Network Users Policy

The College provides students with an effective network connection as well as opportunities to connect to the internet and each other. When doing so, it is important that we respect one another. To ensure a happy and productive environment for all, the following policy has been created. Please read it and ask your teachers if there is anything you would like to discuss.

Network Users Policy
The Golden Rule - Treat people the way you want to be treated, in life and online.
If you wouldn’t say it face to face, don’t say it online. Online communication is just the same as any other type of communication. Before writing anything about anyone, consider if you would say it to that person, write it in a letter, text it or say it on the phone. If you wouldn’t, then don’t say it online!
Respect others' privacy and your own (for example, don't give your number to that new Facebook friend). Be truthful but don’t give out all your information to just anyone. Only share information with those you would tell in real life. Remember, email is never really private and once you upload a photo, conversation or opinion, consider it online forever - you can not bring it back.
Don’t post offensive material. Students may not post, transmit, promote or distribute content that is racially, religiously or ethnically offensive or is harmful, abusive, vulgar, sexually explicit or otherwise potentially offensive.
When on an online space for school purposes, no matter what the website, conversations and input should only be about work. No personal conversations. Be professional at all times. You are preparing yourself to be a career professional. Remember this as you communicate online.
Spelling and grammar need to be adhered to. Any communication or posts written for school purposes needs to be grammatically correct just as any piece of school work would be.
Always refer to the Acceptable Use Agreement. This is a document the College created that discusses the things students can and cannot do on the network. Make sure you have read it and understand it.
Use a clear and understandable email subject line, especially when writing to professionals outside of the school. It helps the receiver of the email to easily find and return your email at a later time.
Don't forward private messages to people they weren't intended for or copy others on replies to personal messages. Think twice before clicking “forward” (remembering everything in that email will be sent) or before clicking “reply all” as some people may not want or need to see your response.
If you are posting something online, know your topic. Don't put something down without any research done. If you are doing research, do not plagiarize and give credit where it's due.
Use capital letters and bolding appropriately. In written communication, the use of capital letters and/or bolding is used for emphasis. In much of the corporate world, writing in all caps is considered yelling. Yelling is not tolerated in a classroom and therefore, is not acceptable in any online communications with students.
If you are upset or frustrated, keep this out of your communications with your fellow students or instructors. An angry or sarcastic comment does little to win respect or cooperation. Think about what you are going to say in an unemotional, professional manner. Provide adequate information when asking for help or assistance from your instructors or classmates.
Be careful of your use of humor and sarcasm. Because there are no visual cues in distance education, humor and sarcasm are impossible to discern. Be very careful when interjecting humor and refrain from using any remarks that are sarcastic in nature. Remember: The person on the other end of a digital communication can't see your expression or hear your tone of voice.
Harassment and other offensive behavior will not be tolerated. The online learning environment is no place to harass, threaten, or embarrass others. Comments that can be viewed, as offensive, sexist, or racially motivated will not be tolerated. It is never appropriate to put anyone down because of his or her age, race, religion, color, sex, or sexual preference.
Keep evidence of abuse or bullying. If you feel unsure about anything online, whether it be bullying, harassment or abuse of any sort, screen capture or print the evidence and report it to someone. Tell your parents, your teacher, your friends, anyone that will help you do something about it.
Adhere to copyrights and intellectual property. Students may not post, transmit, promote, or distribute content that know or could reasonably be expected to know is illegal, or content that violates copyright or other protected intellectual property rights.
Be clear about how to submit your work. If you’re using Edmodo, are you turning in an assignment that has been set up by your teacher? Are you emailing your work in? Do you know what the email address is? Are you placing your work on Student Public? Make sure you understand how to submit your work, this is your responsibility.
Be aware of the rules of the forum you’re in. Forums are all different, one may require you to respond in full sentences, another just one word answers. Forums will have rules posted as one of the first posts from the teacher. Consequences for breaking those rules will be outlined. Teachers continually monitor the forums they have created and you need to be aware of the rules.