Computer Use Policy

The purpose of this policy is to establish acceptable and unacceptable use of electronic communication systems at Q College including but not limited to facsimiles, computers, network file servers, network or system peripherals, computer data and program files, email and Internet accessibility, as well as software furnished to students. All computer software/programs furnished to students are the property of Q College and are intended for academic use only. Access to the Internet and shared system resources is a privilege, not a right.

Q College provides computer devices, networks, and other electronic information systems to meet missions, goals, and initiatives and must manage them responsibly to maintain the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of its information assets. This policy requires the users of information assets to comply with Q College policies and protects the college against damaging legal issues.

All Instructors, Faculty, Contract Instructors, Staff, Students and other temporary workers at Q College, including all personnel affiliated with third parties must adhere to this policy. This policy applies to information assets owned or leased by Q College, or to devices that connect to a Q College network or reside at a Q College site.

Policy Statement

All users are responsible for exercising good judgment regarding appropriate use of Q College resources in accordance with Q College policies and standards. Q College resources may not be used for any unlawful or prohibited purpose.

For security, compliance, and maintenance purposes, authorized personnel may monitor equipment, systems, and network traffic. Devices that interfere with other devices or users on the Q College network may be disconnected.

Computing Assets

• All users are responsible for ensuring the protection of assigned Q College assets. Promptly report any theft of Q College assets to the Administrator
   
• Devices that connect to the Q College network must comply with the Minimum Access Policy
   
• Students shall have no expectation of privacy regarding computer files, email or Internet usage. Q College reserves the right to monitor all computer files, email and Internet use without prior notice to the student. Q College may restrict or discontinue access to some or all Internet and/or network resources at any time without prior notice to students

Do not interfere with college device management or security system software

Network Use

You are responsible for the security and appropriate use of Q College’s network resources under your control. Using Q College’s resources for the following is strictly prohibited:

• Causing a security breach to either Q College or other network resources, including, but not limited to, accessing data, servers, or accounts to which you are not authorized; circumventing user authentication on any device; or sniffing network traffic
   
• Causing a disruption of service to either Q College’s or other network resources, including, but not limited to, ICMP floods, packet spoofing, denial of service, heap or buffer overflows, and forged routing information for malicious purposes
   
• Violate copyright laws, including but not limited to, illegally duplicating or transmitting copyrighted pictures, music, video, and software
   
• Exporting or importing software, technical information, encryption software, or technology in violation of international or regional export control laws
   
• Use of the Internet or Q College network that violates the Minimum Access Policy or local laws
   
• Intentionally introducing malicious code, including, but not limited to, viruses, worms, Trojan horses, e-mail bombs, spyware, adware, and keyloggers

Electronic Communications

The following are strictly prohibited:

• Sending Spam via e-mail, text messages, pages, instant messages, voice mail, or other forms of electronic communication
   
• Forging, misrepresenting, obscuring, suppressing, or replacing a user identity on any electronic communication to mislead the recipient about the sender
   
• Posting the same or similar non-college-related messages to large numbers of Usenet newsgroups (newsgroup spam)
   
• Use of a Q College e-mail or IP address to engage in conduct that violates Q College policies or guidelines. Posting to a public newsgroup, bulletin board, or listserv with a Q College e-mail or IP address represents Q College to the public; therefore, you must exercise good judgment to avoid misrepresenting or exceeding your authority in representing the opinion of the company.

Enforcement

Any user found to have violated this policy may be subject to disciplinary action, ranging from a verbal warning to dismissal.