File: GCAAD
TECHNOLOGY USE POLICY - EMPLOYEES
The workplace is for work. Computer use should enhance, not interfere with employee productivity. Computers, like all other property and equipment of the school district, should be used by employees for the sole and exclusive purpose of performing their duties for the school district. All computer hardware and software as well as all e-mail, voice mail, electronic bulletin boards and on-line services are the property of the employer, and should be used for school district business purposes only. Use of school district property, including computers, for personal use is prohibited. No employee should access, transmit, download, distribute or disseminate offensive or derogatory material. Each employee is responsible for insuring that his/her use of computers and equipment is proper, ethical and lawful.
The school district reserves the right to monitor computer usage and computerized communications and information for legitimate business reasons including, but not limited to, conducting system checks, troubleshooting, reviewing computer usage, ensuring compliance with school district rules, investigating possible claims of improper conduct or wrongdoing, etc. Employees should not expect that their e-mail or voice mail messages or other computer communications (even if marked “personal”) are private and confidential. Even if your access requires one (1) or more passwords to access information, the school district reserves the right to monitor all communications. Do not divulge your password(s) or access codes to anyone, as information bearing your password may be attributed to you.
Each employee is responsible for the content of all communications, which the employee places or sends via computer. All messages, which are transmitted, should contain your name. No messages may be transmitted under assumed names or in any other manner so as to obscure the identity of the sender. Do not use, access, transmit or disseminate profane, abusive, offensive or otherwise improper language or images.
No software of any type should be downloaded from the Internet or from computers outside the school district, including home computers, without authorization from the Director of Information Technology or designee. All new software purchases must be made through the technology department to ensure the software’s system requirements are compatible with district computers, and to be sure the user’s intended use will comply with the license agreement.
Copyrighted materials belonging to entities other than this School District may not be transmitted by employees over the Internet.
Employees are not permitted to copy, transfer, rename, add or delete information or programs belonging to others without express permission. Information should be purged or deleted only in accordance with the established procedures and only by qualified staff.
Employees who violate this policy will subject themselves to disciplinary action up to and including discharge. Employees may also be subject to criminal prosecution and civil liability. All employees accessing district computers must sign and have on file in the central office a Technology Use Policy Employee Account Agreement Form (attached (File: GCAAD-E).
MOBILE TECHNOLOGY
Mobile Technology Devices are defined as: laptop computers, portable digital assistants (PDA), cell phones, tablet PCs, netbooks, pad/slate device, wireless access points, wireless devices, digital cameras, video cameras and other mobile electronics that may be carried on a person.
Mobile Technology Devices are the property of West Springfield Public Schools. Upon termination of employment or leave-of-absence, employees must return Mobile Technology Devices to the Information Technology department.
Employees who are issued Mobile Technology Devices will abide by the following terms:
1. Employee assumes sole responsibility for the safety and security of the Mobile Technology Device. Damage or theft off of school property will be the individual carrier’s responsibility. It is recommended that employees verify personal insurance coverage exists to cover equipment damages that may occur off school district property
2. Software installs and configuration changes will be completed by, or under the direction of district Information Technology staff, by other authorized persons or their designees.
3. This Technology Use Policy applies to Mobile Technology Devices and accessories both on and off school property. Employees are required to have a signed policy before Mobile Technology Devices will be issued.
4. Employees may connect Mobile Technology devices to non-West Springfield Public Schools networks and public wireless access points. District Information Technology staff does not support these connections. Problem resolution and troubleshooting resulting from personal Internet Service Providers and community access points will be at the discretion of the Information Technology Department.
5. Employee assume all responsibly for the safety, security, and confidentiality of data on Mobile Technology Devices. Employees must immediately report data breeches, lost or theft to district Information Technology personnel.
6. The West Springfield Public Schools reserves the right to audit, examine, monitor, or recall Mobile Technology Devices at any time and for any reason.
7. All repairs to Mobile Technology Devices will be facilitated by district Information Technology staff. No external vendor or individuals are authorized to make repairs to district Mobile Technology Devices.
Consequences for Inappropriate Use
Failure to follow the procedures and prohibitions listed above may result in the loss of the right to Mobile Technology Devices, loss of access to network resources, and appropriate disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment. Illegal use of the Mobile Technology Device, such as intentional deletion or damage to files or data belonging to others, copyright violations or theft of services may be reported to the appropriate legal authorities for possible prosecution.
General Guidelines for the Care and Safety of Mobile Technology Devices
Back up your data
Important files on the Mobile Technology Devices should be backed up to the network as a safety precaution against device failure. Note that district Information Technology staff will not attempt to restore non-district related data from Mobile Technology Devices.
Extreme temperatures, or sudden changes in temperature, may permanently damage portable electronics. Do not expose Mobile Technology Devices to extreme temperatures. Touch pads, touch screens and other input devices should remain clean or they may not function properly. Spilled food or drink may ruin Mobile Technology Devices.
Leaving Mobile Technology Devices unattended in meetings or conferences and/or in unlocked vehicles invites theft. Keep your Mobile Technology Device in your home overnight, not in your car.
When using a laptop, keep it on a flat, solid surface. This will permit the proper flow of air in and around the device and prevent overheating. Using a laptop on a rug or a bed, for example, can cause it to become damaged by overheating.
Do not leave an unattended meeting or conference room without your Mobile Technology Device. Take it with you. Be alert and aware of your surroundings.
updated& approved by Policy Subcommittee 10/23/12/S.C. approval 11-26-12