Dawson Community College - Computer Use Policy
I. General Principles
This policy defines acceptable uses of computer systems (work stations, servers,
networks, etc.) at Dawson Community College (DCC). Access to computer systems
and networks owned or operated by DCC requires certain responsibilities and
obligations and is granted subject to College policies, as well as local,
state, and federal laws. DCC reserves the right to copy and examine any files
or information on the college systems. This is the "General Policy" which
covers all areas of the college but this policy in no way negates any specific
use policy or addendum developed by other divisions/areas of the college.
Acceptable use is ethical, reflects academic honesty, and shows restraint in
the consumption of shared resources. It demonstrates respect for intellectual
property, ownership of data, system security mechanisms, individuals' rights
to privacy and freedom from intimidation, harassment, and annoyance. DCC is
not responsible for protecting users of the DCC computer systems from objectionable
material and will not block access to commonly available computer resources
on the basis of content, unless such access would violate the computer system’s
security or DCC privacy policies.
DCC computer systems labs/classrooms are provided for students, faculty, and
staff. Access to these resources is provided to supplement and enhance the
educational mission of DCC. Computers in the library are open to the public
and are, in addition, subject to the library’s acceptable use policies.
II. Misuse/Unacceptable Use
Users shall not misuse or negligently or intentionally damage hardware or software.
This prohibition does not limit system administrators from the authorized
disposal or salvage of broken or obsolete equipment, deleting virus-infected
programs, removing unnecessary or damaged files, and/or protecting privacy
rights.
The following actions represent forms of misuse of the computer systems:
- Unauthorized use of another person's user ID, password, files, or data
- Use of computer programs to decode passwords or access control information
- Attempts to circumvent or subvert system or network security measures
- Activities that might be harmful to systems or to any information stored thereon, such as creating or propagating viruses, disrupting services, or damaging files
- Wasting computing resources, such as intentionally placing a program in an endless loop or printing an excessive amount of text or graphics
- Use of DCC systems for commercial or political purposes
- Illegal copying or use of copyrighted material, storing such copies on DCC systems, or transmitting them over DCC networks
- Use of DCC computer systems to harass or intimidate
III. Consequences of Misuse
Violations of this policy may result in corrective action which may include
(but is not limited to) a warning to correct inappropriate activity, suspension
of the user's account(s) and/or access privileges, and other appropriate
college disciplinary options. Suspension of a user's account and/or access
privileges may be appealed through the Technology Committee. Violations of
state or federal law may be referred to the appropriate authorities and be
subject to criminal prosecution.
IV. College Liability
Users of the college computer systems agree that neither the college nor its
representatives assume any responsibility for loss or damage to data or hardware
or injury arising from the college's provision of the service or consequences
arising therefrom. Users indemnify and hold harmless Dawson Community College
and its representatives against any liability for damage or loss arising from
use or misuse of the services provided by or through the college. Further,
this assumption of liability by users of DCC's systems also applies to those
who access college systems through off campus equipment and telecommunication
lines.