Acceptable Use Policy
This policy applies to all technology resources: computers,
phones, video equipment, copy machines and information storage
devices. The use of these resources is a privilege and must be
treated as such by all users.
This policy applies to all technology resources: computers, phones, video equipment, copy machines and information storage devices. The use of these resources is a privilege and must be treated as such by all users.
The trust that defines this community requires that our technology resources be used for educational purposes, unselfishly, with good manners, and for the good of the community as a whole.
The actions listed below are violations of the school's policy on acceptable use of its technological systems:
1. Unauthorized copying or theft of software or other
intellectual property. Software is intellectual
property. It is unethical to copy software unless permission
has been obtained from its creator. John Burroughs School will purchase
much software by site license, which permits the making of unlimited
copies at this school. Other software will be purchased by fixed
number licenses, and it is up to the purchaser—the whole school
or a department—to control the number of copies made. Software
may be copied outside of license agreements for a limited time
for evaluation purposes. Such evaluation should not exceed 30
days.
2. Use of any technological systems for commercial
purposes. The John Burroughs School computer systems, copy
machines, video equipment, phones, etc., may not be used for
private gain or any other commercial purpose. Permission must
be obtained from the head of school for use for other nonprofit
agencies or causes, including reimbursement to the school from
such agency.
3. Damaging, vandalizing, hacking or destroying technological
systems or equipment, including computer hardware or software.
All users shall respect the integrity of technologically based
information. Users shall not in any way vandalize equipment here
or at any facility to which John Burroughs School has access
via the Internet either physically or by making the system difficult
or unpleasant for others to use. Printing excessive copies, attempting
to crash computers or networks, the creation or intentional use
of programs designed to damage computers, the creation or intentional
use of programs that inhibit network traffic, the use of chain
letters or excessive messages or devices that restrict legitimate
use shall be considered vandalism.
4. Harassment using any technological systems.
Use of the phone system, copy machines or computer systems to
send obscene or harassing messages anywhere or to anyone is prohibited.
5. Invasion of the property of individuals or the school,
including phone mail and computer files. All
users shall respect the privacy of others. A user's files and
phone mail messages are private and shall be accessed only with
the permission of the owner. School files are strictly off limits.
Any attempt by users to access another user's or the school's
private files, phone or e-mail messages will be considered theft.
It is unethical to even try to gain unauthorized resources or
private information, either on the computer or telephone systems
of this campus or any system to which John Burroughs School has access
via the Internet. Though sensitive information is protected in
a number of ways, the proper use of passwords is important to
the integrity of any computer system. All users must observe
appropriate password security and report any problems to system
administrators. Users are encouraged to report any misuse or
damage to their files.
6. Accessing or publishing pornographic or demeaning
materials. The Internet is the embodiment of
the principles outlined in the First Amendment. This means that
some material available on the Internet is considered objectionable
by many people. The computer labs are for the use of all, and
students wishing to use the labs may not access demeaning materials.
This includes, but is not limited to, pornography, "how
to" documents encouraging violence or illegal acts and
racist tracts or hate speech.
The consequences of the above violations will be in keeping with
the school's disciplinary system. All are violations of major
school rules. If there is clear evidence of abuse or a threat
to system response, integrity or security, a user's files may
be inspected by the system administrator, with permission from
the head of school. For violations, a user's access to technology
may be suspended in addition to probation, suspension or expulsion
from the school.
Adopted: Spring 1995
Last reviewed: Winter 2008


