The College provides network and Internet access to aid in the transfer of information electronically. These networks may be used for a wide variety of on- and off-campus communications relating to College business. This policy addresses acceptable use of network and Internet access.

I. Policy

Network resources should be used in an effective, efficient, ethical, considerate and lawful manner. Users of  networks are expected to demonstrate respect for intellectual property, data ownership, system security, and individuals' rights to freedom from intimidation or harassment.

Network and Internet use shall comply with local, state, and federal law and CPCC policies and procedures. Generally, a user's network and Internet use will not be monitored except in the following types of situations:  the user gives  prior consent; the College needs to ensure the security or operating performance of its systems or networks; the College has a reasonable concern that a violation of College policy or applicable law has occurred; or the College is complying with a valid subpoena or search warrant issued by a court of competent jurisdiction. While general content review will not typically be undertaken, monitoring of electronic information may occur for these reasons and others as necessary. For these reasons, the College cannot guarantee the privacy of electronic communications.

Network and Internet access is a privilege, not a right, and as such, can be withdrawn from those who use it irresponsibly. Unauthorized use of the network, intentional deletion or damage to files and data belonging to other users or copyright violations may be considered theft pursuant to some state and federal laws. Network users who are found by the College to have purposely engaged in unacceptable uses of network resources will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including suspension of access to technology resources, discharge, dismissal, suspension, expulsion, and/or legal action.

II. Expectations

Each network or system has its own set of policies and procedures. Actions which are routinely allowed on one network/system may be controlled, or even forbidden, on other networks. Users must abide by the policies and procedures of these other networks/systems and must comply with local, state and federal laws and with the College's policies and procedures.

If  faculty, staff, or students have questions about a proposed copyright issue when common sense and caution are not adequate, they should refer to Policy 6.10 regarding Reproduction of Copyright Materials and then check CPCC's Library Homepage for additional clarification of copyright laws. Librarians are available at each campus to offer further assistance with copyright issues. 

CPCC personnel are expected to participate in professional development classes and/or enroll in College classes to improve computer knowledge and skills.

Because computer labs are often specialized, lab personnel will develop specific guidelines for  each individual lab.

In order to troubleshoot network problems and to plan necessary enhancements, the College runs monitoring software that records certain information about all network packets transmitted through its facilities. These reports are accessed and used only by authorized staff members with responsibilities for overseeing the network. Reports about this information may be provided to College administration.

III. Acceptable Uses

Examples of acceptable uses for network and Internet access include:

Official work of the College

Instruction

Academic research

Service on behalf of the College

Professional development

Occasional non-commercial personal use

IV. Unacceptable Uses

Examples of unacceptable uses of network and Internet access include:

Harassment

Libel or slander

Fraud or misrepresentation

Destruction of or damage to equipment, software, or data belonging to the College or to others

Disruption or unauthorized monitoring of electronic communications and electronically stored information

Infringement of copyright or trademark laws

Use of CPCC's logo without prior approval of the Assistant to the President for Community Relations

Violation of computer system security

Unauthorized use of computer accounts, access codes (including passwords), or network identification numbers (including e-mail addresses) assigned to others

Use of network facilities in ways that unnecessarily impede the computing activities of others (such as randomly initiating interactive electronic communications or e-mail exchanges, abuse of interactive network utilities, and so forth)

Use of network Internet access using CPCC technology resources for commercial business purposes unrelated to the College

Academic dishonesty

Violation of software license agreements

Violation of network usage policies and regulations

Violation of privacy

Posting, sending or  intentionally accessing pornographic, sexually explicit, or offensive material

Posting, sending or intentionally accessing material that is contrary to the mission of the College

Intentional distribution of computer viruses, trojan horses, timebombs, worms or other rogue programming