Students, faculty, and staff of DeKalb Technical College have access to computing resources and are issued a user account to access some of these resources. The proper use of the computing resources is the responsibility of the individual who is allowed to use them. User accounts must not be shared and passwords should be protected. The privilege of using the computing resources brings with it the responsibility of exercising high standards of honesty and considerate behavior. Students are expected to use the computing resources only for their academic work, to demonstrate consideration of others, and to obey all DeKalb Tech regulations and relevant laws. The intent of this policy is to allow maximum freedom of use consistent with DeKalb Tech policy, along with state and federal law, to help ensure a productive learning and working environment.

DeKalb Tech’s computing resources are provided for currently enrolled students and authorized users only. Privacy of DeKalb Tech users is respected, but general usage and system resources are monitored in order to detect unauthorized access, illegal activities, and proper network performance. When there is suspicion of illegal or inappropriate activities, the user’s files are subject to inspection. Anyone using DeKalb Tech’s computing resources expressly consents to this monitoring and is duly advised that any evidence of criminal activity may be provided to College officials and/or law enforcement officials.

The following regulations apply to all users:

1. Computing resources are intended to be used for academic pursuits and should not be used for any type of commercial gain or advertising.
2. Use of computing resources is for DeKalb Tech students, faculty, and staff in the pursuit of learning, teaching, or in assisting the administrative operations in support of educational endeavors.
3. Deleted files are subject to being restored using backup software or other utilities as necessary to document user abuse.
4. E-mail, along with other computer files, cannot be considered private, given the open nature of the Internet; computer users should avoid sending or storing confidential information.
5. Users of computing resources must not attempt unauthorized access to computer installations outside DeKalb Tech’s network.
6. Users agree to abide by all patent, trademark, trade name, and copyright laws. DeKalb Tech prohibits the unauthorized copying or electronic transmission of copyrighted computer software, computer data, and software manuals. Such unauthorized duplication or installation is grounds for disciplinary action by DeKalb Tech and is subject to criminal prosecution under the Federal Computer Fraud and Abuse Act of 1986. According to the U.S. Copyright Statutes, illegal reproduction or installation of software can be subject to civil damages of $50,000 or more, and criminal penalties including fines and imprisonment.
7. Users must not copy or delete software from any computer or server.
8. Users must not copy unauthorized software to any computer or server.
9. Users must not attempt to alter any restrictions associated with their computer accounts.
10. Computer users must not use computing resources to send or publish obscene, vulgar, rude, abusive, threatening, or harassing messages via electronic mail or other means.
11. Computer users must not attempt to access, store, or print offensive or pornographic material.
12. Computer users must not tamper with any computers, networks, equipment, software, configuration parameters, files, or documentation. This includes, but is not limited to, moving of equipment and connecting devices to computing equipment.
13. Computer users must not intentionally damage, interfere with, or copy the information of another user.
14. Computer users who maliciously introduce or spread computer viruses will have their computing resources terminated and are subject to other disciplinary action.
15. Users must refrain from monopolizing systems or overloading systems or networks with excessive data. They must also refrain from wasting computer time, connect time, disk space, printer paper, manuals, or other resources.

DeKalb Tech will suspend or revoke computing privileges to any individual or group who abuses the provisions listed above. Violators of the computer resources regulations are subject to additional disciplinary action by DeKalb Tech. State and federal agencies will be notified as necessary.