fbpx

Code of Conduct and Acceptable Use Policy

Amridge University Code of Conduct – Acceptable Use of the Amridge University Network, Internet, Online Course System and Email

As a leader in distance learning initiatives, Amridge University has established a comprehensive, state-of-the-art network and Intranet for students, faculty and staff.

The University has implemented a code of conduct in order to make its employees and students aware of what is and is not allowed in the use of its network, Intranet and email systems. The purpose of this policy is also to ensure that the Intranet, email systems and network are used in a way which is beneficial to all of the University’s employees and students and which protects the good name of the University.

As a result, Intranet users at the University are required and permitted to use this system solely for University business purposes in a manner that supports the efficient, ethical and legal utilization of the system resources. Any University employee or student who violates any of the provisions of this policy may be subject to loss of Intranet and computer privileges and may, at the University’s sole discretion, be subject to other disciplinary actions that may include either termination of employment or expulsion.

  1. Acceptable Use—The use of the Intranet must be in furtherance of the University’s business and of its educational and academic activities or research. The Intranet may only be accessed and used by authorized users who have been granted access for reasons consistent with the mission of the University and consistent with this policy. The use of the Intranet to play games or to transmit any material in violation of any federal or state statute, rule or regulation is strictly prohibited and includes, but is not limited to, threatening, defamatory or obscene material, material protected by trade secret and the unauthorized use of the materials of other persons. Employees and students must respect the rights of other users, respect the integrity of the systems and related resources and observe relevant laws and regulations.
  2. Privileges—The use of the University’s Intranet, email systems, and network is a privilege, not a right, and inappropriate or unauthorized use can result in a termination of those privileges. All employees and students should be aware that the use of University computers, computers connected to the Intranet, email systems and network are constantly monitored by University system administrators. Use of University computers and computers connected to the Intranet, email systems and network by employees or students for personal reasons during work hours is strictly forbidden. If an employee wishes to use University computers or computers connected to the Intranet, email systems, and network for personal reasons after working hours, the employee shall obtain written permission from the system operator and the Business Office. Based upon the acceptable use guidelines outlined within these provisions, the system administrators, in coordination with the administration of the University, will review and decide, in their sole and absolute discretion, what constitutes an inappropriate use of the network and the administration shall, in such event, take such action as it deems appropriate and necessary. The system administrators or University administration may suspend or close a student’s or employee’s account at any time. Such user shall be notified in writing within two (2) days of such closure setting forth the reason(s) for such suspension or closure of his/her account. All users must remain in good standing with the University (e.g., currently enrolled students in good academic standing, current employees, etc.). Any user whose accounts are suspended or closed may:
    1. Request (in writing) a written statement justifying such actions from the system administrator(s).
    1. Request a hearing through appropriate University due process procedures.

In accordance with the provisions of this policy, employees and students shall not maintain personal data, information, or files on University computers or access such information through University computers or computers connected to the Intranet, email systems, or network. Furthermore, the University is not responsible for the loss of any such personal data, information, or files nor for the confidentiality or integrity of such personal data, information, or files.

Violation of this policy may result in immediate disciplinary actions including, but not limited to, immediate termination of employment or expulsion at the sole discretion of the University.

  • Netiquette—Users are expected to abide by the generally accepted rules of Intranet etiquette. These include, but are not limited to, the following:
    • Be polite; do not write or send abusive messages to others.
    • Use appropriate language; do not swear or use vulgarities or any other inappropriate or offensive language.
    • Do not reveal your account name and password to others.

Note that electronic mail (email) is not guaranteed to be private. Users are specifically advised that system administrators and staff who operate the system have unrestricted access to all employees’ and students’ email at all times. Messages relating to or in support of illegal activities may be reported to the authorities. Users may not use the Intranet in a manner that disrupts the use of the Intranet by other users (e.g. downloading large files during prime time; sending mass email messages; annoying other users using the talk or write functions).

  • Reliability—The University makes no warranties of any kind, whether expressed or implied, for the service it is providing or for any related services provided by contract service providers. The University will not be responsible for any damages employees or students incur from use of the Intranet, including, but not limited to, loss of data resulting from delays, non-deliveries, mis-deliveries, or service interruptions caused by negligence or other errors or omissions of either University employees, its independent contractors or third parties.
  • Security—Security on any computer system is a high priority, especially when the system involves many users. If an employee or student believes he or she has identified a security problem on the Intranet, he or she should notify a system administrator to help identify and resolve any associated problems. Students and employees should not give their passwords to any other individual. Attempts to enable any unauthorized person to log on to the system may result in termination of user privileges. Attempts by non-systems administrators to log into the system as a system administrator or other system staff will result in termination of user privileges. Any user identified as a security risk or who has a history of problems with other computer systems may be denied access to the system and may be subject to other disciplinary actions that could include termination of employment or expulsion, at the sole discretion of the University.
  • Vandalism—Vandalism may result in termination of privileges and other disciplinary actions that could include termination of employment or expulsion. Vandalism is defined as any attempt to damage or destroy data of another user, the Intranet, or other networks that are connected to the system or the Internet including, but not limited to, knowingly uploading or creating computer viruses or changing the settings or operating environment of the system’s servers used to access the Intranet. The unauthorized copying or downloading of University purchased or developed software, videos, or audio and other proprietary computer data and files are strictly prohibited.