Internet Use Policy
The Internet Use Policy is included in the current catalog and policy manual.
Acceptable Use of the Internet and College Email
The college encourages the use of the Internet and email because they make communication more efficient and effective. However, Internet service and E-mail are college property, and their purpose is to facilitate college business. Every person has a responsibility to maintain and enhance the college’s public image and to use college email and access to the Internet in a productive manner. To ensure that all persons act responsibly, the following guidelines have been established for using email and the Internet. Any improper use of the Internet or email is not acceptable and will not be permitted.
Unacceptable Use of the Internet and College Email
The college email and Internet access may not be used for transmitting, retrieving, or storing of any communications of a discriminatory or harassing nature or materials that are obscene or X-rated. Harassment of any kind is prohibited. No messages with derogatory or inflammatory remarks about an individual’s race, age, disability, religion, national origin, physical attributes, or sexual preference shall be transmitted. No abusive, profane or offensive language is to be transmitted through the college’s email or Internet system. Electronic media may also not be used for any other purpose which is illegal or against college policy or contrary to the college’s best interest. Solicitation of non-college business or any use of the college email or Internet for personal gain is prohibited.
Communications
Each person is responsible for the content of all text, audio or images that they send over the college’s email/Internet system. No email or other electronic communications may be sent which hides the identity of the sender or represents the sender as someone else. All messages communicated on the college’s email/Internet system should contain the person’s name. Any messages or information sent by a person to an individual outside of the college via an electronic network (e.g., bulletin board, online service, or Internet) are statements that reflect on the college. While some users include personal “disclaimers” in electronic messages, there is still a connection to the college, and the statements may be tied to the college. All communications sent by persons via the college’s email/Internet system must comply with this and other college policies and may not disclose any confidential or proprietary college information.
Software
To prevent computer viruses from being transmitted through the college’s email/Internet system, there will be no unauthorized downloading of any unauthorized software. All software downloaded must be registered to the college. Persons should contact the CBC Network Center at (361) 354-2522 if they have any questions.
Copyright Issues
Copyrighted materials belonging to entities other than this college may not be transmitted by persons on the college’s email/Internet system. All persons obtaining access to other companies’ or individuals’ materials must respect all copyrights and may not copy, retrieve, modify, or forward copyrighted materials, except with permission, or as a single copy for reference only. Failure to observe copyright or license agreements may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination.
Security
The college routinely monitors usage patterns for its email/Internet communications. The reasons for monitoring are many, including cost analysis/allocation and the management of the college’s gateway to the Internet. All messages created, sent, or retrieved over the college’s email/Internet are the property of the college and should be considered public information. The college reserves the right to access and monitor all messages and files on the college’s email/Internet system. Persons should not assume electronic communications are private and should transmit highly confidential data in other ways.
Violations
Any person who abuses the privilege of college facilitated access to email or the Internet will be subject to corrective action up to and including expulsion. If necessary, the college also reserves the right to advise appropriate legal officials of any illegal violations. Any student violating this policy shall be subject to discipline, including suspension. Once the form is completed, then the grades for courses that no longer count in a student’s GPA will be marked with the pound symbol (#). A student receiving a CBC certificate or degree with courses thus marked cannot request that courses be unmarked. A student may only exercise the change of program option once, and once exercised it is irrevocable.