Internet Acceptable Use Policy (AUP)

• District Internet and E-mail Rules
• Top Six Things to Know Prior to Using the Internet
• Online Rules
• Sanctions
• Users Agreement and Parent Permission Form for
  Internet and E-mail Access (AUP) - pdf

District Internet and E-mail Rules

Students are responsible for good behavior on school computer networks as they are in a classroom or school hallway. Communications on the network are often public in nature. General school rules for behavior and communications apply.

The network is provided for students to conduct research and communicate with others. Access to network services is given to students who agree to act in a considerate and responsible manner. Parent permission is required. Access is a privilege - NOT A RIGHT. Access entails responsibility.

Individual users of the district computer networks are responsible for their behavior and communications over those networks. It is presumed that users will comply with district standards and will honor the agreements they have signed. Beyond the clarification of such standards, the district is not responsible for restricting, monitoring or controlling the communications of individuals utilizing the network.

Network storage areas may be treated like school lockers. Network administrators may review files and communications to maintain system integrity and insure that users are using the system responsibly. Users should not expect that files stored on district servers will always be private. Within reason, freedom of speech and access to information will be honored. During school, teachers of younger students will guide them toward appropriate materials. Outside of school, families bear the same responsibility for such guidance as they exercise with information sources such as television, telephones, movies, radio and other potentially offensive media.

As outlined in board policy and procedures on students' rights and responsibilities, copies of which are available in school offices, the following are NOT permitted:

• sending or displaying offensive messages or pictures
• using obscene language
• harassing, insulting or attacking others
• damaging computers, computer systems or computer networks
• violating copyright laws
• using another's password
• trespassing in another's folders, work or files
• intentionally wasting limited resources
• employing the network for commercial purposes
• accessing games, IRC (chats), MUDs, MOOs, or other similar sites without permission from a teacher

Violations may result in a loss of access as well as other disciplinary or legal actions.

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Top Six Things to Know Prior to Using the Internet

1. The Internet is a network of computers and computer networks that provides access to information contained on thousands of computers around the world.
2. Because the information on the Internet comes from all over the world, we need to understand that neither Urbana School District #116 nor any staff member controls the content of this information. Some information may be controversial, offensive or inaccurate.
3. The Internet is a powerful resource tool. When at school, students should use it under the direction and guidance of professional staff for educational purposes only.
4. Any information that is available on the Internet is the product of another individual's work and must be cited if used. This information is referred to as intellectual property and includes pictures, logos, trademarks, printed materials, computer software, video and sounds.
5. The Internet allows students not only to receive information, but to send it to others. In light of that, students should behave in a responsible manner when communicating electronically.
6. In the case that a filtering or blocking software is used by a school, it is important to note that any filtering/blocking software is not 100% guaranteed and must be paired with supervision and good parental involvement.

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Online Rules

Personal Safety and Respecting Privacy

• I will not share my or any other person’s address, telephone number, parent's work address/telephone number, the name and location of my school or other personal information.  If participating in an approved classroom project, name and location of school may be used.
• I will tell my teachers right away if I come across any information that makes me feel uncomfortable.
• I will never agree to get together with someone I "meet" online.
• I will never send a person my picture or anything else without first checking with my teachers and parents.
• I will not respond to any messages that are mean, use bad language or in any way make me feel uncomfortable. It is not my fault if I get a message like that. If I do I will tell my teachers right away.
• I will not give out a credit card number online, subscribe to any services or order any materials or services on the Internet.
• I will respect individual's rights to privacy and to freedom from intimidation, harassment and unwarranted annoyance.
• I recognize the limitations to privacy afforded by electronic services.

Illegal Activities

• I will not use the network for illegal purposes such as: arranging for a drug sale or purchase of alcohol, engaging in criminal gang activity, threatening the safety of a person, etc.
• I will not participate in any activity that violates school rules or local, state or federal laws.

Respecting Resource

• I will abide by security restrictions on all systems and information to which access is permitted. I will not attempt to evade, disable or "crack" passwords or other security provisions. I understand that these activities threaten the work of others and are grounds for immediate termination or suspension of privileges and possible further sanctions.
• I understand that the following is not permitted:
  • sending or displaying offensive messages or pictures using obscene language
  • trespassing in another's folders, work or files
  • using another's password
  • using the network for commercial purposes

Acceptable Access

• I understand I may not play games or use other interactive sites such as IRC (chats), MUDs or MOOs unless specifically assigned to do so by a teacher.
• I will not make deliberate attempts to disrupt the computer system, damage or interfere in any way with an individual, a business, or an organization’s data by spreading a virus or by any other means. These actions are illegal.
• I am responsible for my individual account and will not share my password with others, nor will I access the network or other information source without proper authorization.
• I will not use another person's account to send or receive e-mail.

Plagiarism and Copyright Infringement

• I will not plagiarize any materials (documents, web pages, software, graphics, etc.) that I find on the Internet.  Plagiarism is taking the ideas or writings of others and presenting them as if they were yours.
• I will respect copyright and other intellectual-property rights. Unauthorized copying of files or passwords belonging to others may constitute plagiarism or theft. Modifying files without authorization (including altering information, introducing viruses or damaging files) is unethical, may be illegal and may lead to sanctions.
• The Urbana School District #116 does not condone and specifically forbids the unauthorized duplication of software.

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Sanctions

• Violating these rules may result in a loss of access.
• Additional disciplinary action may be taken at the building level in line with existing practice regarding inappropriate language or behavior.
• Legal action will be taken when applicable.

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Parents