Computer Services for Students
Use of MTC Electronic Media and Services
Marion Technical College’s electronic communication, telecommunication, and computing resources may be used for purposes related to the instructional and administrative mission of MTC.
Electronic media and services include, but are not limited to: computers, laptops, tablets, servers, file/cloud storage, computer software and applications, networks, e-mail, College- owned telephones and mobile devices, voice mail, fax machines, external electronic bulletin boards, online services, intranet, internet, and the World Wide Web. This policy applies to all users of College electronic media and services, whether affiliated with the College or not, and whether on-campus or from a remote location.
MTC reserves the right to limit, restrict, or extend access and usage privileges to these college resources. Electronic documents and data are subject to the Family Educational Rights & Privacy Act (FERPA). All users are required to comply with all applicable college policies, including, but not limited to, FERPA, sexual harassment, copyright, privacy, and licensing regulations. Any activity that violates local, state, or federal law and/or college policy constitutes a violation of this policy.
MTC’s policies against sexual and other harassment apply fully to these media and services, including use of College Wi-Fi on a personal device, e-mail, and the internet. This includes, but is not limited to, storing, downloading, viewing, listening, sending/distributing or printing any type of sexually explicit content for any non-business related or entertainment purposes. Therefore, except for curriculum-prescribed research, no e-mail messages shall be created, sent, or solicited and no internet sites shall be accessed if such action would constitute a violation of these policies. Additionally, the internet and e-mail system shall not be used for any form of gambling.
Users should not send information that does not correctly identify the sender. Further, users should not disguise or attempt to disguise their identity or the identity of the part of the electronic system they are using unless this activity is being performed as a part of legitimate coursework and with the knowledge of the college administration.
Incidental and occasional use of these resources for personal purposes is subject to all aspects of college policies including provisions relating to monitoring and access. Personal use shall not impede the ability of the user or other users to fulfill their academic responsibilities, nor shall it adversely affect access to or use of these resources for college purposes. Users should not use these resources for any activity that constitutes a conflict of interest with the college or to conduct any portion of a personal commercial business.
Users shall not share their College user account password with anyone and shall not attempt to learn the password of another user.
Users shall not attempt to use College electronic media and services to gain access to information that is not required for their role.
Users shall not attempt to circumvent security or install unapproved software on a College computing device.
Privacy
Notwithstanding the college’s right to retrieve and monitor information on the system, electronic files and documents should be treated as confidential by other users and accessed only by the intended recipients and users. Users are not authorized to retrieve, read, alter, or delete electronic files or documents intended for other recipients or users, except as authorized by MTC administration.
Though MTC utilizes numerous methods to prevent unauthorized access to systems and private files, users of these resources should have no expectation of privacy. Information can be revealed by malfunctions, by hackers, through normal operational procedures, and by other means. Confidentiality cannot be assumed even when passwords or other security measures are used.
MTC’s electronic systems are designed and maintained exclusively for the benefit of the college, and the college administration reserves the right at any time and without notice to monitor, access, or review any data that is either stored or transmitted.
Any user who discovers misuse of college electronic media or services (including e-mail or Internet) should contact his/her Academic Advisor or the Executive Director of IT Operations.
This policy may be modified at the discretion of the college. All users are bound by the terms and conditions of this policy and all future modifications and amendments. The reading and signing of MTC’s User Agreement in conjunction with the use of MTC’s electronic media or services constitutes acceptance of these stipulations.
Enforcement
Users who violate this policy may be subject to disciplinary action up to and including suspension/termination, and/or civil or criminal liability. Violations will be handled through the college disciplinary procedures applicable to the user.
MTC may suspend or block a user’s access to electronic and/or computing resources prior to the initiation or completion of disciplinary procedures when the integrity, security, or functionality of the college or computing resources is at risk or to protect the college from liability. MTC may refer suspected violations of applicable law to appropriate law enforcement agencies. An individual desiring to challenge charges of violation or disciplinary action must follow the applicable college grievance procedure.