PLS Acceptable Use Contract
Students and Parents (guardians)
1. Personal Responsibility.
I accept personal responsibility for authorized and appropriate use of any UNI
Instructional Technology Systems account made available to me.
Access to university resources is a privilege, not a right. I acknowledge that
I will be held personally responsible for any use made of my
authorization to access UNI computing resources. I understand that all
accounts are subject to being monitored for inappropriate use. Unauthorized or
inappropriate use of the University of Northern Iowa computing resources may be
grounds for sanctions, which could include suspension or loss of computing
privileges, disciplinary action or, in extreme cases, legal action.
We have read and understand these provisions. Student's Initials____ Parent's Initials____
2. Acceptable Use.
I understand that use of an account must comply
with PLS and UNI educational policies. Use of an account must be consonant
with the goals and objectives of PLS classes and UNI educational programs. Use
of an account must comply with local, state and federal laws. I am aware that
inappropriate use of an account can be a violation of local, state and federal
laws, and that I can be prosecuted for violating those laws. In addition, use
of an account must comply with common rules of Network Etiquette (see No. 3
below).
In general, transmission of any material in violation of federal or
state law is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to: copyrighted
material, threatening or obscene material, or material protected by secret
trade. Commercial activities for profit are generally not acceptable. Product
advertisements and political lobbying are also prohibited.
University Policy 1311 (20 April 1992) sets forth some examples of
unauthorized or inappropriate uses of computing resources. These examples are
intended to suggest, rather than define, limits:
- Using, or attempting to use, someone else's authorization.
- Accessing, or attempting to access, someone else's computer files
(including system files), at UNI or elsewhere via UNI resources, without
permission.
- Threatening, intimidating or harassing another person.
- Impairing, interrupting or inhibiting any other person's access to or use
of resources (e.g., generating or spreading a virus, sending codes to lock
another person's keyboard, making excessive noise (e.g., playing games on-
line, inordinate consumption of resources, etc.), except as consequential to
normal and acceptable use.
- Permitting others (at UNI or elsewhere) to use your authorization.
- Sending anonymous, deceptive, fraudulent, or unwelcome electronic
communications.
- Using regional or national networks for purposes that violate the
University's agreements with [those] networks.
- Violating license agreements, copyrights or intellectual property
rights.
- Any other activity contradictory to, or not consonant with, the mission,
policies or best interests of the University.
We have read and understand these provisions. Student's Initials____ Parent's Initials____
3. Network Etiquette amd Writing Considerations
Etiquette: Account users will be expected to abide by
generally accepted rules of network etiquette, sometimes referred to as
"netiquette." General rules of netiquette include, but are not limited to, the
following:
- a. Be a good Internet citizen. You are a citizen of a world-wide
community on the Internet. Remember that Internet users have a wide variety of
background and opinions. When responding to another user be civil and
respectful. Never send, or encourage others to send, abusive messages.
- b. Lurk & learn. A great deal can be learned by "lurking" (reading
messages over a period of time) before beginning to participate on a listserv.
- c. Get the FAQS. Many services have a list of "Frequently Asked
Questions." Accessing FAQS is a good way to learn the basics about a
particular service.
- d. Use appropriate language. Remember that you are a
representative of Price Laboratory School and that your messages reflect upon
the Price Laboratory School community. Remember that your use of the system is
to be consonant with the policies and programs of Price Laboratory School.
- e. Conserve resources and share. Use disk storage space frugally.
Keep storage files organized. Discard unwanted files regularly so they don't
use valueable disk space. Use access efficiently. The same
or similar resources are often available on many computers on the network. Try
to download from computers closest to your location. Do not download from or
access a computer on another continent when the same files are available from a
much closer source.
- f. Rules of other networks. When connecting to another computer
system, remember that you are a guest. General rules for using the remote
system are usually posted. As a guest it is important that you take note of
the rules and follow them.
- g. Chain letters. Do not participate in any chain letters and do
not start any. Many networks, upon discovering chain letter participants, deny
further access.
- h. Check e-mail frequently. Remain within your limited disk quota.
Delete unwanted messages immediately. Keep stored messages to a minimum.
Writing Considerations:
- a. When possible, compose and read e-mail off-line. This will
help to conserve the amount of computer time available to other users.
- b. Send your messages to the most appropriate audience. If a
response should be directed to one or more individuals, send only to the
individuals rather than an entire listserv group.
- c. Post messages only to appropriate groups. Know the subject
matter guidelines for a group before posting it.
- d. Use accurate and descriptive headings. If you are responding to
an inquiry, preface your heading with "Re:"
- e. Use a salutation. Identify to whom the letter is being sent and
personalize your message just as you would when writing a letter to be sent via
the U. S. Post Office. For example, "Dear Mr. Jones:" of "Dear Carolyn," or
simply "Carolyn," then start your message on the next line.
- f. Be brief. Long messages are often not as effective as shorter
ones. Get to the point in the first paragraph of your message. Be concerned
about the storage space and bandwidth required to send, receive and store long
messages.
- g. Organize your messages and format them in ways that are easy to
understand.
- h. Strive for no errors. Represent yourself and Price Laboratory
School in the best possible light.
- i. Forgive spelling and grammar errors of others.
- j. Internet users are human. Some are just beginning to use the
network and may make mistakes. Try to be positive and helpful when responding
to any message. Do not "flame" others.
- k. Remember that humor and satire may be misinterpreted. Clue the
reader with a
"smiley." :-)
- l. Cite references and sources for ideas. Do not send copyrighted
material without necessary approvals. Comply with any restrictions which
pertain to approval for forwarding intellectual property.
- m.. Always sign your name and give your location. Include your
e-mail address in the signature. Include addresses and other information only
as appropriate. Keep signatures brief.
- n.. Keep the instructions for subscribing and unsubscibing to a
group.
We have read and understand these provisions. Student's
Initials____ Parent's Initials____
4. Privacy and Safety.
- a. Privacy of e-mail. Electronic mail is not guaranteed to be
private. The university reserves the right to monitor communications on all
authorized accounts.
- b. Protect your own privacy. Be wary. On the Internet you can
never be sure that anyone is who they claim to be. Don't publicly post your
phone number, address, or personal information. Do not give out the phone
numbers or addresses of others. Do not maintain private information on the
system disk storage. Your files may be accessible to persons with system
privileges.
- c. Meeting with strangers. Do not arrange to meet another
computer user who is a stranger face-to-face. (For more information read the
brochure "Child Safety
on the Information Highway" [http://www.missingkids.org/information_superhighway.html] which is published by the
National Center for Missing & Exploited Children.)
- d. Responding to messages. Do not respond to any messages or
bulletin board items which are suggestive, obscene, belligerent, threatening,
or make you feel uncomfortable. If such a message is received, it should be
reported to and forwarded to your teacher.
We have read and understand these provisions. Student's
Initials____ Parent's Initials____
5. Warranties.
PLS and UNI make no warranties of any kind, whether
expressed or implied, regarding use of computer information services. PLS and
UNI will not be responsible for any damages suffered as a result of using
computer information services. PLS and UNI will not be responsible for loss of
data as a result of delays, non-deliveries, or interruptions of service caused
by the system or user errors of omissions. Use of any information obtained
through the system is at the user's risk. UNI and PLS specifically disclaim
any responsibility for the accuracy of information obtained through its
services.
We have read and understand these provisions. Student's
Initials____ Parent's Initials____
6. Controversial Materials.
Network users may encounter material
which is controversial and which users, parents, teachers, administrators, or
others may consider inappropriate or offensive. However, on a global network
it is impossible to control effectively the content of available data. The
user must apply the guidelines of this contract in making decisions about
accessing material. Any effort on the part of PLS or UNI to restrict access to
material shall not be deemed to impose any duty on the part of PLS or UNI to
regulate the content of material on the Internet the World Wide Web, or other
accessible networks.
We have read and understand these provisions. Student's
Initials____ Parent's Initials____
7. Security.
Do not give your password to any other person. Do not
use another person's account. You are responsible for any use of your
authorized account and for keeping it secure. You should change your password
immediately upon authorization and frequently thereafter. You are encouraged
not to use easily-guessed passwords or write your passwords down where others
might see them. If you believe that others might be using your account, you
should immediately change your password and notify your teacher or the system
administrator.
We have read and understand these provisions. Student's
Initials____ Parent's Initials____
Please provide printed names and signatures
below:
Student Signature
I understand and will abide by the provisions and conditions of this contract.
I understand that any violations of the provisions of the contract may result
in disciplinary action, revocation of my user account, and legal action. I
agree to report any misuse of the information system to the teacher and to keep
access to my account secured.
Student's Name (please print)_____________________________________
Student's Signature________________________ Date ____/____ /_____
Parent/Guardian Signature
As a parent or guardian of this student, I have read this contract and
understand that it and the access to the computing system are designed for
educational purposes. I understand that it is impossible for PLS or UNI to
restrict access to all controversial materials which may be available on the
Internet or similar networks. I will not hold PLS or UNI responsible for
materials acquired on the network, and I hereby agree to indemnify PLS, UNI,
the state of Iowa, and their employees and agents, with regard to any claims
relating to this student's use of the available networks, information system,
or the student's account. I accept full responsibility for supervision if and
when my child's use is not in a school setting. I hereby give my permission to
issue an account for my child and certify that the information contained on
this form is correct.
Parent's Name (please print)_____________________________________
Parent's Signature________________________ Date ____/____ /_____
Sponsoring Teacher Signature
I have read this contract and agree to promote this agreement with the student.
As the sponsoring teacher, I agree to instruct the student on acceptable use of
the network and proper network etiquette. I also agree to report any misuse of
the information system to the system administrator.
Teacher's Name (please print)_____________________________________
Teacher's Signature________________________ Date ____/____ /_____
Revised January 24, 1997