Computer Resources and Acceptable Use Policy

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In support of the Alaska Career College's mission to prepare students for meaningful careers, Alaska Career College provides computer, network, and information resources to our students, faculty, and staff. This includes access to local, national, and international sources of information in an atmosphere that encourages sharing of information, access to a rich variety of services, and open and free discussion. The issue of acceptable use confronts all companies using the Internet as a business tool. As business professionals, Alaska Career College graduates will face this issue at their place of business. Students must assume responsibility for the privilege of using these resources. All existing federal, state, and local laws apply, as well as all Alaska Career College policies and procedures, including not only those laws that are specific to computers and networks but those that may generally apply to personal conduct.

User Responsibilities

Computers and networks can provide access to resources on and off campus, as well as the ability to communicate with other users worldwide. Such open access is a privilege and requires that individual users act responsibly. Users must respect the rights of other users, respect the integrity of the systems and related physical resources, and observe all relevant laws, regulations, and contractual obligations.

Alaska Career College grants permission to members of the Alaska Career College community free usage of computing resources. As a condition of using these resources, users must observe the following:

• Use the campus only for school-related purposes.
• Respect the rights of others to work in a growth-oriented environment conducive to learning and research; respect the integrity and security of the systems and related physical resources; and observe all relevant laws, regulations, and ethical obligations.
• Make economical and wise use of the resources that are shared with others, thus enabling access to these resources by the greatest possible number of users.
• Respect the rights of others to the privacy of their programs and data.

All computer users must conform to the spirit of these guidelines. Inappropriate use will be considered an offense to the Alaska Career College community.

Examples of Misuse

The following list, while not exhaustive, characterizes unacceptable behavior, which may be subject to disciplinary action:

• Violation of applicable federal, state, or local laws and Alaska Career College policies, including but not limited to the transmission (up/down loading) of games and components of games, pornography, and unauthorized installation, use storage or distribution of copyrighted materials.
• Attempting to duplicate protected data or to place software, graphics, or data onto local storage drives without permission from an instructor or Alaska Career College administrator.
• Any action that invades the privacy of other individuals.
• Using the campus network to gain unauthorized access to any other computer system.
• Knowingly performing an act that will interfere with the normal operation of computers, terminals, peripherals, or networks.
• Posting material that is illegal or otherwise at variance with accepted network etiquette.
• Tying up special equipment (such as printers) with large files (10 pages or more) unnecessarily and thereby preventing others from doing their work.
• Using campus computing resources for personal gain or commercial purposes.
• Game playing.

Consequences of Misuse

• As in any disciplinary matter, students and staff receive fair and reasonable due process.
• Misuse of computing, networking, or information resources may result in the loss of access to Alaska Career College privileges.
• Users will be held accountable for their conduct under any applicable campus policies, procedures, or agreements. Any actions, which deter other users from doing their work, completing exams, or which would otherwise be deemed malicious will result in disciplinary actions, including possible dismissal.

Activities authorized by Alaska Career College faculty and staff officials for security or performance testing are not considered unacceptable behavior.