Outlook: Terms of Use

REGULATIONS AND PROCEDURES
POLICY # 7.90.01
DISTRICT TECHNOLOGIES AND INFORMATION SYSTEMS


POLICY

THE BOARD RECOGNIZES THE IMPORTANT ROLE OF DISTRICT TECHNOLOGIES AND INFORMATION SYSTEMS IN THE PURSUIT OF ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE FUNCTIONING. THE BOARD’S OBJECTIVE IS TO PROVIDE STAFF AND STUDENTS ACCESS TO INFORMATION IN SECURE AND RELIABLE TECHNOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENTS WITH STANDARDS ESTABLISHED FOR APPROPRIATE USE, SECURITY AND ADMINISTRATION OF DISTRICT TECHNOLOGIES AND INFORMATION SYSTEMS.

ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATIONS

DEFINITIONS

In this Policy,Information Systems and District Technologies means all hardware and software, applications, procedures, processes and controls of the District, used by or in schools or in the operation of the District.

District Staff means employees of the Board of Education of School District No. 41 (Burnaby).
Network means the School District system local and wide area networks, and includes the Provincial Learning Network (PLNet) and Internet.

Internet means the public Internet.

PLNet means the wide area network that connects over 1800 schools, post secondary, and other public institutions in British Columbia

User means any person who uses District Technologies, Information Systems, or Network, including any District Staff, student, trustee, parent, guest, or volunteer.

STAFF ACCEPTABLE USE

The District Technologies and Information Systems Acceptable Use Regulation for District Staff is intended to ensure District Technologies and Information Systems are used in a responsible, efficient, ethical, secure and legal manner in accordance with applicable laws and School District policy.

District Staff must ensure that appropriate measures are taken to ensure the protection of confidential information and to ensure they do not improperly disseminate confidential or third party personal information.

All users must acknowledge their understanding of this policy and agree to adhere to it as a condition of receiving a User account or accessing District Technologies or Information Systems.

In order to be issued access privileges to District Technologies or Information Systems, all users must fill out form F100a District Technologies and Information Systems Acceptable Use Agreement for Staff.

Access to District Technologies and Information Systems is to be used for educational purposes and for conducting School District business only. Use of District Technologies for any other purpose is prohibited including, without limitation, commercial, criminal, obscene or illegal purposes. However, limited incidental personal use is permitted.

Use in violation of this policy may lead to the suspension or termination of access to District Technologies or Information Systems and discipline, up to and including dismissal.

If the School District has reason to believe this policy has been violated or that District Technologies or Information Systems have been misused, the School District may access any files on the system or access any School District hardware.

The School District will cooperate fully with any other school district, provincial, federal or other authorized officials in any investigation concerning or relating to privacy violations or criminal conduct.

Use of District Technologies or Information Systems

School District Staff with network access are responsible for appropriate behaviour on school district networks. Users must conduct themselves in a responsible, decent, ethical and appropriate manner while using District Technologies and Information Systems.

District Technologies and Information Systems are intended to support teaching, learning and administration.

Unacceptable uses of the District Technologies and Information Systems include, but are not limited to:

  • violating the privacy of others, including students, their families, volunteers or District Staff;
  • using profanity, obscenity, or other language which may reasonably be expected to be offensive to others;
  • using District Technologies and Information Systems for financial gain or for commercial or political purposes or to engage in illegal activity;
  • spreading computer viruses, Trojans or other malicious software;
  • downloading, uploading, storing, sharing or printing files or messages that are in violation of Ministry or School District policies or provincial/federal law;
  • damaging or tampering with computers, computer systems or computer networks;
  • accessing others’ folders, work or files without authorization;
  • use of others’ passwords;
  • hiding or disguising one’s identity;
  • accessing pornography;
  • downloading copyright protected materials without