Computing, network & telecommunications resources

COVERAGE:

This policy is applicable to the entire Canadore College community using any device connected to the college data and telecommunication network from any access point, internal or remote. This policy includes all privately owned computers connected to the Canadore College network. In this context, the college community includes: all registered students, both full-time and part-time; all paid employees, full-time, part-time and casual; all others associated with the college including board members, retirees, or volunteers, and such visitors as are granted temporary user status by the college.

INTRODUCTION:

Canadore College encourages the use of computing, network and telecommunication resources to enhance the learning and working environment of the college community. However, access to the computing, network and telecommunication environment at Canadore College is a privilege to be used in effective, ethical and lawful ways that support the values of the college. The college will endeavor to create an atmosphere that balances respect for individual users with respect for college facilities and college and community standards.

PRINCIPLES

• Computing, network and telecommunication resources are provided primarily to support and further the college mission.
• College community users are expected to comply with provincial and federal laws and Canadore College policies and procedures.
• Members of the college community are responsible and accountable for their actions and statements in the electronic working and learning environment, according to the disciplinary policy of their respective jurisdiction.
• Members are expected to use reasonable restraint in consumption of these valuable shared resources, and to use them in ways that do not interfere with the study, work or working environment of other users.
• Generally, with respect to computing and telephone accounts established for students, faculty and staff, there is a presumption of privacy. However, network administrators have access to all email, including data in transit and stored, telephone records and if an infraction is suspected, the traffic and files will be investigated in accordance with the applicable college process.
• In addition, college users accessing external networks are bound by their policies, and the more restrictive policy of either Canadore or the external network will apply.

UNACCEPTABLES USES*

*Unacceptable uses as outlined here are not limited to these examples. If an activity is suspected as being unacceptable, it should be reported to the Director of Information Technology. It will be reviewed for appropriateness by the IT Committee and a recommendation forwarded to the VP, External Relations and Technical Services.

Unauthorized access (hacking):  This may include using unauthorized user names, passwords, computer addresses or identities, or modifying assigned network settings to gain access to computer/telecommunication resources and/or data and telephone records, or otherwise attempting to evade, disable or “crack” security provisions of college or external systems.

Vandalism of data:  Deliberate alteration or destruction of computer files is a Criminal Code offence (Section 430.[387]) and will be prosecuted.  Under no circumstance may a user inspect, alter, delete, publish or otherwise tamper with files or file structures that the individual is not authorized to access.

Interference with other users’ work:  This includes use of any process that causes a user to be deprived of services or resources that they would normally expect to have available.  It covers but is not limited to the creation of “Spam,” the playing of computer games, the downloading of audio and video files and the introduction of viruses or chain letters.

Squandering resources:  Resources are shared and no user may degrade the systems by: unwarranted data space, time and bandwidth consumption through resource-intensive programs, unattended network connections and/or lengthy print jobs.  Users who exceed established limits must secure the approval from their immediate supervisor/manager and the Director, Information Technology.

Sharing of account: the College’s computing resources are allocated to groups and individuals for specific academic and administrative purposes.  It is not acceptable to give, sell, or otherwise provide computing resources to individuals or groups that do not have explicit permission to use them from the college authority.

Commercial uses:  The college system(s) E.g. Email, may not be used to sell or promote products or services for personal gain.  This includes uses such as distribution of advertising materials, the offering of network information or services for sale, and private enterprises.  Faculty and staff are referred to the institution’s policy on these matters.

       Individuals should have all email(s) destined for Group Distribution Lists, e.g. Group - Canadore All Staff authorized by their immediate Supervisor, Manager, Director or Vice-President prior to sending.

  Breach of copyright:  This includes installing, reproducing and/or distributing copyrighted materials such as proprietary software, publications or files without permission.  College software is provided under licence agreements with various vendors and may not be copied or otherwise removed.

Offensive material:  Materials not subject to legal sanction may be objectionable or repugnant to persons other than the computer user.  Importation or distribution of such material (including, but not limited to racist material, hate literature, sexist slurs or pornography) requires an underlying academic or educational purpose.

Long distance telephone:  Long distance telephone services are provided for the exclusive use of conducting College related activities.  Long distance activities are monitored.  This service should not be used for personal calls or for the profit of individual’s.

Hostile atmosphere:  The display of sexually explicit or violent images in public spaces and/or the initiation of unsolicited communication with sexual content contravene the college’s sexual harassment policy.

Harassment:  Harassing or defamatory material may not be sent by electronic means, including email and voice mail, or posted to news groups.

DISCIPLINE, JURISDICTION AND PENALTIES

Preamble:  The college will not act as censor of information available on our campus network, but will investigate properly identified allegations arising within the member/users to ensure compliance with applicable federal and provincial laws and with college policies and procedures.

Adjudication/disciplinary action:  Misuse of the college’s computing, network and telecommunication resources may result in: a) immediate loss of access privileges, b) long-term outcomes including temporary or permanent loss of access privileges, and/ or c) disciplinary action up to and including dismissal by the college.  Violations of law will result in immediate loss of privileges and will be reported to the appropriate college and law enforcement authorities.

Either The Director – Program Operations, in the case of a student, or the immediate  Supervisor, in the case of an employee, will assess a violation and determine appropriate consequences.

This document and its content are designed to supplement any and all other College policies and procedures and the more restrictive policy will apply.


Acknowledgements: Canadore College wishes to thank the University of Windsor, University of Guelph, University of Waterloo, University of Toronto and St. Clair College, whose policy statements have contributed to this document.