Computer Use Agreement
*This policy applies to every student in Hot Springs School District.
Parents and students must sign this agreement before a student is permitted on a computer.
 

Any activity deemed inappropriate by the school is prohibited, even though not expressed set forth herein.

1. RESPONSIBILITIES
   As HSSD account holders, students are owners of their data, and it is their responsibility to ensure that it is adequately protected against unauthorized access. To this end, students should keep their account password confidential.
2. UNAUTHORIZED  ACCESS TO FILES AND DIRECTORIES
   Students must not engage in any activity that is intended to circumvent computer security controls. This means they must not attempt to crack passwords, to discover unprotected files, or to attempt to crack passwords, to discover unprotected files, or to decode encrypted files. This also includes creating, modifying, or executing programs that are designed to hack computer systems.
3. UNAUTHORIZED USE OF SOFTWARE
   a. Students are prohibited from loading, downloading, or copying any software on any computer system without approval from the Network Administrator.
   b. Students are prohibited from downloading, possessing, or using access to the computer system, or disrupt the computing processes in any way. Using viruses or any other invasive software is expressly forbidden.
4. USE FOR-PROFIT ACTIVITIES
   The school's computer systems are for the sole use of the school. Students are prohibited from using the school's computer systems for personal financial gain.
5. ELECTRONIC MAIL (E-MAIL) / INTERNET
   The HSSD faculty/staff reserve the right to intercept, detain and read both incoming and outgoing e-mail and Internet traffic. There is no guarantee of privacy with e-mail/Internet, as all e-mail/Internet traffic is subject to public disclosure and scrutiny.
   a. Students are prohibited from transmitting or forwarding fraudulent, harassing, or obscene messages and files. Accessing sites, weaponry/bomb making, sites of sexual content, gambling, or any other site(s) deemed inappropriate by HSSD staff is prohibited.
   b. Students are prohibited from transmitting or forwarding chain letters, mass mailings, or SPAMMING or mail systems or of individual users. Use of ANY email program or Internet accessibility program without permissions by HSSD staff by a student is prohibited.
   c. Any electronic mail or Internet access must be for HSSD educational purposes only.
6. NETWORK COMMUNICATIONS
   Playing musical CDs, computer games, recreational computing (MUDing, BBSing, etc.) and chatting are not considered educational and take up bandwidth on our network and therefore are not allowed. Deliberately running programs that "hog" bandwidth are not permissible.
7. WEB PAGES
   The school's computer system may be used to create, revise and house home pages for the school, departments and school organizations/clubs. No other home page can be housed on the school's computer system without specific permission from the Network Administrator.
8. WASTE AND ABUSE
   a. Eating and/or drinking is not allowed at any computer workstations or in any computer lab at any time.
   b. Network printers should be used responsibly to prevent waste and abuse.
9. HARDWARE/SOFTWARE
   All hardware and software are the properties of HSSD and should not be moved or altered without consent from the Network Administrator.
10. PENALTIES/CONSEQUENCES
    a. Minimum (1st Offense) - suspension from use of technology.
    b. Minimum (2nd Offense and succeeding offenses) - suspension from use of technology for increasingly longer periods, up to the remainder of the semester or the school year (with the possibility of loss of credit). Permanent suspension may result in appropriate circumstances.
    c. Maximum - expulsion.
    *A student is, in addition, subject to consequences for violation of ANY district policy through the use of the computer.
11. DISCLAIMER
    The district specifically denies any responsibility for the accuracy or quality of information obtained through the use of the computer.

Any violation will be reported to the computer lab supervisor, the Network Administrator, and/or other authorities as deemed necessary. Upon reasonable notice, the provisions herein are subject to change for the protection of students, faculty and staff.