Institutional Policies

In an abiding belief—based on the witness of Scripture—that all people are image bearers of God, The Seattle School affirms the Belovedness of all people, including differences in ability, race, age, ethnicity, economic status, creed, gender identity, and sexual orientation. The Seattle School chooses an intentional posture of dialogue and engagement, with a desire to be a context that bridges differing traditions, perspectives, and cultures toward the possibility of encountering the generous hospitality for all people found in the reign of God. In a divided and broken world, we seek to train people to be agents of hope and healing for individuals and communities. We are a community seeking to recognize, reflect, and engage the dignity, agency, and mutuality of all people, especially those who have been marginalized.

The Seattle School seeks to be a community which follows God, in the way of Jesus Christ, by the power of the Holy Spirit. In light of this commitment, and to honor the personhood and dignity of others, all students enrolled at The Seattle School assume an obligation to conduct themselves at all times as responsible members of the campus community (on-campus, off campus, and online), to respect the personal and property rights of others, and to support the educational mission of The Seattle School. The Seattle School insists that its students demonstrate personal and professional integrity in addition to academic excellence.

The Seattle School's administrators, faculty and staff encourage student involvement in decision making. Student participation and input on institutional committees are valued and encouraged at The Seattle School.

While participating in the academic and communal life of The Seattle School, or at The Seattle School sponsored events, or interacting with The Seattle School faculty, staff, or fellow students, students are participating in an intercultural community. Students are held accountable and expected to conduct themselves in an ethical, professional, and respectful manner that honors the dignity and value of all persons as put forth in the Statement of Discourse. Behavior requiring accountability includes, but is not limited to, hostile or careless uses of profanity or obscenities, physical displays of aggression, threatening gestures or comments, violence or unlawful harassment, persistent and disrespectful arguing or behavior that disregards one’s impact on others, or any illegal or unethical conduct. The above behavior may be cause for disciplinary action. 

The Seattle School is dedicated to the advancement of knowledge and learning, as well as to the development of responsible personal and social conduct. Each student, by registering, assumes the responsibility of becoming familiar with and abiding by, the general standards of conduct expected by The Seattle School. By way of example, each student is expected to refrain from engaging in the following: 

• Deliberate violation of or circumventing policies and procedures established in this handbook.

• Academic dishonesty of any kind with respect to examinations or coursework. This includes any form of cheating and plagiarism. 

• Falsification or alteration of The Seattle School documents, records, or identification cards. 

• Forgery, issuing bad checks, or not meeting financial obligations to The Seattle School. 

• Theft or the deliberate damaging or misusing of property belonging to others or the property of The Seattle School. 

• The manufacture, possession, use, or distribution of any form of alcoholic beverages or illegal drug while on The Seattle School property. 

• Possession, display, or use of any dangerous instrument, weapon, or explosives (certified law enforcement officers, required by their employer to carry a firearm are excluded). 

• Disrupting the study of others or of The Seattle School activities, or interfering with the freedom of movement of any member or guest of The Seattle School community. 

• Intentional interference with academic freedom, freedom of speech, or movement of any member or guest of The Seattle School community. 

• Participation in any activity that disrupts or interferes with the education of others or the orderly operation of The Seattle School. 

• Physical abuse, threatening acts, or harassment toward others. 

STUDENT CONDUCT COMMITTEE

Any student suspected of violating The Seattle School Ethical Code of Conduct may be reported to the Student Conduct Committee [SCC] that is responsible for investigating the allegations. The SCC is chaired by the Dean of the Graduate School and consists of the chair and two faculty members. Students found guilty of violating The Seattle School Ethical Code of Conduct by the SCC shall be subject to disciplinary action up to and including dismissal from The Seattle School. In the event of illegal activity, appropriate authorities may be contacted.

The Seattle School makes every effort to resolve student concerns using policies and procedures outlined in the current Academic Catalog or Student Handbook. It is expected that students will fully utilize any and all administrative procedures to address concerns and/or complaints in as timely a manner as possible. Official processes are in place for the following types of student academic concerns, in the locations referenced below.    

• Academic and Financial Appeals - see Academic Catalog.

• Academic integrity violations - see Student Handbook. Refer to the Ethical Code of Conduct

• Grade Appeals - see Academic Catalog.

PROCEDURE

Informal Student Concerns

If the student concern falls outside of the areas above, we encourage students to, when possible, attempt to resolve interpersonal concerns or frustrations by working directly with the student(s), staff, and/or faculty whose actions or inactions have caused the concern or frustration. If a student needs support processing or addressing their concern, they may contact a member of Student & Academic Services listed below. That person will hear the student’s concern and work with the student and, if necessary, other parties to try to come to a satisfactory resolution through an informal and collaborative process.

• Academic Advisor - Nicholas Diaz

• Manager of Student Life Programs - Becca Shirley

• Manager of Academic Programs & Financial Services - Ligaya Avila

If the behavior causing the concern should persist, or is severe enough to render informal resolution insufficient, the student may file a Formal Written Complaint.

Filing a Formal Written Complaint

A written complaint must contain the following information: 

a. Name, date, and signature of the student filing the complaint;

b. Description and date of the problem or concern; 

c. Names of persons and department responsible for the complaint (if known); 

d. Description of any actions taken informally to resolve the problem or concern; 

e. Recommendation as to possible resolution(s) of the complaint; 

f. Any background information believed to be relevant;

The written complaint should then be filed with one of the following:

• Dean of the Graduate School - Dr. Misty Anne Winzenried - if related to a classroom experience, with another student or with their instructor

• Listening Lab Director - Dr. Monique Gadson - if related to an experience in Listening Lab

• Director of Student & Academic Services - Daniel Tidwell-Davis - if concern is about an experience with another student outside of classroom contexts

Student complaint records are held confidentially. Information on all student complaints may be made available for outside review by the Department of Education, The Seattle School’s accrediting agencies, and any other official legally entitled to such review. However, steps will be taken to insure the anonymity of any student who files a complaint. The purpose of an outside review can include but is not limited to: 

1. Establish that The Seattle School processes complaints in a timely manner 

2. Demonstrate fairness and attention to student concerns, and 

3. Identify any pattern in the complaints that suggests problems with institutional quality.

Complaint Resolution 

The student filing the complaint will be informed of the action taken or progress accomplished within 15 working days, unless extenuating circumstances necessitate additional time. If extra time is needed, the student will be informed of this, along with the nature of the extenuating circumstance. 

When applicable, resolution of formal written complaints may follow procedures within the following categories:

• Student Conduct Committee (SCC) - For more information about the student code of conduct and the SCC, see Student Handbook.

• Title IX violations - see Academic Catalog and Student Handbook.  Refer to the Nondiscrimination, Harassment, Sexual Harassment, and Sexual Violence Policy. 

• Americans with Disabilities Act:  Academic Catalog and Student Handbook.  Refer to the Nondiscrimination, Harassment, Sexual Harassment, and Sexual Violence Policy.   

• Other Incidents of Harassment or Discrimination:  Academic Catalog and Student Handbook.  Refer to the Nondiscrimination, Harassment, Sexual Harassment, and Sexual Violence Policy. 

Criminal Activity

Complaints involving matters of a criminal nature, such as assault, battery, and theft should be directed to the appropriate local law enforcement jurisdiction.

Any retaliatory action taken by any member of The Seattle School (student or employee) against any student or employee of the school as a result of a student seeking a resolution of a formal written complaint under this policy, or cooperating in an investigation, is prohibited.

In the unlikely event that an issue cannot be resolved by The Seattle School, students may file a complaint with the following. These agencies should be contacted only after the student has registered a complaint with the school and has not received a response to the request for resolution. 

Washington Student Achievement Council

PO Box 43430, Olympia WA 98504-3430

(360) 753-7866

Commission on Accrediting, Association of Theological Schools

10 Summit Park Drive, Pittsburgh PA 15275-1110

(412) 788-6505

Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

The Commission Office

8060 165th Ave NE, Suite 100, Redmond, WA 98052

(425) 558-4224

GENERAL POLICY STATEMENTS

Federal & WA State Law

To the extent required by federal law, it is the policy of The Seattle School not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion (except in the case of employment), disability, or genetic information in its admissions, educational programs or activities, or employment. Consistent with federal law, The Seattle School will provide reasonable accommodations to persons with disabilities. As a religious educational organization, The Seattle School reserves the right to prefer employees and prospective employees on the basis of religion. The phrase “educational programs or activities” includes instruction, grading, financial aid, training programs, internships, externships, social and recreational activities, and other aspects of the educational programs or activities at The Seattle School. Discrimination in employment prohibited by this policy includes discrimination in hiring, compensation, promotion, transfer, retirement, evaluation, discipline, benefits, termination, and other employment practices. “Discrimination” is any unlawful distinction, preference, or detriment to an individual as compared to others and that is sufficiently serious to unreasonably interfere with or limit their ability to participate in their work, or in The Seattle School’s educational programs, services or activities. “Harassment” is a form of discrimination, and is also prohibited by this policy. Under WA State law, “Hazing” includes any act committed as part of a person's recruitment, initiation, pledging, admission into, or affiliation with a student organization, athletic team, or living group, or any pastime or amusement engaged in with respect to such an organization, athletic team, or living group that causes, or is likely to cause, bodily danger or physical harm, or serious psychological or emotional harm, to any student or other person attending a public or private institution of higher education or other postsecondary educational institution in this state, including causing, directing, coercing, or forcing a person to consume any food, liquid, alcohol, drug, or other substance which subjects the person to risk of such harm, regardless of the person's willingness to participate. All forms of hazing are prohibited by this policy, and are subject to criminal penalty and loss of state funded grants and financial aid under WA state law.

Other Prohibited Discrimination and Harassment

It is also the policy of The Seattle School not to discriminate against its students and student applicants in its admissions or other educational programs or activities on the basis of sexual orientation, marital status, or honorably discharged veteran or military status. The term “sexual orientation” means heterosexuality, homosexuality, bisexuality, and gender expression or identity. As defined by the Washington Law Against Discrimination, the term “gender expression or identity” means “having or being perceived as having a gender identity, self-image, appearance, behavior, or expression, whether or not that gender identity, self-image, appearance, behavior, or expression is different from that traditionally associated with the sex assigned to that person at birth.” 

Prohibition Against Sexual Harassment and Sexual Misconduct 

Although covered above by the prohibitions against sex discrimination, The Seattle School emphasizes that it prohibits sexual harassment, which is a form of sex discrimination. Sexual harassment also includes sexual misconduct, which is also prohibited by this policy. 

No Retaliation

The Seattle School not only prohibits discrimination and harassment (including sexual harassment), but it also prohibits retaliation against any person for making a complaint about discrimination or harassment; assisting, testifying, or otherwise participating in any discrimination or harassment investigation; or otherwise opposing discrimination or harassment prohibited by this policy. This includes any retaliation against any witness or bystander who reports or provides any information about alleged discrimination or harassment, or who intervenes to stop or attempt to stop any discrimination, harassment, or sexual misconduct. “Retaliation” means any adverse action that might dissuade or deter a reasonable person from making or supporting a complaint of discrimination or harassment. Examples of retaliation include intimidation, threats, coercion, termination of employment, unjustified negative grades or evaluation, reduction in pay, denial of a promotion, physical assault, and any other conduct that constitutes prohibited discrimination or harassment under this policy. Retaliation against any person thought to have engaged in any activity protected by this section, whether or not the person actually engaged in any protected activity, is also prohibited by this policy. 

REPORTING VIOLATIONS; DISCRIMINATION GRIEVANCE PROCEDURES

Where to File a Complaint

Any student or employee who believes they have suffered discrimination, hazing, harassment (including sexual harassment or sexual misconduct), or retaliation in violation of this policy, should contact one of the following individuals of the Title IX Committee:

Queena Brown, Senior Director of Administration & Operations, (206) 876-6115 

Becca Shirley, Manager of Student Life Programs, (206) 876-6137 

Daniel Walkup, Director of Campus Services, (206) 876-6148

Discrimination Grievance Procedures 

Violations of this policy will be addressed through the Discrimination Grievance Procedures.  These procedures are available on the Safety and Nondiscrimination page of the school’s website.  Hard copies of the Discrimination Grievance Procedures are also available from the Title IX Committee and the Vice President of Human Resources.

Consequences of Violating this Policy 

Consequences for violating this policy will depend on the facts and circumstances of each particular situation. 

1. Sanctions and corrective action could include the following: a requirement not to repeat or continue the discriminatory, harassing, or retaliatory conduct; a reprimand; a no-contact order; denial of a merit pay increase; reassignment; removal from class; suspension; termination or expulsion, or other appropriate sanction, remedy, or response. 

2. The severity of the sanction or corrective action may depend on the frequency and severity of the offense and any history of past discriminatory, harassing, or retaliatory conduct. 

3. A finding of discrimination, harassment that creates a hostile environment or resulted in any tangible action (either in the employment or educational setting), or sexual misconduct may be cause for disciplinary action, up to and including discharge in the case of an employee and expulsion in the case of a student. The Seattle School may also report any criminal conduct to a law enforcement agency.

4. The Seattle School may take immediate steps to protect the complainant from further discrimination, harassment, or retaliation before completion of its investigation or the process outlined in the Discrimination Grievance Procedures. For example, in the case of a sexual harassment or sexual misconduct complaint, The Seattle School may take steps to separate the accused harasser from the complainant. 

5.  The Seattle School may also take appropriate action even if it does not find discrimination or harassment that creates a hostile environment or results in a tangible action, but The Seattle School finds that the respondent engaged in disruptive behavior or determines that action is necessary or appropriate to prevent the creation of a hostile environment or a situation that may result in a tangible action or other form of unlawful discrimination or harassment.

Off-Campus Conduct

Conduct that occurs off campus can be the subject of a complaint or report and will be evaluated to determine whether it violates this policy. For example, if off-campus discrimination, hazing, or harassment has continuing effects that create a hostile environment on campus, then the discrimination or harassment violates this policy. Allegations of off-campus sexual misconduct are of particular concern and should be brought to the attention of The Seattle School.

Mandatory Reporting by Employees of any sex-based discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, or hazing involving students

The Seattle School wants to stop and respond effectively to instances of sex-based discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, or hazing involving its students. Therefore, any employee receiving any information about any alleged or possible sex-based discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, or hazing involving students, must report that information to the Title IX Commitee named above (each a “Complaint Officer”) within 24 hours of receiving that information. Employees who are statutorily prohibited from reporting that information are exempt from this reporting requirement, including any licensed counselor who receives the information in his or her capacity as a licensed counselor. After receiving a report of alleged or possible sex-based discrimination, sexual harassment, or sexual misconduct, the Complaint Officer will evaluate the information received and determine what further actions should be taken. The Complaint Officer will follow the procedures described in the Discrimination Grievance Procedures or the Title IX Policy & Procedures, respective to the circumstance. The Complaint Officer will take steps, either directly with the complainant or through a reporting employee, to provide information about the relevant policy and procedures, as well as available health and advocacy resources and options for criminal reporting (if applicable).

Voluntary Reporting by Students 

The Seattle School strongly encourages its students to report instances of sex-based discrimination, sexual harassment, and sexual misconduct involving students.

Students called up for active military duty may be able to obtain a refund of payments made to their account for the term during which they were chosen for active duty. The Seattle School will explore with the student different ways to complete the term courses through independent study or through other means. If a student is not able to complete the term, a written request for refund or reversal of charges with proof of summons for military duty should be submitted to the Business Office for action. Since a student’s enrollment status is likely to be affected because of the length of their military duty, The Seattle School may extend the deadlines for completion of any academic program.

Washington State law prohibits smoking in all places of employment. Persons may smoke outside provided they are not standing within 25 feet of a building entrance or exit, windows that open, or air intake equipment. Employees who observe a guest or visitor who is in violation of this policy should promptly and politely advise the individual of the policy. Any employee who violates this policy shall be subject to disciplinary action.

The Seattle School policy prohibits distributing material or soliciting students, faculty, or staff on company premises at any time unless approved by the Chief Financial Officer or coordinated in partnership with the Manager of Student Life Programs through the Nourish Market. Solicitation for any purpose or cause may include requests for subscriptions, donations, pools, gifts, charities, memberships, or other forms of requests. The Student Directory, staff and/or faculty rosters and classroom time may not be used for purposes of solicitation; such use is expressly forbidden. 

The Seattle School’s Substance Abuse Policy and Prevention Program reflects a broad commitment to a healthy school community marked by standards that reflect personal accountability and responsibility; demonstrate regard for the safety, security, and health of others; and maintain the atmosphere needed for study and reflection. The misuse of alcohol and other drugs subverts the school's ability to achieve its central mission—the ability to serve God and neighbor through transforming relationships.

The Seattle School recognizes explicitly that students, faculty, and staff are adults, which means that they are expected to obey the laws and take personal responsibility for their conduct. Individuals are accountable for their choices and behavior. Careful attention to this information will help students, faculty, and staff promote the school’s compliance with the federal Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act of 1989, which requires an institution of higher education to certify it has adopted and implemented a program to prevent the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by students and employees. Failure to comply with the Drug-Free Schools and Campuses Regulations may forfeit an institution’s eligibility for federal funding.

POLICY ON DRUG OR ALCOHOL USE BY STUDENTS

The Seattle School prohibits the illegal and irresponsible use of alcohol and other drugs by students. Students have the responsibility to conduct themselves in a lawful and appropriate manner consistent with the mission of the school. Each student has the responsibility to know the risks associated with the use and abuse of alcohol and other drugs and to assist the school in creating an environment that promotes health-enhancing attitudes and activities. 

Drugs

1. The school strictly prohibits the manufacture, sale, possession, distribution, dispensing, or use by a student of a controlled or illegal substance not medically authorized while they are on campus. 

2. The school strictly prohibits the manufacture, sale, possession, distribution, or dispensing by a student of drug paraphernalia on campus.

3. A student who is convicted of any offense under any Federal or State law involving the possession or sale of a controlled substance for conduct that occurred during a period of enrollment for which the student was receiving any grant, loan, or work assistance (aka financial aid, work study, student loans, plus loans etc.) shall not be eligible to receive any grant, loan, or work assistance.

Alcohol

1. The possession, sale, distribution, and consumption of alcoholic beverages on the school’s campuses or in connection with school-sponsored or related events is permitted only within the limits prescribed by Washington state and federal laws, and in accordance with the Campus Policy for Alcohol Use at Events (below). In addition, no open containers of alcohol are permitted on school property at any time, except within the area covered by a valid liquor permit.

2. The school strictly prohibits students from appearing on campus obviously under the influence of alcohol. Alcohol will not be allowed to interfere with co-curricular activities, campus safety or security, or classroom learning.

3. The school will not excuse acts of misconduct committed by students whose judgment is impaired by consumption of alcohol or drugs. Students are expected to assume responsibility for their own behavior and must understand that being under the influence of drugs or alcohol in no way lessens their accountability. Violations of the law or school rules or policies relating to drug or alcohol use will result in disciplinary sanctions up to and including dismissal as described in the Student Code of Conduct. In general, students will be disciplined if their use of alcohol or drugs is illegal or threatens to create public disorder, public disturbances, danger to themselves or others, or property damage. In addition, the school has the right to refer suspected unlawful drug or alcohol-related incidents to appropriate federal, state, or local legal authorities.

CAMPUS POLICY ON ALCOHOL USE AT EVENTS

To serve alcohol on campus, the event sponsor must complete an Alcohol Service Request Form (available on Google Drive) and submit it to a member of the Executive Council for approval at least two weeks prior to the event. The Seattle School reserves the right to deny authorization at any time. If approval is granted, the event's sponsor is responsible for providing a licensed vendor/caterer to provide and serve the alcohol. The event sponsor is responsible, along with individuals directed to serve the alcohol, for compliance with all applicable laws, ordinances, and school policies pertaining to the use, furnishing, or possession of alcohol.

Alcohol may not be served to any person under the age of 21. A separate alcohol serving area is required at events where persons under 21 will be present. The event's sponsor will also be required to devise a system by which picture identification will be checked to verify legal age.

Alcohol must be served and monitored and may not be left unattended so to allow free access. Event sponsors and the individuals directed to serve the alcohol are responsible and obligated to refuse alcohol to anyone whom they believe has had too much to drink. All service of alcohol to guests must stop 30 minutes prior to the ending time of the event. Non-alcoholic beverages and food must be available and featured prominently at the event. 

HEALTH RISKS OF ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUG USE

Alcohol and illicit drug use can pose many health risks to students, faculty, and staff. Use may result in impaired judgment and coordination; physical and psychological dependence; damage to vital organs such as the heart, stomach, liver and brain; inability to learn and remember information; psychosis and severe anxiety; unwanted or unprotected sex resulting in pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases (including HIV and AIDS); and injury and death. Negative consequences of alcohol and other drug use can be immediate.

RESOURCES FOR EDUCATION AND TREATMENT

Faculty and staff who suspect they may have a drug or alcohol abuse problem are encouraged to seek assistance through their own efforts before the problem affects their employment status. The school provides benefit-eligible employee access to an independent, confidential Employee Assistance Program (EAP) that offers confidential assessment, counseling, and referral assistance in areas that include alcohol and drug abuse. The EAP can be reached by calling 1-800-316-2796. Please contact the Human Resources Office for further information.

COMMUNITY SERVICES

A variety of community organizations in the greater Seattle area can be resources for students, faculty or staff. They are organized into three categories for ease of reference: 24-hour emergency numbers; self-help groups; and alcohol and drug treatment programs. These resources have not been screened by The Seattle School. The school makes no specific endorsement of or recommendation to any one program.

Emergency Numbers

SAMSHA’s National Helpline

206-622-HELP (4357) 

National Domestic Violence Hotline

1-800-799-SAFE (7233)

HIV/AIDS Hotline

1-800-272-2437

24-Hour Crisis Line (Mental Health)

1-866-427-4747 (King County) ; 1-866-789-1511 (WA)

King County Sexual Assault Resource Center

1-888-998-6423 

Local Self-Help Groups

Alanon Family Group

206-625-0000

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)

206-587-2838

Marijuana Anonymous

206-548-9034

Nar-Anon (Pacific NW)

206-626-7171

Narcotics Anonymous

206-790-8888

Alcohol and Drug Treatment Resources

A Positive Alternative

206-547-1955

Catholic Community Services

206-328-5097

Consejo Counseling and Referral

206-461-4880

Lakeside Milan Recovery Center Inc.

425-823-3116

Northpoint Washington

855-981-9549

Providence Recovery Program

425-258-7390

Newport Academy (women only)

425-823-8844

Seattle Indian Health Board

206-324-9360

Swedish Addiction Recovery Services

206-781-6209

Recovery Center, Evergreen Health

  360-794-1405

Veterans Administration Medical Center

800-329-8387 

The Seattle School is committed to ensuring that copyrighted works are respected and used appropriately by faculty, students, staff, and visitors. Our policies require that those using our computers or networks comply with U.S. and international copyright laws. Failure to do so may result in disciplinary action or termination of access. 

An annual email is sent to all students and employees at the beginning of each academic year. The full Copyright Infringement and Peer-to-Peer File Sharing Policy can be found on Google Drive. This document serves as the written plan required of The Seattle School under the copyright-related regulations associated with the Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008.

COMBATING UNAUTHORIZED DISTRIBUTION OF COPYRIGHTED MATERIAL

The Seattle School addresses misuse of its networks for unauthorized distribution of copyrighted material through a variety of educational, technical, and disciplinary means. These include:

• Faculty and staff acknowledge and accept this policy when they are provided with the Employee Handbook during their new hire orientation. Students acknowledge and accept this policy when they sign The Seattle School Statement of Agreement prior to enrollment. 

• Mailings, the school’s website, and other mechanisms explaining the difference between appropriate and inappropriate use of copyrighted materials and the possible penalties of misuse.

• Network management technologies and policies that may constrain the use of the network for purposes not directly related to the school’s mission.

• Traffic monitoring to identify largest bandwidth users.

• Standardized, consistent handling of copyright violation notices, including validation of details, warnings to offenders, and disciplinary action when warnings prove ineffective.

The Seattle School periodically reminds its network users through email, the school’s website, and other means that:

• An individual choosing to host or exchange files unlawfully will be personally responsible for any consequences from that activity. Ignorance of the law is not a useful defense. The School strongly recommends that individuals using School networks and computers learn the rules and the laws before sharing files online.

• Educational institutions are not exempt from the laws covering copyrights. Most software, images, music, and files available for use on computers at the Seattle School are protected by federal copyright laws. In addition, software, images, music, and files normally are protected by a license agreement between the purchaser and the software seller. It is the Seattle School’s policy to comply with federal copyright and license protections.

• Unauthorized use of software, images, music, or files is regarded as a serious matter and any such use is without the consent of The Seattle School. If abuse of computer software, images, music, or files occurs, those responsible for such abuse will be held accountable.

• There are a number of many legal alternatives for downloading or otherwise acquiring copyrighted material, including those listed below:

Amazon

Last FM

Hulu

Pandora

iTunes

Netflix

ShoutCast

Spotify

HANDLING OF POTENTIAL VIOLATIONS

When the school receives formal notification that a user of its network appears to be violating copyright, Information Technology:

• Identifies the machine identifier (“MAC address”) associated with the network address at the time noted in the complaint.

• Uses logs to identify the owner of the device, if possible.

• Sends the owner instructions requesting that offending material must be removed from the network, and requiring a response from the owner.

Internet access is restricted if the alleged offender fails to respond to the notice within 72 hours or if the machine owner has received a previous complaint. Network users receiving second complaints must meet with Information Technology staff before Internet access is restored.

The target response time for copyright complaints is 10 working days or less.

PERIODICALLY REVIEWING EFFECTIVENESS

The Seattle School will review the effectiveness of this plan on an annual basis during the summer break (July-August). The primary measure used to assess effectiveness at deterring unauthorized sharing of copyrighted material will be the number of repeat offenders, measured as a percentage of the number of overall complaints received.

For more information, see the website of the U.S. Copyright Office, especially the Frequently Asked Questions section.