Administrative Rules
Subject: Use of College Information Systems AR# 3.05.002
Based on Board Policy: C-5, Open Communication and Information
Recommended by Council/President: Campus Affairs Council
Date Approved/Amended: 08/21/00

Value Statements  

Austin Community College provides access to electronic information in support of the educational and professional goals of its students, faculty and staff.  

Access to internally controlled information is a privilege, not a right, and all users are accountable for professional and ethical use of college information systems including, but not limited to, respect for the rights and privacy of others.  Users will comply with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).  

Accepting a college account and/or using college information systems constitutes an agreement on behalf of the user to abide by these guidelines.  Upon first-time use, and annually thereafter, the College will meet its responsibility to remind users of the Professional Use Expectations for College Information Systems and provide links to this Administrative Rule and to FERPA guidelines.  

Students are bound by all college and departmental rules and procedures regarding computer resources.  

Individuals are expected to report violations or suspected violations of acceptable use to the appropriate college supervisor. 

The College reserves the right to limit or terminate access to internal information systems if deemed to be in the best interest of the institution and with the approval of the appropriate Executive Vice President.

Employee and student organizations may use their organizations' web pages or electronic list serves of their constituents in manners consistent with the organizations' by-laws or other operating procedures so long as they do not violate legal or ethical guidelines.

The College does not control nor assume responsibility for the content of external networks.

Acceptable Uses  

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 Instructional and research activities consistent with the purposes of the institution.  
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 Bonafide need to access information in fulfillment of one's job responsibilities.  
  •  
 Creating or updating college web pages, in accordance with college approval processes as provided by the Director of ACCNet.  
  •  
 College-wide broadcasts approved by the President or an Executive Vice President.  

 Prohibited Uses  

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 Violations of the Acceptable Uses noted above.  
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 Shared use or loaning of log-ins or passwords to employees or others.  
  •  
 Display of log-ins or passwords, which can be seen or accessed by others.  
  •  
 Refusal to inform supervisor of login or password upon request.  
  •  
 Install or modify any software or hardware without the approval of one's supervisor.  
  •  
 Leave one's computer unattended while logged on to a secured college system.  
  •  
 Violations of privacy rights of others.  
  •  
 Disclose internal information to external parties without the approval of one's supervisor.  
  •  
 Attempts to infiltrate unauthorized networks or systems, or attempts to damage or alter software, hardware, or data.  
  •  
 Deliberate disruption or interference with others' approved use of information systems.  
  •  
 Violations of licensing restrictions or copyrights.  
  •  
 Product advertisements or solicitations not approved by an Executive Vice President  
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 Any illegal purposes  
  •  
 Production, duplication, distribution, or the seeking to obtain the receipt of materials reasonably deemed to be obscene or pornographic or which violate ACC's policy regarding harassment, discrimination, or hostile work environment.  

Violations of the use of college information systems may be subject to disciplinary or legal action by the College.

Professional Use Expectations for College Information Systems

Users are expected to comply with ACC' s Administrative Rule on the Use of College Information Systems, and to be familiar with the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). 

Proceeding to use college information systems indicates your awareness of and commitment to comply with the above-referenced guidelines. If you are unsure of these guidelines or disagree with them, you are expected to exit now and consult with your supervisor.

 

President:   Richard W. Fonté Date:  8/21/00