Computer and Systems Usage Policy (AUP)

Note: If you have not already done so, please login to your onCampus portal and sign this document electronically for submission.

All persons using the School’s computers, the School’s computer systems, or personal computing devices on School property or over the School’s systems are required to abide by the School’s Acceptable Use Policy (AUP). The policy will be reviewed and signed by students and parents.  Failure to follow such policy will result in appropriate disciplinary action determined by the School administration.  All computers should be used in a responsible, ethical and legal manner. The school expects those who use the computers to do so in a way that is consistent with Alcuin School’s educational mission and this policy.

Privilege: The use of Alcuin’s systems is a privilege and not a right.  Inappropriate or illegal use of the school’s systems or the Internet will result in loss of the privilege and disciplinary action as described in the Consequence section of the AUP and in the Disciplinary section of the Student handbook.

General Principles:  Access to computer systems, equipment and networks owned or operated by Alcuin School imposes certain responsibilities and obligations and is only for the use of current Alcuin students subject to school policies, and local, state and federal laws.

Acceptable use is always

• Ethical
• Reflects academic honesty
• Shows restraint in the consumption of shared resources
• Demonstrates respect for
  • intellectual and physical property
  • ownership of data
  • system security
  • individuals’ rights to privacy
• Freedom from intimidation and harassment.

Violations of the following guidelines may result in the temporary or permanent revocation of access privileges and possible disciplinary responses.

General Guidelines: Use resources only for authorized purposes that support the School’s educational objectives.

• Never share your ID/Password information with anyone.  Students should give this information only to their parents.  You are responsible for all activities under your user id or that originate from your system. 
• Do not use another person’s user id/password.
• Do not access another individual's hardware, materials, information, email, or files without permission.
• Use only legal versions of copyrighted software, movies, music, games, and the like in compliance with vendor or publisher license requirements. All users are expected to follow existing copyright laws. 
• Permission from Director of Technology is required before any software can be installed.
• Only the use of school issued laptops is allowed when on campus or using the school network. 
• Do not attempt to decode, collect or change passwords, access control information, delay processes or circumvent or sabotage system or network security.
• Do not waste computing resources or services. Be considerate in your use of shared resources. Refrain from wasting
  • Computer time
  • Connect time
  • Disk space
  • Printer paper and toner
  • Personnel time

• Do not use the Alcuin School systems or networks for personal use during school hours.
• Never give out personal information (address, telephone number, name of School, address of School, date of birth, Social Security Number, credit card number, etc.) over the Internet. 
• Do not access, create, upload, download, or distribute any of the following digital media:
  • Hate related
  • Drug related
  • Pornographic
  • Obscene material
  • Sexually explicit material
  • Material that contains threatening language.
  • Do not take part, join or create accounts in any form of software or digital media that is not age appropriate.
• Do not violate any local, state, or federal statute.
• Official School files or documents are not to be posted on non-Alcuin School sites.
• It is prohibited to record (audio or video) any student or staff member without written consent. This includes recordings made by students on their personal devices. Reception of inappropriate audio/video material should be reported to a Teacher or Division Head immediately.

  Email, Groups, Messaging, Texting, Blogging, and Social Networking guidelines:

• Posting messages, blogs, or browsing social networking sites while anywhere on campus is prohibited unless specifically set up by school personnel for school use.
• The use of electronic mail or messaging services to harass or threaten others will be disciplined. Students should be made aware that deleted emails can be un-deleted.
• Do not use any language or content that you would not be willing to share from the podium of a School meeting. Do not use commentary deemed to be defamatory, obscene, proprietary, or libelous.
• Do not use email to circulate advertising for products, services or political purposes.
• Attempting to or sending anonymous messages of any kind is prohibited.
• Taking unapproved videos/photos of people and events at school and/or related events and posting any such material without permission on any website is strictly forbidden.
• Students should not discuss on any type of electronic medium the school, its management, or other members in a manner that is illegal and could damage the school or its members or bring them into disrepute.
• The school reserves the right to randomly check school-provided email and access any technology equipment utilized by students.

Publishing to the Internet: Student work will be published online, specifically on the class or School website, but may also involve other websites as needed for specific class projects.

Reporting Requirements:  Any student who receives harassing, threatening, or inappropriate materials via email or the Internet or knows someone who has, must immediately report the concern to a faculty member or Administrator so that the situation may be investigated.

Personal Electronics: Personal devices are NOT allowed on the school network. In addition to the right to inspect school-owned computers, any personal device brought onto campus with or without permission is subject to search. The school is not liable for lost or stolen electronics. 

Elementary and Middle School Provisions:

• Any personal electronics, including phones, computers, and smart watches brought to school by students must be turned off and left in the locker until the end of the school day. If the item makes a sound while in the locker or is found outside the locker regardless of whether it is in use, the item will be confiscated and turned into the Head of School Assistant’s office for pickup by the parent at the end of the day.
• Middle School may use earbuds/headphones only with permission with their laptops and they should not be visible while in the hallways or walking between buildings. They may be used, with permission, in the Middle School Commons or during study periods.
• This policy also applies to all school functions unless utilization is approved by a Division Head. Repeat offenses are subject to further consequences.

Upper School Provisions:

• Personal electronic devices (except laptops) may be brought to school but may not be used during classes except with the expressed permission of the teacher for curricular purposes.
• Devices used during class or field trips without permission will be confiscated and turned in to the Assistant to the Head of School. Students will need to sign a log upon release of their device.
• Earbuds, cell phones or headphones may not be visible while in the hallways or walking between buildings. They may be used in the Upper School Commons or during study periods.

Viruses: Every effort is made to keep our system virus-free.  Any USB or external drives brought into the school should first be scanned by administration for viruses. The school is not responsible for the transmission of any virus or for damage suffered by a virus. If a virus is detected, your computer is subject to reimaging.

 Computer Care: Students will not abuse, tamper with, take apart or willfully damage any computer equipment. The cost of any accidental or deliberate physical damage to the computer will be the responsibility of the parents.

• Transporting laptops
  • When going home they should be turned off and in a case.
  • When traveling between buildings, classes and up and down stairs the lids should always be closed and if possible they should be in a case.

• School equipment should be treated with respect, kept clean and handled carefully.
  • Any intentional destructive acts will result in discipline.  Cost of damage will be the responsibility of the parents.
  • Never leave equipment in hot cars or in full view.
  • Equipment should not be plugged in during a storm, unless on a reliable power surge protector.
  • Books or other heavy items should not be laid on top of the laptop.
  • Laptops should not be carried with the screen open or held by the screen.
  • Keep computers clear of all food and drink. 
  • Laptop decorations must be appropriate in symbolism and language and removable without damage to the laptop.
  • Always shut down the computer in the proper order.
  • Allow for system and software updates to install by shutting down and starting up your computer properly.
  • Laptops should be charged overnight and brought to school every day completely charged.
  • School equipment should always be locked up appropriately.
  • Students are responsible for keeping their files backed up.

School’s Right to Inspect: The school reserves the right to inspect user directories for inappropriate files and to remove them if found and to take other appropriate action if deemed necessary.  Do not assume any messages or materials on your school issued computer or the school’s systems are private.  It is also the school’s responsibility to report what may be illegal or age inappropriate to the proper authorities.         

Alcuin School considers any violation of acceptable use policies or guidelines to be a serious offense and reserves the right to copy and examine any files or information resident on school systems allegedly related to unacceptable use, and to protect its network from systems and events that threaten or degrade operations.

In addition to the right to inspect school owned computers, any personal device brought onto campus with or without permission is subject to search.

Disclaimer: Alcuin School makes no guarantee that the services provided will be error-free or without defect. The School will not be responsible for any damage suffered including, but not limited to, loss of data or disruption of service.

Consequences:   Any user violating AUP policies or applicable state and federal laws is subject to loss of computer and network privileges and any other disciplinary actions (refer to the Disciplinary section of the Student Handbook and the AUP below), including criminal prosecution, deemed appropriate.  School administrators will make the final determination as to what constitutes unacceptable use. Parents will be notified and consequences will be reviewed by the Division Head, the Technology Director, and/or the Head of School and when appropriate, the Dean of Students. Consequences may involve but not be limited to any of the following:

• Writing of an essay reflection
• Re-imaging of laptop
• Fines
• Partial or permanent restriction of access to the Internet
• Temporary or permanent loss of use of the technology equipment
• Loss of privilege to keep laptop over the summer
• Loss of privilege to keep laptop after graduation
• Classroom Removal
• Campus Removal
• Probation
• Expulsion

Offenders also may be prosecuted under laws including, but not limited to Computer Fraud and Abuse Act of 1986, the Computer Virus Eradication Act of 1989, Interstate Transportation of Stolen Property and the Electronic Communications Privacy Act.