Responsible Division: Center for Information Technology Services
Responsible Office: Center for Information Technology Services
Issue/Revision Date: September 22, 2017

Summary

An internet usage policy dictates what is deemed to be appropriate internet browsing behavior in the workplace. This policy typically enforces time restrictions for employees when browsing the internet for non-work-related tasks as well as stipulating what genres of sites they are allowed to browse. Having an internet usage policy, which can also be referred to as an acceptable use policy (AUP), ensures that employees are following directives that serve to safeguard their work environment and the IT network infrastructure.

This Internet Usage Policy applies to all Students, Faculty and Staff of Alcorn State University who have access to computers and the Internet to be used in the performance of their work. Use of the Internet by Students and Employees of Alcorn State University is permitted and encouraged where such use supports the goals and objectives of the business. However, access to the Internet through University is a privilege and all students and employees must adhere to the policies concerning Computer, Email and Internet usage. Violation of these policies could result in disciplinary and/or legal action leading up to and including termination of employment. Students or Employees may also be held personally liable for damages caused by any violations of this policy. All students and employees are required to acknowledge receipt and confirm that they have understood and agree to abide by the rules hereunder.

POLICY STATEMENT

  1. Computer, email and internet usage:

    • University students and employees are expected to use the Internet responsibly and productively. Internet access is limited to academic related or job-related activities only and personal use is not permitted.
    • Job-related activities include research and educational tasks that may be found via the Internet that would help in an employee’s role
    • All Internet data that is composed, transmitted and/or received by University’s computer systems is considered to belong to university and is recognized as part of its official data. It is therefore subject to disclosure for legal reasons or to other appropriate third parties
    • The equipment, services and technology used to access the Internet are the property of University and the university reserves the right to monitor Internet traffic and monitor and access data that is composed, sent or received through its online connections
    • Emails sent via the company email system should not contain content that is deemed to be offensive. This includes, though is not restricted to, the use of vulgar or harassing language/images
    • All sites and downloads may be monitored and/or blocked by university if they are deemed to be harmful and/or not productive to business
    • The installation of software such as instant messaging technology is strictly prohibited
  2. Unacceptable use of the internet by students and employees includes, but is not limited to:
    • Sending or posting discriminatory, harassing, or threatening messages or images on the Internet or via university’s email service
    • Using computers to perpetrate any form of fraud, and/or software, film or music piracy
    • Stealing, using, or disclosing someone else’s password without authorization
    • Downloading, copying or pirating software and electronic files that are copyrighted or without authorization
    • Sharing confidential material, trade secrets, or proprietary information outside of the organization.
    • Hacking into unauthorized websites
    • Sending or posting information that is defamatory to the company, its products/services, colleagues and/or customers
    • Introducing malicious software onto the company network and/or jeopardizing the security of the organization’s electronic communications systems
    • Sending or posting chain letters, solicitations, or advertisements not related to business purposes or activities
    • Passing off personal views as representing those of the organization

Contact Information

– If a student or an employee is unsure about what constituted acceptable Internet usage, then he/she should ask his/her Dept. Head/Supervisor for further guidance and clarification.