Network Usage Policies
It is the general policy of Holy Cross College that all computing facilities are to be used in a responsible, efficient, ethical and legal manner in accordance with the Mission of Holy Cross College. The person in whose name an account is issued is responsible for its proper use. Acceptable uses of the network are activities which support learning and teaching. Deliberate attempts to degrade or disrupt system performance will be viewed as a serious offense.
Failure to adhere to this policy may result in temporary or permanent revocation or suspension of the offender’s privilege of access. The amount of time of the revocation or suspension will be determined by the offense. If a temporary revocation of network privileges is imposed then the revocation could be from a few days up to a month. Serious or repeat violations will be referred to the Vice President for Student Affairs for disciplinary action. The Holy Cross College IT Department will monitor student access to network services to assure compliance with this policy. Any revocation or suspension of network privileges beyond the 1 month limit can be appealed before the Vice President for Student Affairs.
Examples of unacceptable uses of the network include but are not limited to the following
- Spreading computer viruses. Students must use virus software and allow it to update itself to provide protection against virus attacks. Removing virus software or not allowing it to update to the latest definition files will result in students losing access to the college’s network and Internet connection. Students may be required to use the college’s anti virus software and uninstall any anti virus software they may have on their computers.
- Keeping the computer’s operating system software updated with the latest security patches and windows updates is a must. Students not maintaining their computers with the latest security patches and windows updates will lose access to the college’s network and Internet connection.
- The following are strictly prohibited:
- Setting up a separate LAN on the college campus whether this LAN be a wireless or hard wired
- Using hubs, routers, switches or other network hardware within or among dorms or dorm rooms
- Setting up your own server whether that server be on ResNet or within or among dorms or dorm rooms
- Running server services e.g. DHCP, IIS, Apache, WINS, or other such server services which would disrupt the college network
- Using profanity, obscenity or offensive language in e-mail messages, chat rooms, bulletin boards, etc.
- Using another person’s e-mail address
- Re-posting personal communications without the author’s prior consent
- Sending messages to a third party under another person’s e-mail address
- Sending anonymous e-mail messages
- Using the Holy Cross College computer network for the illegal retrieval, storage, or distribution of copyrighted materials. All users of the network must follow established standards regarding the use, printing, and sharing of copyrighted materials. Appropriate permission must be obtained when including copyrighted or trademark material such as text, photographic images, music and sound files, video, or graphic illustrations in any electronic publication or over the network. If further clarification is needed, please check with the librarian on the Copyright Law of the United States.
- Using the network for financial gain, commercial or illegal activity
- Using another person’s network, email, or portal account
- Using the network to access material, individual contacts or communications which are inappropriate and not of educational value in the context of the mission of Holy Cross College.
- Changing lab and classroom computer configuration, saving files on lab computer hard drives, and willfully damaging computer lab and classroom equipment
- Using the college computer network for harassment purposes – violators will immediately be referred to the Vice President for Student Affairs for prompt disciplinary action
Connection to the HCC Network
Each student that wants network access must have a valid network account, a computer protected by up to date virus software, and all security patches and windows updates applied to the operating system. Failure to comply with these conditions will result in a student losing access to the network and Internet. When a student plugs into a network port or uses a wireless connection they will be presented with a set of web pages that will require an authenticated logon and analysis of their computer to comply with the college’s policies. If a student’s computer does not comply with these policies they will be instructed what to do in order to comply. Following the instructions should insure that the college’s policies are satisfied. If a student is having trouble following these instructions he/she should call the IT Help Desk or check with the person manning the Help Desk located in the computer lab. The IT department also discourages the use of peer to peer (P2P) networking and may require that these programs be uninstalled from your computer or blocked by the Network Administrator. The reason for this is not only protection of the college’s network but your protection as well. Many viruses and spyware software are unknowingly downloaded from these sources. The IT Department wants to provide the best secure service to the student. Students may be required to logon to the network daily, each time they connect to the network, or after a certain amount of computer inactivity.
Network Printing Account
Printing done on network printers will be monitored and charges will be made against each students printing account. At the beginning of the fall and spring semesters each student will be given $10.00 worth of printing to be used against any printing done on network printers located throughout the college campus. Graphic Design students will be given an addition $10.00 to cover the cost of color printing for the Graphic Design course. Black and white printing will be charge at a rate of $0.05 per page and color printing will be charged at a rate of $0.50 per page. Printing of PowerPoint presentations will not be permitted because of the amount of toner or ink used by this program. Printing jobs over 20 pages will not be permitted at any time to prevent excessive Internet printing. Jobs over 20 pages should be broken into segments of no larger than 20 pages at a time. Each student can determine the amount of money in their account by clicking on the print accounting icon located on the right side of the task bar. Adding funds to the account is accomplished by checking with the business office. A minimum of $2.00 is required when a student puts money in their account. Money left in the account at the end of the semester will not be refunded or carried on to the next semester. A new account will be established for each student at the beginning of each semester.
Student Web Pages
Students may request web page space on the college’s web server for personal use from the IT Department. A signup sheet is available at the Help Desk in the computer lab. With the privilege of web space comes the responsibility to use that space in accordance with the Mission of Holy Cross College.
Standards of intellectual and academic freedom that apply to traditional media also apply to publications in computer media. These publications since they are open to public review must be appropriate and in good taste. The Holy Cross Network Administrator will revoke the student’s web page privilege and remove his/her account from the server if:
- The information presented on the student’s web page involves illegal activity, commercialism, improper use of copyrighted material in any form, or use of software in violation of license agreements.
- The web page contains information or programs that in some way endanger computing resources of the college.
- The web page contains information or references about other students, faculty, or staff members which is considered inappropriate, involves the use of obscene, bigoted, or abusive material or information, or is not in compliance with the legal and ethical standards.