* In addition to this policy the NERIC strongly advises that each district
develop its own acceptable use policy. All users of Albany BOCES
NERIC Internet accounts must agree not to:
1) Share ID's and Passwords.
2) Violate the property rights and copyrights in data and computer programs.
3) Intentionally or neglectfully destroy or damage other users' data or programs.
4) Obtain unauthorized access to the use of an account, and/or network facilities, or use such facilities for purposes other than those which were permitted to the user.
5) Obtain unauthorized access to the use of an account, and/or network facilities, for personal or private gain.
6) Read or use private files/data without proper authorization.
7) Divulge the contents of any database housing personnel and confidential information related to children, parents or district business operations.
8) Attempt, without authorization, to modify computer hardware or system software.
9) Use the network for slanderous, abusive, intimidating, or otherwise offensive messages.
10) Use the network to send unsolicited noneducationally related messages which are inoffensive, but which consume system resources.
11) Fraudulently use another person's name to send or receive messages.
Additionally, students accessing the Internet through Albany BOCES
NERIC accounts must read and agree to follow the "Net Etiquette Guide for
Students." Students are also required to have signed authorization for accounts from:
1) a supervising teacher, 2) an authorized administrator, 3) and a parent or
guardian.
Students are not permitted to access the Internet from home via dialup communications.
When there is an indication or unauthorized use or abuse of the system or any other action which interferes with the proper functioning of the system, or infringes on the rights of other users, the Albany BOCES or other appropriate agency will be authorized to investigate. Unethical or irresponsible use of the system will be referred to the appropriate authorities for disciplinary or legal action. System users have a responsibility to maintain the integrity of the system and to use it only in an authorized and appropriate manner.
Guidelines
1) Districtwide pages need to reside in a directory that can be accessed by the author of the page. Limit 1 author per districtwide or building homepage. Name of Webmaster to be noted on home page.
2) Personal home pages should be a subset of the district or building home page. Only users with Continental/Classic accounts will have the ability to do their own home page.
3) A personal home page can reside in a user's home directory. Buttons or links to access that home page should be placed on the district or building home page and are the district's responsibility.
4) Each district is responsible for the content and appearance of their districtwide and personal homepages).
5) The content should reflect what would be acceptable in a district's newsletter or school newspaper. Content deemed appropriate for this medium should also be acceptable for a home page.
NERIC Web Home Page Acceptable Content Policy
The district is responsible for insuring that content of district and personal home pages created through NERIC accounts does NOT contain the following:
1) Language that is improper in a K12 educational setting or which violates district codes such as:
a) Improper language language which is abusive, profane, threatening or sexually offensive to the average person.
b) Information or Material That is Dangerous or Illegal printed info that if acted upon could injure someone or lead to a lawsuit or criminal charges. Examples of these are instructions for building a bomb, pirated software, destructive software, material advocating the purchase and use of alcohol, drugs, or firearms, pornographic materials or libelous statements.
c) Privacy Violations material revealing personal information about others.
d) Copyright violations or plagiarism
2) Advertising for commercial products and services
The BOCES reserves the right to disable or remove any account or home page (personal or district) that in the judgment of BOCES is found to be in violation of the Acceptable Use or Home Page Guidelines.
Note: The NERIC page containing the links for district home pages will have the following disclaimer on it:
"Subscription to NERIC service is an acknowledgment that the district has reviewed and understood NERIC policies as per the Acceptable Use and Web Home Page Guidelines."