Lower Division Acceptable Use Policy
Berkeley Preparatory School
July 2005  

The Berkeley Network puts enormous power at the fingertips of all members of the community—students, faculty, and staff. With great power comes great responsibility. The ethical questions surrounding the use of computers and the network are the same ones people have faced for centuries. Being honest, respectful, and considerate are as important in the digital realm as in all other aspects of social and academic life. Berkeley’s motto “discipline, diligence, and integrity” provides a sound basis for good decision-making with regard to the Berkeley Network. Since information technology is relatively new, you may need help in seeing how Berkeley’s values and beliefs should be applied to the uses of technology. 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. Since we live in a community of computer users, we have rules so that we may get along with each other in sharing our digital space. You must agree to abide by these rules or you may not use the Berkeley Network. The presence of hundreds of personal computers owned by the school and students on the Berkeley Network presents many challenges. 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.  

Commandments of Acceptable Technology Use

1.       The basic guideline for all technology use is that it is for educational use.

2.       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.

3.       All network users have a user ID and a password. Passwords should always be secret. You may not attempt to discover another user's password, either at while at Berkeley or from a remote location.

4.       You may not authorize anyone else to use your name or files for any reason. You are responsible for all uses of your accounts; under no conditions should you give your password to another person Immediately notify a teacher or administrator, if you suspect that someone else is using your Berkeley Network account.

5.       Any important files that you create should be saved to your personal home directory on the Berkeley Network. You may not use the network to store personal music, video, or multimedia files.

6.       You may not use the Berkeley Network or your Berkeley Network account for any purposes other than 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 any Berkeley-owned technology resources for commercial activity is not allowed.

7.       You may not copy, change, or transfer any software provided by Berkeley Preparatory School without permission. You may not illegally copy the copyrighted software provided by Berkeley Preparatory School. 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.

8.       You may not use inappropriate language. Sending or making accessible any obscene, abusive, or threatening, discriminatory, disrespectful or harassing messages is not permitted.

9.       You may not intentionally damage the Berkeley Network; intentionally damage information not belonging to you; intentionally misuse network resources; or allow others to misuse system resources. This includes intentionally written, produced, generated, copied, propagated, or attempted introduction of any computer code or program designed to self-replicate, damage, or otherwise hinder the performance of any computer, file system, or software. Such malicious software or programs are commonly called computer viruses, bugs, worms, or similar names

10.   No hardware is to be connected to the network unless it is obtained through the school or cleared with Berkeley Network administrators. No software is to be installed or run on the Berkeley Network without authorization by the network administrator(s).

11.   You may not tamper with computer systems, printers, or other associated equipment except as directed by a teacher or faculty member.

12.   Laptops are NEVER to be left unattended unless they are properly secured in a designated area.

 General Rules Regarding Computer Use

In keeping with the spirit of every Berkeley rule, we expect you to have consideration for the personal and material rights of others. In other words, bullying others, damaging property, and stealing from others are utterly unacceptable. To apply this to the Berkeley Network, we need only remember that information is a form of property, and electronic mail is a form of speech. In this light, it should be clear that electronic mail should never be used to harass others. It should also be obvious that 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. Taking advantage of a student who inadvertently leaves a computer without logging out is no different from entering an unlocked room and stealing, reading a personal letter, or destroying their property.

The rules of conduct concerning the use of electronic mail require some special mention. Berkeley Preparatory School treats electronic mail similar to ordinary paper mail. We expect the entire Berkeley community to respect the privacy of e-mail messages—both for students and faculty. No one will read personal mail unless the recipient gives permission. On the other hand, the recipient of an e-mail message may choose to share it with others. As a matter of manners, one should not, however, share an e-mail message with a wider audience unless the author has agreed. Similarly, the contents of one's files on the network will be considered private. Berkeley Preparatory School reserves the right to inspect users’ computers, directories, and/or electronic mail. “Junk mail” or other nuisance electronic mail should be deleted and not re-sent to other members of the Berkeley community. The Berkeley Preparatory School treats violations of these communication policies as serious disciplinary matters.  

We expect you to be honest with others in what you do and say. While most important issues are addressed by this first rule, it is worth remembering that honesty in our dealings with each other is one of the most important rules of conduct. Writing e-mail message masquerading as another person is a most offensive form of dishonesty and will be treated correspondingly.  

Guidelines for Internet

 Berkeley Preparatory School students and faculty will be granted access to the Internet, including E-Mail and the ability to access computers at other locations. This right 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 comport yourself in a way that is not hurtful to others or their property. In short, all of the restrictions and expectations described in this Acceptable Use Policy apply to the use of computers and E-Mail across the Internet.  

At Berkeley, Internet access is monitored and filtered to reduce the likelihood that you will encounter inappropriate web sites. However, 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. Violations of these rules may result in suspension of network privileges or other disciplinary actions as described in the student handbook. 

The standards of academic honesty 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. All material on the Internet is considered to be copyrighted unless otherwise stated. Copyright infringement occurs when one reproduces or copies works which are protected by copyright. If you are unsure whether or not you may use a work, request permission from the copyright author. 

There are risks involved in on-line access of the Internet. Among the millions of Internet users, just as among the millions who live in a city, there are people who are untrustworthy, even malicious. Never give out personal information about yourself or others to other users on bulletin boards, chat rooms, or other systems, just as you would not give your address to a stranger on the bus.  

Clarification & Specifics of Laptop Use 

1.       Users must log in using their assigned login name and password. They may not use the name of another user. Any attempt to circumvent security provisions (rights, login identification, hardware identification, disk usage, etc.) is considered improper and will be treated as a disciplinary matter.

2.       Laptops are NEVER to be left unattended unless they are properly secured in a designated storage area. 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. 

3.       Students must bring a properly configured, working laptop to all classes unless the teacher specifies otherwise.

4.       The school will determine when a student may or may not have access to his/her laptop.

5.       Only the owner of the laptop may use the laptop. No student may lend his or her laptop to another.

6.       Laptops may not be used in vehicles without the permission of a parent/teacher who is present.

7.       Laptops must be kept in a protective case with the owner’s name plainly visible. The laptop and all ancillary parts must be labeled.

8.       Any software or hardware that interferes with the educational use of the laptop must be removed. While on campus, only school-approved software may be used.

9.       Students are responsible for their assignments under all circumstances.

10.   Laptops must have a school-approved, active virus scanner at all times.

11.   Computers may not be used to make sound/video recordings without the consent of all those involved.

12.   Sound must be turned off except when it is being used as part of a class.

13.   Instant Messenger and chat areas are not to be used unless directed by a teacher as part of a specific learning activity.

14.   Downloading of files should only be if done if required by a class.

15.   Given the complexities of maintaining the technological assets of the Berkeley Network, performing repairs and supporting nonstandard equipment is simply impossible.

16.   If your laptop is missing, immediately notify the division office.