Acceptable Use of Computers and Internet
Students and staff at the Tennessee College of Applied Technology - Memphis deserve secure, respectful, cooperative use of the College’s computer system and the Internet. This Acceptable Use Policy is designed to meet those goals. The College expects variation in what constitutes acceptable use of College computers in each class and the class instructor will determine the particular policy applicable to each system he or she operates, subject to review by the Director or Assistant Director.
Students will not allow unauthorized people access to College equipment or software and will not themselves copy or remove from the College without permission any College hardware or software.
All computer use including Internet use must be in support of education and research and appropriate for the assignment. The College is not responsible for a student’s access to any inappropriate material. All students at the College will be taught ethics and acceptable use of the computer system and the Internet. If there is a complaint about inappropriate usage, the instructor will resolve it. If not resolved by the instructor, the Director or Assistant Director will review the complaint. Usage that is deemed inappropriate will be grounds for suspension or dismissal from the College.
Inappropriate usage includes, but is not limited to:
Using the computer network or Internet for personal and private matters including electronic mail outside the College.
Hate mail, harassment, discriminatory remarks, and other antisocial behaviors, including spamming.
Accessing pornographic or obscene material.
Accessing confidential material including, but not limited to test files and personal/personnel records.
Destroying, inappropriate deleting or changing, or otherwise damaging hardware or software.
Downloading and/or installing programs or data files on College computers without written permission of the Instructor.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Any person who violates this policy will be subject to appropriate disciplinary sanction, including dismissal and/or possible prosecution. (See TBR Policy 3:02:00:01 regarding Student Conduct and Disciplinary Sanctions)
Violations:
Violations of the policy will result in action by the appropriate institution office. Students who violate this policy will be referred to the Coordinator of Student Services for appropriate action. Employees who violate this policy may be subject to disciplinary measures imposed by their supervisor in conjunction with the institution’s administration. Violations of local, state or federal laws regarding unlawful access or use may be referred to the appropriate law enforcement officials for investigation and/or prosecution.
Inspection of Electronic Records:
Electronic records sent, received, or stored on computers owned, leased, or administered by the Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Memphis are the property of the College and the Tennessee Board of Regents. As the property of TCAT Memphis and TBR, the content of such records, including electronic mail, are subject to inspection by TCAT Memphis personnel. Users should have no reasonable expectation of privacy in the use of these resources.