The growth in technology has changed our lives in many positive ways, and Porter-Gaud has been a leader in taking advantage of all that these changes offer in furthering our mission of academic excellence. In order to successfully and appropriately use technology at Porter-Gaud, every student, parent or guardian should read and fully understand our Acceptable Use Policy. It outlines the acceptable use of Porter-Gaud technology. Please note that the term “device” refers to any device that is on campus.
General
Technology at Porter-Gaud School is a privilege, not a right.
Our e-mail, internet, devices, and other electronic resources are intended solely for appropriate educational purposes here at Porter-Gaud.
In order to ensure its computer equipment and technology is used by students for appropriate purpose; the School exercises its right to monitor and oversee communications, including internet, network, and e-mail use.
All information and emails that are created, sent, received or stored on Porter-Gaud systems are the sole property of Porter-Gaud.
School computer labs are to be used for School-related activities; they are not to become a social gathering place. Generally, there should be one student to a single computer unless approved by a staff member.
Devices designated for faculty or staff may be used by a student only with specific permissions and supervision of the faculty or staff member.
Network
Network passwords should not be shared.
Porter-Gaud provides wireless internet access across the campus to be used for academic work only. This holds true whether using a school provided device or personal device.
Do not download, stream, or listen to internet-based music, video, or large image files that are not required for school work while at school, as this slows the performance of the network for all users.
Printing - Paper and toner/ink come at a high expense to the school. Students are encouraged to print only necessary documents. Students will be allowed to print to designated printers only. The school may limit the number of pages a student can print to avoid abuse.
Internet
The internet is to be used for academic research and as a means of obtaining needed information.
Porter-Gaud School has an internet filter that will filter inappropriate websites. Porter-Gaud School is making its best effort in protecting students. However, it is impossible to filter or restrict all sites that may contain questionable material.
The School prohibits any attempts to disable or bypass the internet filter.
E-mail is to be used only for exchange of appropriate School-related information. (Students may not access non Porter-Gaud e-mail accounts.)
Students are prohibited from sending inappropriate emails to anyone at Porter-Gaud School or any other domain. This includes mass spam emails, chain letters, and material others may find offensive.
Software
Software and apps that are loaded onto devices are the property of Porter-Gaud School.
No one is allowed to copy any software from a Porter-Gaud School device.
Students are prohibited from installing any type of software or apps onto a device unless authorized by the Technology Department.
Hardware
Device settings may be changed only with the consent and supervision of the Technology Department.
No food or drink is allowed near a device.
No student should try and fix a device without the consent and supervision of the Technology Department.
Cases must stay on devices at all times. If your case is damaged or broken, please see the helpdesk to get it fixed.
Lost or damaged equipment could result in a repair or replacement fee. Please handle and store your school technology in a safe place and appropriate manner. These fees range from $40 to replace a charger or case to $300-900 to replace the entire device.
While good judgment and personal responsibility are always expected, following are some guidelines for unacceptable use and legal, practical and safe use of School technology:
UNACCEPTABLE (PROHIBITED) USE
Computer/internet games
Use of computers, personal devices and digital equipment for recording of any material without the consent of all who are being recorded
Accessing, possessing, or downloading inappropriate or objectionable material
Sending, soliciting, or intentionally viewing sexually-oriented messages or images
Writing, soliciting, sending, possessing, printing, saving, or forwarding offensive, bullying or harassing statements to external or internal recipients
Installing or using unauthorized applications, software, or hardware on Porter-Gaud computer systems.
Hacking
Accessing another’s files or using another’s password
The inappropriate use of any electronic device, including digital and electronic devices which are on the Porter-Gaud campus, regardless of ownership
Dissemination or printing of copyrighted materials (including articles and software) in violation of copyright laws
Operating a business or soliciting money
Gambling or engaging in any other activity in violation of local, state or federal law
Forgery of messages
Originating or forwarding “chain letters”, i.e. letter sent to several persons with a request that each send copies to several persons with the same or similar request
Any activity that significantly prevents or inhibits the conduct of Porter-Gaud School academic work
Any illegal or potentially illegal use or activity related to computer or personal device use. If in doubt, ALWAYS ASK a teacher or the Computer Science Department.
LEGAL, PRACTICAL AND SAFE PRACTICES
Develop and use good judgment.
Inform a teacher immediately if somebody makes an inappropriate comment to you via the Internet or network. Never answer messages from strangers who contact you over the Internet, and never offer information of any kind about you or your family. Never arrange to meet with strangers who have or may attempt to contact you via the Internet.
Be careful not to access, transmit, or possess material that is profane, abusive, harassing or otherwise questionable.
Properly identify the source of material incorporated in your own work; do not plagiarize. Dissemination or printing of copyrighted materials (including articles and software) is a violation of copyright laws.
Porter-Gaud resources are not for use in any commercial activities, gambling or political lobbying.
The computer lab is a very busy place; when sitting at a computer, you should be using it. Courtesy dictates that you not tie up the use of Porter-Gaud computers, network, printers, etc with tasks that are unrelated to Porter-Gaud academic and extracurricular obligations.
Maintain your privacy. Users are responsible for their own actions and words as well as for their own account. Never share passwords, use another student’s School network account, or use the password belonging to someone else.
Always be polite and respectful to people with whom you are communicating. Take pride in the correctness of your grammar and spelling and the clarity of your phrasing.