Computer Operation and Internet Access Policy and Guidelines
Compliance with this computer usage policy is necessary to ensure maximum utilization and performance of each computer system as well as provide a sense of security and restful cooperation among the school community. Strict adherence to this policy will prevent costly damage or repair, downtime, and loss of computer privileges.
- No computer system can be used without prior approval of the supervising instructor or other school official.
- Because software is protected under copyright laws, no software can be copied without written authorization.
- No outside software or files can be loaded on school computers without authorization from school officials.
- Changes to a system’s configuration or the inappropriate deleting or changing of computer settings is strictly forbidden.
- Technical manuals may not be removed from the training area.
- Computers must not be moved or repositioned on tables or relocated to other campus locations without proper authorization.
- To prevent damage to any system, computer users should not eat or drink within five (5) feet of a computer system, or smoke around computer equipment.
- Specific policy for access to the Internet:
Abide by the Acceptable Use Agreement signed during student orientation or new employee orientation.
The system may not be used for personal or private matters.
Creating, distributing, or accessing hate mail, pornographic or obscene materials, discriminatory, or harassing materials, is strictly forbidden.
Anti-Social behaviors, including spamming is forbidden.
Creating, distributing, or accessing confidential material, including but not limited to, test files or student/personnel records are forbidden.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Any person who violates this policy will be subject to appropriate disciplinary sanction, including dismissal and/or possible prosecution. (See TBR Policy 3:02:00:01 regarding Student Conduct and Disciplinary Sanctions)
Copyright and Digital Millennium Act
Materials published by the Tennessee College of Applied Technology Ripley are protected by the Digital Millennium Copyright Act. The DMCA also requires that the institution inform all computer and network users that downloading of copyrighted material is prohibited. In addition, Tennessee Code Annotated §49-7-1(c) specifies that the institution ensure that no copyrighted digital music or videos be downloaded using institutional resources. Any attempts to do so will result in appropriate actions.
Violations:
Violations of the policy will result in action by the appropriate institution office. Students who violate this policy will be referred to the Student Services Coordinator for appropriate action. Employees who violate this policy may be subject to disciplinary measures imposed by their supervisor in conjunction with the institution’s administration. Violations of local, state or federal laws regarding unlawful access or use may be referred to the appropriate law enforcement officials for investigation and/or prosecution.
Inspection of Electronic Records:
Electronic records sent, received, or stored on computers owned, leased, or administered by the Tennessee College of Applied Technology Ripley are the property of the College and the Tennessee Board of Regents. As the property of TCAT Ripley and TBR, the content of such records, including electronic mail, are subject to inspection by TCAT Ripley personnel. Users should have no reasonable expectation of privacy in the use of these resources.
Copyright General Information
Copyright is a form of protection provided by the laws of the United States (Title 17, U.S. Code) to creators of “original works of authorship” including literary, dramatic, musical, artistic, and other published and unpublished works, when “fixed in a tangible form of expression.” Protections last for the term of the author's life plus 50 years after death. It is given to individual, group, or corporate authors and to “works for hire”.
It is illegal for anyone to violate any of the rights provided to the owner of a copyright. The Copyright Act (1976) contains provisions prescribing damages that can be assessed if infringements are committed. In civil cases, the law allows the assessment of actual damages or statutory damages. For each infringement, statutory damages range from $250 to $10,000. These rights, however, are limited in scope. Sections 107-118 of the Copyright Act establish limitations that in some cases are specified as exemptions from liability. One major limitation is the doctrine of “fair-use” which is given statutory basis in Section 107 of the Act.