Technology Policy

Mount Carmel College of Nursing (MCCN) recognizes that principles of academic freedom, freedom of speech, and privacy hold important implications for information technology use and services. The College provides all information technology resources in support of the teaching, learning, research, and community/public service mission of the College and all administrative functions that support this mission. MCCN encourages the use of its information technology resources to share information, to improve communication, and to exchange ideas in support of these purposes.

Censorship is not compatible with the goals of the Mount Carmel College of Nursing. While the College may limit the use of some computers or resources to specific research or teaching missions, freedom of expression will generally be protected. While the College rejects censorship, behavior that constitutes misconduct will not be protected. Such behavior includes, but is not limited to, the use of MCCN’s information technology resources in connection with child pornography, harassment of any kind, copyright infringement, theft, unauthorized access, and other violations of the law.

All information technology systems and services, including telecommunication equipment, computer systems hardware, software, and supporting infrastructure provided by the College, are the property of the Mount Carmel Health System. Accordingly, Mount Carmel reserves the right to manage all systems and services, including accessing records and other files resulting from use of these resources. Intellectual property and copyright laws may supersede College ownership of specific file content. Use of information technology systems and services should be undertaken with the knowledge that many electronically generated and stored records may be defined as “educational records'' subject to the nondisclosure provisions of the Family Educational and Privacy Rights Act (FERPA).  

To comply with federal regulations governing tax-exempt organizations, MCCN technology resources may not be used for mass and unsolicited communications used in connection with lobbying (except official College of Nursing activities authorized by the Office of the President) or political campaigns. Communications that in part may contain political information, when sent to a select few individuals and that pertain to professional and work-related issues are permissible. In addition, such resources should not be used for private business or commercial activities, except where such activities are otherwise permitted under applicable MCCN policies.

Students are subject to the terms and conditions in the Confidentiality and Network Access Agreement that all new students sign as part of the Orientation process.

College and Hospital Computer Access Policy

• Internet access is for academic purposes only.

• Do not share usernames and passwords.

• Student usernames and passwords are for College academic purposes only. Do not use employee login when functioning as a student.

• If employed by Mount Carmel Health System, use an employee username and password for work purposes only. Do not use student login when functioning as an employee.

• Unauthorized access is prohibited (i.e., logging in as another user or looking at another user’s email messages, other than authorized through delegation rights).

• Exercise good judgment and responsibility when viewing websites.

• The following actions are prohibited:

  • Harassment

  • Slander

  • Stalking

  • Bullying

  • Violating copyright laws

  • Downloading music and videos (unless a course requirement)

  • Selling products or gambling

  • Visiting pornographic sites

  • Damaging computer equipment

• All Internet activity is monitored by Mount Carmel.

• Patient-protected health information will only be transmitted through secured mechanisms.

Consequences of Policy Violation

Students who violate the Mount Carmel Computer Access Policy are subject to disciplinary action. Disciplinary action may range from temporary suspension of email and Internet privileges up to and including termination (from Mount Carmel employment, if applicable) and/or expulsion from the College of Nursing.