administrator.
  8. Users may not download, upload, install, or otherwise use programs or software of any type without prior express written permission (Software Approval Form) from the GISD Technology Department.  This includes, but is not limited to, executing “portable” applications located on mobile media or devices.
  9. Users shall not use the system for illegal purposes, in support of illegal activities, or for any other activity prohibited by district policy and guidelines.
  10. Users shall not write, produce, generate, copy, propagate, or attempt to introduce any computer code designed to self-replicate, damage, or otherwise hinder the performance of any computer's memory, file system, or software. Such software is often called a bug, virus, worm, Trojan, or other name.
  11. Users shall not use system resources to purposefully distribute, create, or copy messages or materials that are abusive, obscene, sexually-oriented, threatening, harassing, damaging to another's reputation, or illegal.
  12. Users shall not use system resources to purposefully access materials that are abusive, obscene, sexually-oriented, threatening, harassing, damaging to another's reputation, or illegal.  GISD provides filtering mechanisms to help prevent accidental access to such materials; however, filters are not all-inclusive and will not block all inappropriate sites.  In the event that accidental access to prohibited materials occurs, users are expected to immediately discontinue such access and report the incident to the supervising teacher or site administrator.
  13. Users shall not bypass or attempt to bypass GISD security measures through means such as, but not limited to, online proxies, bootable media, IP spoofing, etc.
  14. Users shall not intentionally damage the system, damage information belonging to others, misuse system resources, or allow others to misuse system resources.
  15. Users shall not alter or vandalize computers, networks, printers, or other associated equipment and system resources. Alteration or vandalism includes, but is not limited to, removal of parts, intentional destruction of equipment, attempting to degrade or disrupt system performance, or attempting to make system resources unusable.
  16. Users shall not relocate or remove technology equipment (hardware or software) from its location without express written permission of the Technology Department.
  17. GISD does not support personal equipment or software.  Users shall not install personal software on GISD-owned computers.  GISD personnel shall not attach personal devices to GISD resources unless listed in the approved section of the Staff Personal Equipment Policy.  Students shall not attach personal devices to GISD resources, with the exception of approved flash (thumb) drives containing no “portable” applications or software.
  18. Users shall not use system resources to distribute or provide personal information or addresses that others may use inappropriately.
  19. Students of GISD shall not utilize any district technology resource without direct supervision at all times by a teacher or administrator.
  20. Users should be aware that electronic mail (e-mail) and all other files stored on GISD's network are the property of GISD. Users should not send any messages or create any files that they would not want to be made public.  Space restrictions will be implemented according to district guidelines.
  21. Users shall not use system resources for the forgery or attempted forgery of e-mail messages.  Attempts to read, delete, copy, or modify the email of other system users, deliberate interference with the ability of other users to send/receive email, or the use of another person's email account is prohibited.
  22. Users with GISD e-mail access shall not waste district resources through inappropriate use of the network including use of GISD group e-mail distribution lists to send non-administrative or non-instructional messages to other users (e.g. chain letters, broadcast messages, personal advertisements).
  23. Limited personal use of the system shall be permitted if the use imposes no tangible cost on the district, does not unduly burden GISD’s computer or network resources, and has no adverse effect on an employee’s job performance or on a student’s academic performance.
  24. Users who identify or know of a security problem on the system must notify a System Administrator, Principal, or teacher immediately and must not demonstrate or verbalize the security problem to other users.
  25. Users should be aware that the inappropriate use of electronic information resources can be a violation of local, state or federal laws. Violations can lead to prosecution.

 

CONSEQUENCES FOR INAPPROPRIATE USE COULD INCLUDE:

·  Suspension or limitation of access to the system

·  Revocation of the computer system account

·  Other disciplinary or legal action, in accordance with GISD policies and applicable laws.

 

Policy Revision Date 8/2/2007