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Sample Internet Usage Policy

TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR USE OF INTERNET (Revised Sample Policy)
Please read the following carefully before signing this document. This is a legally binding document.

Internet access is now available to students and teachers in the Oklahoma public school districts. We are very pleased to bring this access to Oklahoma and believe the Internet offers vast, diverse and unique resources to both students and teachers. Our goal in providing this service to teachers and students is to promote educational excellence in the Oklahoma public schools by facilitating resource sharing, innovation and communication.

The Internet is an electronic highway connecting thousands of computers all over the world and millions of individual subscribers. Students and teachers have access to:

1. electronic mail communication with people all over the world.
2. information and news.
3. public domain and shareware of all types.
   
4. discussion groups on a plethora of topics ranging from diverse cultures to the environment to music to politics.
5. access to many university catalogs.

With access to computers and people all over the world also comes the availability of material that may not be considered to be of educational value in the context of the school setting. The Local Education Agency (LEA) and the Oklahoma State Department of Education have taken available precautions to restrict access to inappropriate materials. However, on a global network it is impossible to control all materials and an industrious user may discover inappropriate information.

Internet access is coordinated through a complex association of government agencies, and regional and state networks. In addition, the smooth operation of the network relies upon the proper conduct of the end users who must adhere to strict guidelines. These guidelines are provided here so that you are aware of the responsibilities you are about to acquire. In general this requires efficient, ethical and legal utilization of the network resources. If a LEA user violates any of these provisions, their access will be terminated and future access could possibly be denied. The signature(s) at the end of this document is (are) legally binding and indicates the party (parties) who signed has (have) read the terms and conditions carefully and understand(s) their significance.

Internet - Terms and Conditions

1. Acceptable Use - The purpose of NSFNET, which is the backbone network to the Internet, is to support research and education in and among academic institutions in the U.S. by providing access to unique resources and the opportunity for collaborative work. School use must be in support of education and research and consistent with educational objectives. Use of other organization's network or computing resources must comply with the rules appropriate for that network. Transmission of any material in violation of any U.S. or state regulation is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to; copyrighted material, threatening or obscene material, or material protected by trade secret. Use for product advertisement or political lobbying is also prohibited. Use for commercial activities is generally not acceptable.
2. Privileges - The use of Internet is a privilege, not a right, and inappropriate use will result in a cancellation of those privileges. Each student who receives access will participate in a discussion with an LEA faculty member pertaining to the proper use of the network. The system administrators and teachers will deem what is inappropriate use and their decision is final. The district may deny, revoke, or suspend specific user access.
3. Netiquette - You are expected to abide by the generally accepted rules of network etiquette. These include, but are not limited to the following:
   
   
   1. Be polite. Your messages should not be abusive to others.
      
   2. Use appropriate language. Do not swear, use vulgarities or any other inappropriate language.
      
   3. Do not reveal your personal address or phone number or the addresses and/or phone numbers of students or colleagues.
      
   4. Illegal activities are strictly forbidden.
      
   5. Note that electronic mail (e-mail) is not guaranteed to be private. People who operate the system do have access to all mail. Messages relating to or in support of illegal activities may be reported to the authorities.
      
   6. Do not use the network in such a way that you would disrupt the use of the network by other users.
      
   7. All communications and information accessible via the network should be assumed to be private property.
4. The LEA and the Oklahoma State Department of Education make no warranties of any kind, whether expressed or implied, for the service it is providing. The LEA and the Oklahoma State Department of Education will not be responsible for any damages suffered. This includes loss of data resulting from delays, nondeliveries, misdeliveries, or service interruptions caused by negligence, errors or omissions. Use of any information obtained via the LEA, or the Oklahoma State Department of Education is at the users own risk. The LEA is not responsible for the accuracy or quality of information obtained.
   
5. Security - Security on any computer system is a high priority, especially when the system involves many users. If you feel you can identify a security problem on Internet, you must notify a teacher who will in turn notify a system administrator. Do not demonstrate any problems to other users. Do not use another individual's account without written permission from that individual. Attempts to access Internet as a system administrator will result in cancellation of user privileges. Any user identified as a security risk or having a history of problems with other computer systems may be denied access to Internet.
   
6. Vandalism - Vandalism will result in cancellation of privileges. Vandalism is defined as any malicious attempt to harm or destroy hardware, data of another user, Internet, or any agencies or other networks that are connected to the NSFNET Internet backbone. This includes, but is not limited to, the uploading or creation of computer viruses.
   
7. Exception of Terms and Condition - All terms and conditions as stated in this document are applicable to the LEA, the Oklahoma State Department of Education, in addition to NSFNET. These terms and conditions reflect the entire agreement of the parties and supersedes all prior oral or written agreements and understandings of the parties. These terms and conditions shall be governed and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of Oklahoma, and the United States of America.

Application Portion of Document

User Full Name (please print):
Home Address:
Home Phone:
Work Phone:

I understand and will abide by the Terms and Conditions for Internet access. I further understand that any violation of the regulations is unethical and may constitute a criminal offense. Should I commit any violation, my access privileges may be revoked, school disciplinary and/or appropriate legal action may be taken.

User Signature:
Date: / /

PARENT OR GUARDIAN (If you are under the age of 18, a parent or guardian must also read and sign this agreement.) As the parent or guardian of this student, I have read the Terms and Conditions for Internet access. I understand that this access is designed for educational purposes and that the LEA and the Oklahoma State Department of Education have taken available precautions to eliminate controversial material. However, I also recognize it is impossible for the LEA and the Oklahoma State Department of Education to restrict access to all controversial materials and I will not hold the LEA or the Oklahoma State Department of Education responsible for materials acquired on the network. Further, I accept full responsibility for supervision if and when my child's use is not in a school setting. I hereby give my permission to grant access for my child and certify that the information contained on this form is correct.

Parent or Guardian (please print):
Signature:
Date: / /

SPONSOR (Must be signed if the applicant is a student). As the sponsor of this student, I have read the Terms and Conditions for Internet access. I agree to instruct the student on acceptable use of the network and proper network etiquette. However, since the student may use the network for individual work or in the context of another class, I cannot be held responsible for the student's use of the network.

Sponsor Name (please print):
Sponsor Signature:
Date: / /