General User Policy

GUIDELINES FOR INFORMATION SYSTEMS USERS

These guidelines pertain to all district-owned and personal information systems, including but not limited to the following:  network computers, printers, software and other resources; Internet, email, and other web-based resources; the district telecommunication system; and cellular phones, digital pagers, personal digital assistants, and other communication devices.

Spartanburg School District No.7 information systems users include employees, board members, students, and guests. Guests include, but are not limited to parents, substitute teachers, temporary Board employees, and volunteers. Access to district information systems is a privilege, not a right. District information systems are to be used for the business of education only.  Inappropriate use may result in suspension or revocation of that privilege.  Applicable state and federal regulations apply to all systems users.

General Information Systems

1. Users assume full responsibility for using all information systems in an ethical and appropriate educational manner.  Users are to adhere to and respect all copyright laws.
2. All users are prohibited from attempting to gain unauthorized access to district information systems or data. Students are to obtain permission from a teacher or administrator to use information systems. 
3. Installing, deleting, attaching, or modifying software and/or hardware on any information system must have proper authorization.
4. Users vandalizing, modifying or causing damage to information systems will be responsible for the full cost to repair or replace hardware or software. Users are to report to their administrator any abuse of systems.
5. Use of information systems is a privilege; any breach of this privilege may result in the closure of user accounts, cancellation of privileges and disciplinary action in accordance with Board Policy and the Code of Conduct.
6. All information systems activity is recorded and logged.  No file, document, email, or website used, created, or accessed on the network is guaranteed to be private. All files, logs, and activity on district information systems are district property.
7. Spartanburg School District No. 7 will notify and fully cooperate with authorities in any investigation relating to activities involving district information systems.

Internet Use

Students will routinely use the Internet and other web-based resources on Spartanburg School District No.7 information systems.  Students are prohibited from:

1. accessing, viewing, downloading, uploading, or disseminating illegal, commercial, racist, abusive, profane, pornographic, violent, offensive, or discriminatory material or messages
2. attempting to disable, evade, defeat, or circumvent district information system filters, controls, and or restrictions
3. knowingly or negligently  introducing or disseminating a virus, worm, Trojan, spyware, malware, or other malignant code into any district information system
4. unauthorized access to district information systems, and other users’ accounts, files, or resources
5. accessing non-district or unauthorized email, IM, SMS, or other communication services
6. accessing chat rooms or discussion forums that are not approved by school staff
7. divulging personal or another’s private information with an unauthorized person online
8. duplicating, plagiarizing, storing or transmitting copyrighted material that violates copyright law
9. participating in any online behavior or activity that would not be permissible or advisable offline 
10. transmitting information in violation of federal, state or municipal laws

Students are to report to their Principal any abuse of information systems usage.

Personal Electronic Devices

1.        Personal information electronic devices are prohibited for use by students on Spartanburg School District No. 7 premises unless specifically approved.

2.        Spartanburg School District No.7 assumes no responsibility for the safety and security, loss, recovery, repair or replacement of a personal electronic device when carried onto district premises.

Disciplinary Action

Principals will determine the appropriate disciplinary action for students who violate these guidelines. Principals will consult with the Superintendent regarding consequences for severe violations.