Computer Use Policy for Computer Classes

Link to Privacy, Refunds, and Other BAS Policies
Student Tech Use Policy (pdf)

In support of the Berkeley Adult School’s mission of teaching, research, and public service, the school provides computer skills training, networking, and information resources to the community of students, faculty, and staff.

Rights and Responsibilities
Computers and networks can provide access to resources on and off campus, as well as the ability to communicate with other users worldwide. Such open access is a privilege and requires that individual users act responsibly. Users must respect the rights of other users, respect the integrity of the systems and related physical resources, and observe all relevant laws, regulations, and contractual obligations.

Students and staff may have rights of access to information about themselves contained in computer files, as specified in federal and state laws. Files may be subject to search under court order. In addition, system administrators may access user files as required to protect the integrity of computer systems. For example, following organizational guidelines, system administrators may access or examine files or accounts that are suspected of unauthorized use or misuse, or that have been corrupted or damaged. Please see the Berkeley Adult School Privacy and Personal Information Policy for details.

Existing Legal Context
All existing laws (federal, state and city), Berkeley Adult School (BAS) and Berkeley Unified School District (BUSD) policies apply, including not only those laws and regulations that are specific to computers and networks, but also those that may apply generally to personal conduct.

Misuse of computing, networking, or information resources may result in the loss or restriction of computing privileges. Additionally, misuse can be prosecuted under applicable statutes. Users may be held accountable for their conduct under any applicable BAS/BUSD policies, procedures, or collective bargaining agreements. Complaints alleging misuse of campus computing and network resources will be directed to those responsible for taking appropriate disciplinary action. Reproduction or distribution of copyrighted works, including, but not limited to, images, text, or software, without permission of the owner is an infringement of U.S. Copyright Law and is subject to civil damages and criminal penalties including fines and imprisonment.

Personal Information Restrictions
Please see the Berkeley Adult School Privacy and Personal Information Policy.

It is forbidden to take personal student or staff information off campus without the express written consent of the Principal of Berkeley Adult School or the Superintendent of Berkeley Unified School District. This includes personal student or staff information in any form. Please see a BAS administrator if you have any questions regarding this restriction.

Student or staff private information must never be used in conjunction with laptops, flash drives or other recordable media. No student or staff personal information can leave Berkeley Adult School without written permission from the Principal.

Some Examples of Misuse
Examples of misuse include, but are not limited to, the activities in the following list:

  • Taking student or staff personal information off campus without the permission of the Principal or Superintendent.
  • Downloading or installing any software without prior administrative review and approval.
  • Inappropriate activity or “playing” that damages equipment, software or networks.
  • Eating or drinking near computer terminals.
  • Using a computer account that you are not authorized to use.
  • Obtaining a password for a computer account without the consent of the account owner.
  • Using the campus network to gain unauthorized access to any computer systems.
  • Knowingly performing an act which will interfere with the normal operation of computers, terminals, peripherals, or networks.
  • Knowingly running or installing on any computer system or network, or giving to another user, a program intended to damage or to place excessive load on a computer system or network. This includes but is not limited to programs known as computer viruses, Trojan horses, and worms and/or attachments that use excessive resources or are not related to the business of BAS.
  • Attempting to circumvent data protection schemes or uncover security loopholes.
  • Violating terms of applicable software, licensing agreements or copyright laws.
  • Deliberately wasting computing resources.
  • Using electronic mail to harass others.
  • Using the internet during working hours for personal business.
  • Masking the identity of an account or machine.
  • Posting materials on electronic bulletin boards that violate existing laws or the BAS codes of conduct.
  • Attempting to monitor or tamper with another user’s electronic communications, or reading, copying, changing, or deleting another user’s files or software without the explicit agreement of the owner.
  • Activities will not be considered misuse when authorized by appropriate BAS officials for security or performance testing.

Additional Use Policies
The Computer Use Policy applies to use of all Berkeley Adult School computing resources. Additional computer and network use policies and terms and conditions may be in place for specific electronic services offered by the BAS staff.

Appropriate Use
BAS extends to students, faculty, and staff the privilege to use its computers and network. When you are provided access to our campus network, you are enabled to send and receive electronic mail messages around the world, share in the exchange of ideas through electronic news groups, and use Web browsers and other Internet tools to search and find needed information.

The Internet is a very large set of connected computers, whose users make up a worldwide community. In addition to formal policies, regulations, and laws which govern your use of computers and networks, the Internet user community observes informal standards of conduct. These standards are based on common understandings of appropriate, considerate behavior which evolved in the early days of the Internet, when it was used mainly by an academic and highly technical community. The Internet now has a much wider variety of users, but the early codes of conduct persist, crossing boundaries of geography and government, in order to make using the Internet a positive, productive, experience. You are expected to comply with these informal standards and be a “good citizen” of the Internet.

Enforcement
Penalties may be imposed under one or more of the following: Berkeley Unified School District and Berkeley Adult School regulations, City of Berkeley laws and regulations, California law, or the laws of the United States.

Minor infractions of this policy or those that appear accidental in nature are typically handled informally by electronic mail or in-person discussions. More serious infractions are handled via formal procedures, In some situations, it may be necessary to suspend account privileges to prevent ongoing misuse while the situation is under investigation.

Infractions by staff or students may result in the temporary or permanent restriction of access privileges, notification of a student’s Vice Principal and/or referral of the situation to the Student Safety Officer. Infractions by a faculty or staff member may result in referral to a BAS administrator for disciplinary purposes as per Board policy, collective bargaining agreements as per BAS policy/past practices.

Offenses which are in violation of local, state, or federal laws may result in the restriction of computing privileges, and will be reported to the appropriate law enforcement authority.

Please contact the main office if you have any questions or concerns regarding this acceptable use agreement.

Revision August 1, 2008.

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