Introduction             

Internet, network access and other technologies are available to students and staff at St. Victor School (SVS).  The use of St. Victor School's computer network, the Internet, and other technologies (including, but not limited to:  Smart Boards, digital cameras, portable devices and phone system), is a privilege, not a right, and inappropriate use may result in cancellation of these privileges.  St. Victor School reserves the right to terminate, suspend, or otherwise limit access to the aforementioned privileges at any time. Such decisions are made by the pastor and the principal of the school and are final. St. Victor's reserves the right to inspect or review files for security purposes.

Computer/Network Policy

General Computer Use - Users are responsible for appropriate behavior while using any of the computer resources at SVS. Computer administrators may need to review files to maintain system integrity and insure that users are using the computers responsibly. To that extent, users should not expect that their files will always be private.  The activities listed below are not permitted:

• Taking or consuming food or beverage in the Computer Lab or by the laptop computers.
• Using offensive messages or pictures.
• Using someone else’s password or attempting to retrieve their password.
• Using, harming or destroying the data or work of another user.
• Intentionally damaging hardware or software.
• Changing settings on the computer without appropriate permission.  This includes such things as desktop appearance, printer set-up, screensavers, etc.
• Transferring files or software to or from a school computer without appropriate permission.

Internet Use - Transmission of any material in violation of any national or state regulation, statute or legislation is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to: copyrighted material, trademarked material, material that violates unlawful use of computerized communication laws, or material protected by intellectual property laws.

Access to the internet will enable users to conduct research and explore thousands of libraries, databases, and other information sources.  Students’ use of the Internet must be in support of education and research and consistent with the educational objectives of St. Victor School.  Students will be allowed to use Web 2.0 tools, (blogs, wikis, podcasts, etc.), for educational purposes only.  Use of these tools is to be under the direct supervision of a teacher. Families should be warned that some materials accessible via the Internet may contain items that are illegal, defamatory, inaccurate, or potentially offensive to some people.  While our intent is to make Internet access available to further educational goals and objectives, students may find ways to access other materials as well.  We believe that the benefits to students from access to the Internet far exceed the disadvantages.  One of our primary goals at SVS is to teach students to use the Internet in a responsible manner.  We strongly encourage that parents monitor their son or daughter’s Internet use at home, not unlike the manner in which they monitor use of TV, video games, or telephone.  For safety purposes, we truly feel that all family computers should be placed in an area where all family members can have access to it.

In addition to the rules listed above for Computer/Network Use, when using the SVS computer network to access the Internet, the activities listed below are not permitted:

• Viewing or sending offensive messages or pictures.
• Harassing, insulting or attacking others.
• Intentionally harming computers, computer systems, or computer resources. This includes the creation and distribution of computer viruses.
• Students checking email without appropriate permission.
• Students accessing programs or web pages which do not pertain to the assignment or project at hand.
• Using the internet for commercial purposes, financial gain, or fraud. 
• Plagiarism.  Plagiarism refers to the taking of material created by others and presenting it as if it were one’s own.
• Students accessing social networking sites such as “MySpace,” “Facebook,” and “YouTube” outside of the classroom assignment. 

Network Etiquette - Network etiquette regards your behavior in the use of email, Internet, chatting, blogging, the phone and other St. Victor network resources. You are expected to abide by generally accepted rules of network etiquette.  These include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Comply with all school rules regarding behavior and personal conduct.  Be polite.
• Use appropriate language. Do not swear, use vulgarities, or other inappropriate language.
• Do not use the system for frivolous, harassing, or inconsiderate purposes, or to disrupt another person’s use of the system.
• Do not reveal personal information or the personal information of another student. This information includes complete name, phone number, address, or identifiable photo.
  

Other Notes: All students are reminded of the following information:

• Messages relating to or in support of illegal activities are required to be reported to the authorities.
• The equipment that offers and stores voicemail belongs to St. Victor. Therefore, access to and the use of St. Victor telephones should be in accordance with the previous guidelines.
• St. Victor School makes no warranties of any kind, whether expressed or implied, for the network service it is providing. St. Victor School will not be responsible for any damages you incur.

Usage Policy

Privacy – St. Victor may monitor and access the Network system, consistent with law and legitimate St. Victor business purposes, at any time without prior notice, including all files, messages, information, and data sent and received on the Network, and may lead to other discipline up to and including termination (employees) and expulsion (students).  Each student or staff member who receives an account will abide under its restrictions, and are consenting to St. Victor monitoring of the Network. The St. Victor Technology Specialist may close an account at any time without prior notice for reasons related to security and maintenance, Policy violation concerns, or other legitimate business needs of St. Victor. The administration, faculty, and staff of St. Victor School may request the St. Victor Technology Specialist to deny, revoke, or suspend specific end-user accounts in accordance with Policy. SVS assumes no responsibility for damage or loss of materials or time due to the improper use of SVS equipment. Users are encouraged to notify SVS staff of equipment problems so that repairs or replacements of malfunctioning equipment may be made in a timely manner.

Copyright  - All users will abide by federal copyright laws. Copyright violation occurs when a person inappropriately reproduces or transmits material that is protected by copyright.  For example, most software and music is protected by copyright and may not be copied without permission of the copyright owner.  Users who willfully disregard copyright law are in violation of this policy, are doing so at their own risk, and assume all liability. 

Equipment Policy

It is SVS policy that the user and/or the user’s department will be responsible for LOST, STOLEN, or DAMAGED equipment and media that has been scheduled for their use. Each group or employee must agree to the following terms:  Users are fully responsible for proper care of equipment, including repair or replacement of SVS equipment damaged as a result of use.  Users must provide adequate security and equipment is to be returned in the same condition as it was before usage.

Vandalism - Vandalism may result in the cancellation of privileges, and/or other discipline, up to and including expulsion. Vandalism is defined as any malicious attempt to harm or destroy data of another end-user or organization, irresponsible behavior in and around this equipment, hacking and physical damage to any network component, or as otherwise defined by law.  St. Victor reserves the right to recover its expenditures associated with a vandalism incident in accordance with Wisconsin laws and St. Victor Policy.

When equipment used on campus  is LOST, STOLEN, or DAMAGED the user and/or user’s department will pay all replacement or repair costs.

Costs - The cost for replacing equipment is:

• Full replacement value of the equipment if LOST, STOLEN, or DAMAGED beyond repair.
• Full replacement value of such items as adapters, extension cords, carrying cases and all other accessories.
• Parts for items that SVS staff is able to repair or parts and labor for those repairs done outside of SVS.

It is recommended that you check with SVS to determine if the department is willing to cover any potential costs or whether it will be your responsibility. If you have homeowner’s insurance, that policy may cover part, or all, of the costs.

Consequences - Violations of any of the rules listed above will be handled in accordance with the SVS Discipline Policy.  In certain instances, consequences may include:

• Suspension from class
• Suspension from school
• Loss of computer network access and/or technology equipment usage.
• Replacement/Repair cost
• Legal action
  

Also, please be advised that users, or their parents or guardians, may be held financially responsible for the damage of technology equipment or for any unauthorized financial commitments made through the Internet.

Student Network and Internet Use Agreement

I confirm my understanding of the Technology Policy Agreement. Except as otherwise provided in the Technology Policy Agreement, I understand that I have no right to privacy when using the Network and consent to St. Victor access to all information on the Network.  II further understand any violation of the Policy/Regulations above is unethical and may constitute a criminal offense. I agree all technology use will be consistent with St. Victor educational goals. Should I commit any violation, my access privileges may be revoked, school disciplinary action may be taken (disciplinary action could result in and up to expulsion), and/or appropriate legal action.  Therefore, I agree to manage my account(s), technology resources and Internet usage as described herein.

PARENT OR GUARDIAN (IF APPLICABLE)

(Must be signed if the above applicant is a student)

I affirm that I am the legal parent or guardian of the above student according to the laws of the State of Wisconsin. In addition, I confirm his or her understanding of the above agreement. I have read and understand the Technology Policy Agreement.  I understand that my child has no right to privacy when using the Network and on behalf of my child I consent to St. Victor access to all information on the Network.   I understand network and Internet access is limited to educational goals and purposes. St. Victor School has taken precautions to eliminate controversial material. However, I also recognize it is impossible for St. Victor to restrict access to all controversial materials. I will not hold St. Victor responsible for materials viewed and/or acquired on the network. Further, I accept full responsibility for the actions of my child. I understand inappropriate use of the technology equipment may result in revocation of usage and privileges or other discipline, up to and including expulsion.  In this situation, I realize as the parent or guardian I am responsible to provide the resources necessary to complete homework and projects.  I also realize I am responsible for my own and my child’s actions regarding the home and/or offsite use of any resources provided by St. Victor. I hereby give permission to issue respective account(s) for my child and certify that the information contained on this form is correct.