Middle/Upper Divisions
Acceptable Use Policy

The Berkeley Network puts enormous power at the fingertips of students, faculty and staff. With great power comes great responsibility. Integrity, honesty, respect, and consideration are as important in the digital realm as in all other aspects of social and academic life. Berkeley’s motto “discipline, diligence, and integrity” and its Honor Code provide a sound basis for good decision-making with regard to the Berkeley Network. This Acceptable Use Policy spells out some of the ethical issues, and describes how Berkeley Preparatory School’s rules and standards apply to Berkeley Network users. You must agree to abide by these rules or you may not use the Berkeley Network. At times policies may be implemented that restrict some individual customization and personal preferences, but always with the goal of ensuring an effective set of technological tools for everyone.

Acceptable Network Use

The basic guideline for all technology use is that it is for educational purposes.  All files and programs on the computer belong to someone. You may not erase, rename, or make unusable anyone else's files, equipment, or programs.

All Berkeley users have a user ID and a password. Passwords should always be secret and never be shared with anyone else. Immediately notify a teacher or administrator if you suspect that someone else might be using your account. Never attempt to discover another user's password. You may not authorize anyone else to use your account name or files for any reason. You are responsible for all uses of your account.

A personal directory (H drive) has been created on the network for your use to store a backup of your important academic files. Any important school-related files that you create should be saved to your directory (H drive) on the network. You may not use the network to store personal photos, music, video, or game files. If found, these may be removed. Memory keys or CD’s are other options for backing up personal files.

The Berkeley Network or your Berkeley account must always be used for legitimate learning purposes. Using your computer or accounts for unlawful purposes, such as the illegal copying or installation of software, is prohibited. The use of illegally copied software is considered a criminal offense and subject to criminal prosecution by the Software Publishers of America or law enforcement authorities. The use of any Berkeley-owned technology resources for commercial activity is not allowed.

Use only appropriate language. Sending or making accessible any obscene, abusive, or threatening, discriminatory, disrespectful or harassing information or communication is not permitted.  You may not intentionally damage the Berkeley network or information not belonging to you; intentionally misuse network resources; or tamper with equipment.

No software is to be installed or run on the Berkeley Network without authorization by the network administrators. This includes the intentionally introduction or attempted introduction of any computer code or program designed to self-replicate, damage, or otherwise hinder the performance of any computer or file system. This includes but is not limited to worms, viruses, or software that consumes network resources.

You have an email account on the network. Responsible use includes keeping up-to-date with the reading of email and deletion of unwanted mail in your mailbox.

Respecting Self and Others

In keeping with the spirit of every Berkeley policy, Berkeley expects you to have consideration for the personal and material rights of others. Bullying others, damaging property, and stealing from others are utterly unacceptable. Electronic mail should never be used to harass others. Obtaining a password or rights to another's directory or e-mail on the network is a form of theft as real as using a stolen key to enter someone’s home. Using other’s equipment or viewing their files is an invasion of privacy. Honesty on the network includes not masquerading as another when sending email. Deception and dishonesty will be treated is a serious offense and will be treated accordingly.

Electronic mail received or sent through the Berkeley electronic mail system is the property of Berkeley Prepartory School. We expect the entire Berkeley community to respect the privacy of e-mail messages. Be sure to obtain permission of the sender before sharing a personal email from another person. Berkeley Preparatory School reserves the right to inspect users’ computers, directories, and/or electronic mail. “Junk mail” and chain letters should be deleted. Violations of these communication policies may result in serious disciplinary actions.

Guidelines for Internet Use

Berkeley Preparatory School students and faculty will be granted access to the Internet. This privilege brings new responsibilities and risks. When using the Internet through the Berkeley Network, you are a representative of Berkeley Preparatory School. In that role, you must behave in a way that is not hurtful to others or their property.

At Berkeley, Internet access is monitored and filtered to reduce the likelihood that you will encounter inappropriate web sites. Since filters and monitors are imperfect, you are ultimately responsible for ensuring that you do not access material that is offensive or inappropriate. If you do inadvertently access unacceptable information, immediately notify a teacher or administrator. Inappropriate or offensive electronic images or information may not be brought on to the Berkeley campus. Suspension of network privileges or other disciplinary actions as described in the student handbook may result from violations of these policies.

Standards of academic honesty and the Honor Code apply as thoroughly to electronic media and Internet sources as to more traditional print resources. Any ideas, insights, and materials that you obtain through research must be properly documented. Ideas and information are the property of their creator. Using another person’s ideas without permission is theft. Plagiarism is taking the ideas or writings of others and presenting them as your own. Copyright infringement occurs when one reproduces or copies works, which are protected by copyright. All material on the Internet is considered to be copyrighted unless otherwise stated. When you are unsure whether or not you may use a work, request permission from the copyright author or search for an alternate source.

There are risks involved in Internet access. Among the millions of Internet users, there are people who are untrustworthy, even malicious. Online friends are different than face-to-face friends. Never give out information or post profiles about yourself or others that could lead to identification to users on bulletin boards, chat rooms, blogs, or other systems.

Laptop Use - (Bundle and Non-Bundle)

• Users must log in using only their assigned login name and password. Any attempt to circumvent security (rights, login identification, hardware identification, disk usage, etc.) is considered improper and will be treated as a disciplinary matter.
• Laptops are NEVER to be left unattended unless they are properly secured in a designated storage area. Unattended laptops will be confiscated and result in disciplinary action. Any student participating in an after school or off-campus activity must secure his/her laptop in a designated storage area. Following the activity, the student must retrieve the laptop.
• Students must bring a properly configured, working laptop to all classes unless the teacher specifies otherwise.
• If your laptop is missing, notify the division office immediately.
• The school will determine when a student may or may not have access to his/her laptop.
• Only the owner of the laptop may use the laptop. No student may lend his or her laptop to another.
• Laptops must be kept in a protective case with the owner’s name plainly visible. The laptop and all ancillary parts must be labeled.
• Any software or hardware that slows down the system resources ultimately interferes with the educational use of the laptop and must be removed. While on campus, only school-approved software may be used.
• Students are responsible for their assignments under all circumstances.
• Laptops must be registered with the school and added to the school network by a network administrator. Out of bundle machines must have the required software and will be charged a connection fee, which includes virus protection.
• Computers may not be used to make sound/video recordings without the consent of all those involved.
• Sound must be turned off except when it is being used as part of a class; earphones are to be used only with teacher direction or permission.
• Instant Messenger, blogs and chat areas are not to be used unless directed by a teacher as part of a specific learning activity.
• Files should be downloaded on campus only if required by a class.

Help Desk

Hours of Operation

The Help Desk is located in Room 61. The MD and UD Technology Coordinator’s office is located in room 60.

§         School Year
The Help Desk is open daily from 7:45 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mon-Fri. If you need support during these times please visit the Help Desk and they will be glad to assist you.

§         Summer\Breaks
The Help desk is open on a limited basis throughout the summer, spring and winter breaks. If you need assistance with your laptop during these times please call the Help Desk to check hours or schedule an appointment.

Laptop Storage\Transport

Proper laptop storage and transport is essential to the “health and well being” of the laptop. To minimize problems and prevent loss/theft of laptops on campus, Berkeley has set the following policy:

§         Middle Division
During convo/break, you are to leave your laptop in your classroom and return to pick it up a few minutes before break is over (before going to your next class).  If the class before convo/break is PE, the laptop will be brought to convo with you and stay with you during break.

During lunch, you are to leave your laptop in your classroom and return to pick up a few minutes before lunch is over (before going to your next class).  If the class before convo/break is PE, the laptop should be brought to the MD office and picked up before the next class.

During after school activities, you are to leave your laptop in the BASE room and pick it up by 6:00 p.m.

During after school activities that require a bus ride to another location, your laptop should be brought on the bus with you and left on the bus during the activity, unless a coach has specified otherwise.

At times a teacher or coach may give you special instructions on where to leave your laptop if the above does not pertain. Follow the teacher/coach’s instructions.

§         Upper Division
During convo, you may place your computer in rooms 31, 32, 33, 34, 22 or 23.  These are the rooms that lie closest to the Lykes center.  They will be locked and secured.

In the event that you are unable to secure your laptop in one of these classrooms, please take it with you to convo.

During sports and other events where neither of the above is possible, you are to lock your laptop in the most secure place possible.  Please note that an unlocked locker is not considered secure! 

The following are guidelines for laptop transport:
Book bags/Back packs are not acceptable carrying cases for the laptops. It is strongly advised that the laptop case purchased with the laptop be used. These cases come with a two-year warranty from the manufacturer. If there is damage to the case please bring it to the Help Desk to determine warranty coverage. Replacement laptop cases may be purchased from http://www.infocase.com.  If you choose to purchase your own case, be sure it provides adequate protection to the laptop.  Check with us before purchase if you wish.

Unattended\Unsecured laptops

Laptops that are found left unattended or unsecured will be confiscated and delivered to the appropriate divisional office and the owner will be subject to a disciplinary detention.

Berkeley Bundle Laptops

Help Desk services for Berkeley Bundle users

§         Warranty Information
Bundle machines in warranty are eligible for a loaner throughout the repair process

Bundle machines out of warranty are eligible for a loaner for up to ten (10) days while their machine is being repaired or replaced.  Warranties are three years and may be extended before and after the current warranty period expires.

§         Software Restrictions
Berkeley has decided to follow the lead of many schools and universities in banning peer-to-peer software on campus. These programs, such as Kazaa and Morpheus, are used to illegally swap copyrighted music files and frequently include damaging spy-ware. If a laptop is brought in for service with this type of program loaded, the program should be removed and a spy-ware scan should be performed. To remove this program from your laptop go to “Control Panel” and “Add/Delete Software” and follow the directions.

§         Re-Imaging (Ghosting)
Re-imaging or “ghosting” is a process used to restore a computer to its out-of-box configuration. ALL data that is on the hard drive will be LOST.  Ghosting may be required to fix an issue that has made the computer unusable. It may also be done on a voluntary basis to improve system performance. Prior to ghosting, ALL academic data must be backed up to the users’ home directory (H: drive). Non academic files are not to be stored in the home directories. Alternative backup options are available for this data (memory key, CDRW).  The Help Desk staff will assist in performing a back up of academic data, but is not responsible for data loss due to incorrect back up of the data.

Note:  iTunes requires special backup procedures. See the iTunes website for assistance. Note: Personal setting, such as home networking and printers will require reconfiguration.

To avoid accidental loss of academic data your hard drive may be replaced with a hard drive that has been “prestaged.” Your original hard drive will remain untouched for a period of three (3) days before it is replaced into stock. Loaners are not available during the re-imaging process.

§         Loaners and loaner accessories
Loaners are available to Berkeley Bundle user while their machine is being repaired. Loaner accessories, ie. ac adapters, cases, are available for a period of 5 days. If the accessories are not returned before this time, the replacement cost will be billed to the student account and/or disciplinary actions will follow. Damage to a loaner will be handled on a per incident basis. Loaners are not available to non-bundle users.

§         Replacement parts
Replacement parts are available for purchase from the Help Desk. In most cases a parent signature is required for authorization to charge the student account. Order forms for such parts are available from the Help Desk or online at www.berkeleyprep.org/helpdesk.

§         Procedures for Laptop Repair
Berkley Bundle users should use the following procedure for laptop repair.

Non Bundle Laptops

§         Help Desk services for Non-Bundle users - There is no support for Apple users

(One-time $75.00 Configuration Fee)

§         Requirements for Non-Bundle computers

Non-Bundle laptops must arrive at Berkeley with the following installed and functional.

• Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional or Windows XP Professional.
  Windows XP Home edition is not supported.

• Microsoft Office 2000 or later (Word, Outlook, Excel, and PowerPoint).

• A Wi/Fi compliant 802.11b wireless network card.

• Some additional grade-level specific software may also be required subsequent to configuration.

§         Support Limitations

We strongly encourage families to choose the Berkeley Bundle because we are equipped to support it. We caution against using a non-bundle laptop unless you have the technical skills to support it yourself. Aside from initial network configuration, the help desk staff is not able to provide in depth support for non-bundle equipment. For issues that arise regarding your non-bundle computer, you will need to seek manufacturer or vendor support. Loaners are not available to Non-Bundle users.

This document may be updated at any time and policies are effective immediately. For an up to date copy of this document, please visit the following website. http://www.berkeleyprep.org/helpdesk