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Rules of Use for Gallaudet University
and Clerc Center Computers

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Acceptable Use Procedures (revised 8/06)

Introduction

The Internet has become an integral part of society for obtaining information and facilitating communication. .Internet access is available to students and educators at Kendall School for the Deaf (KDES) and Model Secondary School for the Deaf (MSSD). Our goal in providing this service to educators and students is to promote educational excellence in our schools by facilitating resource sharing, innovation, and communication.

The Internet and email offer students access to thousands of libraries, databases and other resources while exchanging messages with people around the world. Despite the overwhelming benefits provided by the Internet, students may find ways to access other materials that may not be considered educationally valuable. The Laurent Clerc National Deaf Education Center (Clerc Center) expects educators will integrate use of the Internet throughout the curriculum and provide guidance and instruction to students in its use. We believe access to the Internet, in the form of information resources and opportunities for collaboration, is an important tool to prepare students for the 21st century.

Access to the Internet is a privilege, not a right, and inappropriate use will result in the cancellation or restrictions of those privileges and/or disciplinary action by school officials.

The following procedures apply to all students and cover all Clerc Center and personal technology equipment (i.e. laptops, digital cameras, cell phones, pagers, etc.)

Acceptable Use includes but is not limited to:

  • Use of technology at the Clerc Center must be in support of education and research, and consistent with the educational objectives of the Clerc Center.
  • Users shall use only his or her account or password and are responsible for all activities under their account.

Unacceptable Use includes but is not limited to:

  • Communicating with strangers or sharing of personal information that is not under supervision of a teacher, staff member or administrator.
  • Using the network for commercial purposes, financial gain, or fraud.
  • Using profanity, offensive language, messages or pictures.
  • Sending or retrieving pornographic materials, inappropriate files or files dangerous to the network
  • Making personal attacks on other people, organizations, religions or ethnic groups.
  • Harassing another person (i.e., using the Internet in a manner that bothers another person and not stopping when asked to do so by the other person).
  • Posting of information that:
    • violates US copyright laws.
    • violates the privacy of others.
    • jeopardizes the health and safety of students.
    • is obscene or libelous.
    • causes disruption of school activities.
    • plagiarizes the work of others.
    • is a commercial advertisement.
    • is not approved by the administration.

Respect for Property is expected and involves, but is not limited to:

  • Do not damage equipment, computer systems or computer networks.
  • Do not disrupt the system (i.e. downloading software and files, etc.).
  • Do not modify, reorganize or remove equipment.
  • Do not move computers or peripherals from their designated places.

Respect for Others is expected and involves, but is not limited to:

  • Do not interfere with private information or communications, for example:
    • Do not forward personal communication without the author's prior consent.
    • Do not read, modify, or remove files owned by other users unless you have permission to do so.
    • Do not post personal contact information or other sensitive information of another person without their permission.
    • Do not post on the Internet or in an email any information about another person that would be hurtful or insulting regardless if the information is true, without the person’s consent.
    • Do not post a picture of a person without his or her permission.
    • Network administrators may review files and communications to maintain system integrity and insure that users are using the system responsibly.
  • Be considerate:
    • Refrain from excessive printing.
    • Limit your time on computers when others are waiting.
    • Keep computer area clean and free of debris.
    • Do not send spam or excessive group emails.
    • Log off computer after finishing work.

Respect for Yourself

  • Do not share your personal information in weblogs, webpages or to strangers in chatrooms, IM, or email.
  • Remember anything posted on the Internet is available for public viewing.

Other Legal Issues

  • Plagiarism
    • Do not claim credit for another person’s work.
    • Do not use network resources to commit plagiarism.
  • Copyright Infringement
    • Do not use text, including names, graphics, sound or animation in messages or the creation of webpages without displaying a notice, crediting the original owner of the material, and stating how permission to use the material was obtained.
    • Do not download, copy, or forward copyrighted materials (i.e. software, music) without proper authorization.
  • Trademark Infringement
    • Do not use a person’s or company’s name or logo without permission from both the owner and creator.

Parents/Guardians and students must sign the Acceptable Use Procedures Agreement form before the student is given access to the school computers. Consequences for students violating the agreement are outlined below.

Consequences of Violations

First offense: Warning. The student's technology privileges/network access will be suspended for one week.

Second Offense: Pattern of abuse or flagrant violations: Any student who continues to engage in serious or persistent misbehavior by violating the school's policy will have technology privileges/network access suspended for one month.

Third Offense: Repeated pattern of abuse or flagrant violations: The student's technology privileges/network access will be suspended for one year. Administrators reserve the right to impose more serious consequences, including suspension of Internet access and/or expulsion for repeated flagrant violations that do not reflect the educational value of computers and/or the Internet.

Criminal Offense: A student may be expelled from school if he or she engages in conduct on the Internet that contains elements of the offense of criminal mischief as defined by State and Federal law.

STUDENT'S AGREEMENT:

I have read the Laurent Clerc National Deaf Education Center Acceptable Use Policy. I agree to follow the rules contained in this Policy. I understand if I commit any violation, my account and privileges may be suspended, school disciplinary action may be taken, and/or appropriate criminal and legal actions may be initiated.

25-Aug-06

Laurent Clerc National Deaf Education Center

ACCEPTABLE USE PROCEDURES AGREEMENT

STUDENT'S AGREEMENT:

I have read and understood the Laurent Clerc National Deaf Education Center Acceptable Use Policy. I agree to follow the rules contained in this Policy. I understand if I commit any violation, my technology privileges may be suspended, school disciplinary action may be taken, and/or appropriate criminal and legal actions may be initiated.

Date: _____________

Student Name (please print): _______________________________

Student Signature: _______________________________________

PARENT OR GUARDIAN AGREEMENT:  (Students under the age of 18 must also have the signature of a parent or guardian who has read this contract.)

I have read and understood the Laurent Clerc National Deaf Education Center Acceptable Use Policy.

Release: I agree to waive any and all claims against Gallaudet University and its employees, agents, executors, successors and assigns and hold them harmless.  These claims include, but are not limited to, those seeking compensation or reimbursement for personal injury or death, property loss, property damage, impairment of reputation, breach of contract, or other loss arising from my child’s use of the school computer system. 

Indemnification: I agree to defend, indemnify and hold harmless Gallaudet University and its employees, agents, executors, successors and assigns, from and against any and all manner of actions, claims or liability which is asserted against Gallaudet University as a result my son’s or daughter’s use of the school computer system.

I will instruct my child regarding any restrictions against accessing materials that are in addition to the restrictions set forth in the Acceptable Use Policy.  I hereby give my permission to issue an electronic mail account and provide Internet access to my child and certify that the information contained on this form is correct.

Date: _____________

Parent or Guardian Name (please print): _________________________

Parent or Guardian Signature:__________________________________

Copyright © 2006 Gallaudet University Laurent Clerc National Deaf Education Center
800 Florida Ave. NE
Washington, DC 20002
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