(Version 95.5)

Sterling College provides computing resources (including hardware, software and access to computer networks and databases) to support the educational mission of the college. Our use of campus computing resources is to be guided by Christian principles of wise stewardship and responsible use. All users share the responsibility for ensuring that these resources are used for their intended purpose of research and learning. The privilege of using the college's computing resources is dependent upon responsible use. The Sterling College network system is the property of Sterling College, and the college reserves the right to remove or restrict access as disciplinary action and/or to take legal action as appropriate.

• Recreational computing which interferes with educational computing (students using computers for recreation must yield workstations to students needing them for educational purposes)
• Excessive use of computing resources for activities of minimal educational benefit such as game playing and chatting.
• Use of computing resources to access, download, or display pornography in violation of Sterling College Lifestyle Expectations (as stated in the Student Handbook)

Security & Privacy of Computer Resources

• Unauthorized access to programs or files (accessing any file or program without explicit authorization)
• Unauthorized connection to the campus network
• Use of individual accounts by anyone other than the specific individual to which those accounts have been assigned
• Deleting programs, installing programs, or otherwise modifying network files or programs without explicit authorization and instruction
• Any attempts to subvert network security or damage computing resources
• Intentional damage to or removal of any computer hardware found in campus labs, classrooms or offices

Privacy Disclaimer

Disclaimer on privacy of electronic information:

• Despite attempts to maintain the privacy of user's electronic information, electronic communication is inherently insecure. Users are notified that electronic information is not private and remains the property of Sterling College.
• System administrators retain the right to examine electronic information as needed to investigate violations of campus computing guidelines, measure system use, and perform necessary maintenance procedures.

Legal Use of Computing Resources

All Sterling College computer users share responsibility to ensure the legal use of computing resources. Therefore the following irresponsible behaviors are prohibited:

• Copying, downloading or installing illegally obtained software
• Violating copyright and licensing restrictions

E-Mail Use

When communicating via e-mail or other forms of computer-mediated communication, all Sterling College computer users share responsibility for following the standards of the Sterling College Statement on Human Dignity (as stated in the Student Handbook). Therefore the following irresponsible uses of e-mail and other forms of computer-mediated communication are prohibited:

• Use of sexually or racially offensive language/material
• Use of libelous or incendiary language/material
• Use of e-mail to harass or annoy
• Wasteful communication such as chain letters or widespread broadcasting of messages to inappropriate online-discussion groups

Conducive Environments

All Sterling College computer users are responsible to ensure that the Sterling College Computer Labs are conducive environments for research, writing, and other academic activities. Therefore, the following activities are prohibited in the labs:

• Loud talking and other noise
• Eating and drinking

Conserve Resources

All Sterling College computer users are responsible to conserve resources. Therefore the following behavior is prohibited:

• Printing excessive number of copies on computer printers (multiple copies should be made on copy machines instead of computer printers)
• Wasting space on the network by saving messages previously sent or received

Internet Use

Use of the Internet by Sterling College computer users is governed by the Sterling College Responsible Use of Computing Resources Policy.  Sterling College maintains Internet access specifically for the purposes of education, research, and the provision of information and prohibits use of the network to do any of the following:

• unauthorized commercial, for-profit activities
• violation of state or federal law
• harassing or violating the privacy of others
• gaining unauthorized access to computing or information resources
• disrupting the use of the network by others

Adopted by the Computer Policy Committee December 11, 1995

Revised April, 2002