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IT Policy for Responsible Use

Preamble

In support of its mission of instruction and public service, Joliet Junior College provides access to informational resources for students, faculty, and staff within institutional priorities and financial capabilities.

The Policy for Responsible Use of Information Technology at Joliet Junior College contains the governing philosophy for regulating faculty, student, and staff use of the College's information technology resources. It spells out the general principles regarding the appropriate use of equipment, software, and networks. By this policy, the College recognizes that all members of the College are also bound by local, state, and federal laws relating to copyrights, security, and other statutes regarding electronic media. The policy also recognizes the responsibility of faculty and system administrators to take a leadership role in implementing the policy and assuring that the College community complies with the policy.

Policy

All members of the Joliet Junior College community who use the college's computing, information, and communication resources must act responsibly. Every user is responsible for the integrity of these resources under his/her control. All users of College-owned or College-leased information technology systems must respect the rights of other users, respect the integrity of the physical facilities and controls, and comply with all pertinent licenses, contractual agreements, and all JJC policies and procedures. It is the policy of the Joliet Junior College that all members of its community act in accordance with these responsibilities, relevant laws and contractual obligations, and the highest standard of ethics. The user agrees to hold harmless the College, its employees and agents from any claim arising out of the user’s breach of this policy.

Information technology provides important means of communications, both public and private. Users and system administrators will respect the privacy of person-to-person communication in all forms, including voice (telephone), text (electronic mail and file transfer), and image (graphics and television).

Joliet Junior College reserves the right to extend, restrict, or deny privileges and access to its information resources.

Access to the Joliet Junior College's information technology facilities is a privilege granted to students, faculty, staff, and business partners. It is not a right. Access to information resources may be granted by the College, in its discretion, based on, and not limited to, the following factors:

• relevant laws, contractual obligations, JJC's security policies
• the requester's need to know
• the information's sensitivity

Individuals other than College faculty, staff, and students may be permitted access to information in the College's sole discretion and under such terms and conditions as the College may from time to time impose.

College facilities and accounts are to be used for the activities or purposes for which they are assigned. Computing resources are not to be used for commercial purposes without written authorization from the College. In these cases, the College will require payment of appropriate fees. This policy applies equally to all College owned or College leased equipment.

It is not acceptable to use Joliet Junior College's information technology for any illegal or unlawful purposes. It is not acceptable to use Joliet Junior College's information technology in such a way as to interfere with or disrupt network users, services, or equipment. Such interference or disruption includes, but is not limited to: distribution of unsolicited advertising; transmission of threatening, obscene, or harassing materials; propagation of computer worms or viruses; or use of the network to make unauthorized entry to other computational, information, or communications devices or resources.

Users and system administrators must all guard against abuses that disrupt or threaten the viability of all systems, including those at the College and those on networks to which the Joliet Junior College's systems are connected. Access to information resources without proper authorization from the data owner, unauthorized use of Joliet Junior College's facilities, and intentional corruption or misuse of information resources are direct violations of the College's standards for conduct, as outlined in the Joliet Junior College's Board Policies, Personnel Procedures Manual, College collective bargaining agreements, the Student Handbook, and the Student Code of Conduct, and may also bring civil or criminal charges.

Implementation

The Technology Advisory Council (TAC) is responsible for adopting general guidelines for the implementation of this policy. Informational services (i.e.: FTP/Gophers/Web page Servers with the exception of Electronic mail) via the network must be reviewed and approved by the TAC. Academic or Administrative areas/units may adopt additional guidelines for the use of their own systems and are responsible for making this policy and those guidelines available to all users.

Enforcement

Violations of this policy, including any appendices, shall be cause for discipline. Alleged violations of this policy shall be subject to the procedures outlined in the Joliet Junior College Board Policies, Personnel Procedures Manual, College collective bargaining agreements, the Student Handbook, and the Student Code of Conduct. The Joliet Junior College treats access and use violations of computing facilities, equipment, software, information resources, networks, or privileges seriously. Unauthorized or improper use will lead to the possible revocation of the user's access. The College may also require restitution for any use which is in violation of the usage guidelines. The Joliet Junior College will pursue criminal and civil prosecution of violators when appropriate.

Joliet Junior College is indebted to the University of Cincinnati for considerable use of their Policy for Responsible Use of Information Technology.

Adopted 11/95, Revised 5/06