Keuka College Acceptable Use Policy Review
The Information Technology Advisory Committee has been charged with developing an acceptable use policy (AUP) and is soliciting your input to ensure that any issues or concerns are considered prior to endorsement and presentation to the appropriate governance organization. Our AUP will define the rules of how technology is used, as well as the expected behaviors of those using technology at Keuka College.
You are invited to read this important document and provide the committee with any suggestions or concerns you might have regarding its content. We are asking that you provide the committee with your input by Dec. 1, 2010.
If you should have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact the Information Technology Advisory Committee at IT_Advisory_Committee@keuka.edu.
Keuka College Acceptable Use Policy
Dec. 8 update: Acceptable Use Policy (PDF)
Oct. 26 initial draft: Acceptable Use Policy (PDF)
Acceptable Use Policy FAQs
What is an Acceptable Use Policy? (AUP)
- It is a Policy – Non-negotiable and does not need a signature
- It is specific in its definition of acceptable and unacceptable use of technology that is the property of Keuka College
- It is a legal and binding document
- It is specific in its definition of consequences for violations
- It may be differentiated for student, faculty or staff
- It is a document that will protect the intellectual property, financial assets and reputation of the organization
- It demonstrate institutional diligence towards compliance with state and federal regulations and laws
What is the purpose of an Acceptable Use Policy?
- Reduce the risk of lawsuits
- Simplify life for computer systems administrators
- Discourage copyright infringement, software piracy, and plagiarism
- Discourage use of computers and networks for profit or politics
- Mitigate risks peculiar to computer communication
- Define rules for efficient, ethical, legal computer/network use
- Promote safe and appropriate computer social behavior
- Assure Internet users that their online activities are monitored or assure Internet users that their privacy is (or is not) being respected
- Preserve digital materials created by students and teachers
- Encourage ethical behavior, and discourage criminal behavior
- Encourage individual integrity and honesty
- Encourage respect for others and their private property
- Allow enforcement of necessary rules of behavior
- Protect the school networking equipment and software from danger
- Help improve network efficiency by influencing resource usage
How should an Acceptable Use Policy be written?
- As a document that you may have to rely upon in court
- Directed to high level technical knowledge and the common level
- Its tone should be serious and official – The community should take it seriously
- Institutional legal council should review and have input into the document
- The President should endorse the document
Why should Keuka College have an Acceptable Use Policy?
- Demonstrate diligence in compliance
- Protect intellectual property
- Safeguard community
- Support the reliability and availability of systems and services
- Protect the college’s reputation
- Create a policy that may be relied upon in court
- Educate the community on what is acceptable and unacceptable behavior
- Promote academic freedom through the protection of all systems and services that might support scholarly activities
