2016-2017 LSCPA Catalog | Page 55

Lamar State College Port Arthur 2016-2017 Catalog Revised 9-13-16 Internet Use Policies The College maintains a connection to the internet in support of its mission. Users must be aware that all internet usage, including source and destination, can be recorded and stored. Users have no right to privacy with regard to internet use. The College has the ability and right to view any user’s usage patterns and take action to assure internet resources are devoted to maintaining the highest levels of productivity. The internet path record is the property of the College and therefore the people of the State of Texas. Such information is subject to the Texas Public Information Act and the state laws applicable to records retention. Using the college’s internet connection to access information, images or other materials that violate any federal laws, state laws, Texas State University System rules or LSCPA policies is strictly prohibited. Using the internet connection to access other computer systems in violation of state or federal law is prohibited. Using the internet connection to access other computer systems in violation of the policies of the entity that owns those systems is strictly prohibited. Electronic Messaging Policies Access to and the responsible use of modern information resources are essential to the pursuit and achievement of excellence. The College encourages the appropriate use of electronic messaging to enhance productivity. Use of these resources must be consistent with the college’s goals of education, research, and public service. “Electronic messaging” refers to those computer applications such as email, instant messaging, video and/or audio conferencing/collaboration, chat rooms, newsgroups, list servers, streaming media, message boards or any other application that allows a user to interactively or passively communicate with one or more persons or entities using the college computing or communications resources. Responsible users of electronic messaging applications are expected to act in accordance with the following policies based on common sense, common decency and civility applied to the networked computing environment. Information sent as electronic messages should meet the same standards for distribution or display as if they were tangible documents or instruments. Users must be clearly and accurately identified in all electronic communications. actions taken is never appropriate. Alteration of the source of electronic messages or postings is unethical and possibly illegal. Electronic messaging facilities are for collegerelated activities only. All electronic messaging files belong to someone. Aside from the college’s right of access, they should be assumed to be private and confidential unless the owner has explicitly made them available to others. The College cannot guarantee the privacy or confidentiality of electronic documents or communications. Users must respect the rights of others and must not send, post or broadcast abusive, threatening, illegal, indecent or harassing materials. While debate on controversial issues is inevitable and essential, users must do so in a way that actually advances the cause of learning and mutual understanding. Electronic messaging and other network resources may not be used for commercial purposes or for personal financial gain. The same standards of conduct expected of users regarding the use of telephones, libraries and other college resources apply to the use of electronic messaging. Users will be held no less accountable for actions in situations involving electronic messaging than when dealing with other media. Any communication where the meaning of the message, or its transmission or distribution, would be illegal, unethical or irresponsible is to be avoided. Telephone System Use Policies The college’s telephone facilities include any telephone or voice communication device including the Phone Mail System. Users shall: • Be accountable for using these facilities in an effective ethical and lawful manner. • Only use those facilities for which they have authorization, whether these facilities are at the College or at any other facility accessible through the telephone network. • Take all reasonable steps to protect the privacy of others as well as the integrity of the College. Users shall not share with others PIN numbers, passwords, or any other authorization which has been assigned to them. • Concealing or misrepresenting a name or affiliation in order to be dissociated from responsibility for Page 54 of 135 Be aware that all calls are monitored by a Call Detail Recording System located in the Computer Center. These reports are published