Technology and Electronic Communications Policy
These policies are in place to insure the reliability and integrity of Martin Methodist College’s Information Systems infrastructure. Because violations of these policies could, knowingly or unknowingly, have substantial ramifications for the college’s information systems, Martin Methodist College must set and enforce policies for employee use to protect these systems. It is imperative that each employee read, understand, and abide by these policies. Improper use of Martin Methodist College’s Information Systems and equipment may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination.
Electronic Equipment
All computers and electronic telephonic media including, but not limited to, fax machines, telephones, removable data storage media, email and voice systems (collectively, the “Electronic Equipment”), and all messages, data and communications created, transmitted or stored in the Electronic Equipment, are Martin Methodist College property and should be used only for business purposes or appropriate incidental personal purposes. Martin Methodist College expressly reserves the right to terminate personal usage at its sole discretion.
Code of Computing Practice
The list below constitutes a code of computing practice for all persons using the college network system. It is important for all users to practice ethical behavior in computing activities because of the many
valuable and sensitive resources involved, and because of the effect one user’s practices can have on the work of others. Disciplinary action for violating the code will be governed by the applicable provisions of the Student Handbook, Code of Computing Practice Violations, and the Computer Crimes Act of the State of Tennessee.
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You are responsible for being aware of and following the published procedures for accessing the computer network system.
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You must use only the computer accounts which have been authorized for your use. You must use your computer accounts only for the purpose for which they are authorized. Use of your college’s computer resources for personal or business financial gain without express authorization is prohibited.
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You are responsible for the use of your computer accounts. You should make use of systemprovided protection features such as passwords, and you should take precautions against others obtaining access to your computer resources. Do not make your account available to others for any purpose.
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Do not access or copy the programs, files, or data belonging to other persons or to the college without prior authorization to do so. Do not attempt to access files for which you do not have authorization. Programs and data provided by the college are not to be taken to other computer sites without permission. You may not use personal software on the school’s computer. Do not install any programs on the school’s computers.
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To minimize the impact of your activities on the work of other persons, you must not attempt to encroach on others’ use of the facilities or deprive them of resources. Deliberate wasteful use of resources, such as printing or storing large amounts of unnecessary data or the downloading or uploading of large or excessive number of files for purely recreational purposes is prohibited.
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You are expected to conduct yourself in a manner that does not offend or harass others and that does not interfere with individual and campus activities. Resources are not to be used to store or transmit obscenities or other potentially offensive material.
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Do not attempt to modify system facilities. Do not misuse, damage, or misappropriate computer equipment, campus network resources or property. Tennessee law provides that certain computer offenses are criminal acts.
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and prescribes penalties for unlawful activities related to computer usage. Martin Methodist College believes it is important for users to be aware of the Tennessee Computer Crimes Act and its provisions, which are found in Tennessee Codes Annotated, Sections 3914601, et seq.
