Technology Ethics and Use Policy

To communicate expectations for the appropriate use of Graceland-owned technology.

Users of Graceland's technological tools will respect the human dignity, privacy, and sensitivity of each other and the general public while using the tools made available by Graceland. Graceland reserves the right to routinely monitor technology resources. The privilege of privacy of personal files or messages on Graceland-owned computers and voice mail systems will be respected subject to the right of Graceland to access any files to officially investigate or to accomplish necessary system maintenance.

All technology provided by Graceland is covered by this policy, including computers, networks, Internet services, telephones, voice mail, fax machines, photocopiers, cable TV and all associated software and data. Such technology is provided for use by students and employees to accomplish Graceland’s educational mission in accordance with Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)(3), under which Graceland receives its tax-exempt status.

Graceland's network enables access to external facilities, systems, and other networks over which Graceland has no control, including related capabilities which are incidental to providing such access. Certain of these resources may not support Graceland's goals and objectives. Although Graceland does not exercise editorial or censorship control of such external resources, Graceland expects that the technology will not be used for purposes which are illegal, immoral, or inconsistent with Graceland’s mission.

Academic and professional work pertaining to Graceland's goals and objectives take precedence over the use of resources for entertainment.

Graceland may establish additional standards of conduct with designated technology or in specific areas (e.g. Microlabs, classrooms, etc.)

Inappropriate uses of technology include, but are not limited to those specifically prohibited by local, state or federal law. Without limitation, examples of inappropriate uses of technology include:

harassment - sending of harassing, threatening or obscene material to minors and/or non-consenting adults or any attempts to confuse or frustrate another user in achieving their objectives.;

random or unauthorized bulk sending or mailing of messages;

inappropriate use of access;

unauthorized release of information and viewing of Graceland's data outside of institutional objectives;

any disregard for the security mechanisms that are in place or other attempts to gain unauthorized access to Graceland's technical resources. This includes possession of or attempts to acquire another user's password or allowing others access to technology resources that are not allocated for their use;

failure to comply with software license restrictions - All licenses for software that are licensed by Graceland will be filed by ITS.

disruption of service - damaging any resource in such a way that it creates a disruption of the normally expected service from that resource;

cheating - use of technology resources to achieve academic credit by dishonest or deceitful means;

copyright infringement; forgery;

malicious transmission of a computer virus;

malicious alteration of system files or configuration;

abuse of established storage space limitations;

use of any resource to inure benefit for private or political gain in violation of Graceland's tax-exempt status under IRC Section 501(c)(3).

Graceland reserves the right to take corrective/disciplinary action in the event of inappropriate use of technology, which may include but not be limited to the following:

Cases involving suspicion of inappropriate use of technology by students will be investigated by the Information Services Department. If violations are confirmed, a referral for disciplinary action will be made to the Dean of Students. A determination of serious misuse may result in suspension from the university. In cases involving misuse of resources allocated for a particular course, the course instructor may assign a failing grade.

Cases involving inappropriate use of technology by employees, including student workers, will be handled in accordance with existing personnel policies. Serious misuse may result in termination of university employment.

Cases involving violation of local, state or federal laws will be referred to external authorities as directed by the President.

Approved by David L. Clinefelter on October 19, 2000