Dec 11, 2024  
Catalog/Handbook 2022-2023 
    
Catalog/Handbook 2022-2023 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Student Technology Use Policy


This Student Computer and Network Acceptable Use Agreement pertains to the use of Polk State College Technology Services, including the network and other resources. The College provides these resources specifically to support its mission.

The College network (herein referred to as the Polk State College Network (PSCnet) provides student access to local, state, national, and international information technology resources through connections with networks outside of Polk State College. It is the responsibility of those external networks to enforce their own acceptable use-agreements and policies. Polk State College accepts no responsibility for network traffic that violates the acceptable use agreement of any directly or indirectly connected networks beyond informing the student that he or she may be in violation (i.e., if an external network so informs Polk State College).

All students accessing PSCnet (as well as outside networks through PSCnet connections) are responsible for adhering to codes of conduct, rules, laws, and regulations governing the use of computer and telecommunication resources. Examples include, but are not limited to, laws of libel, privacy, copyright, trademark, obscenity, child pornography, the Electronic Communication Privacy Act, and the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act. Any attempt to break those laws through the use of PSCnet may result in criminal charges and/or litigation against the offender by the proper authorities. In such an event, Polk State College complies fully with authorities to provide any information necessary for the litigation process.

Polk State College computer systems and PSCnet resources are the sole property of Polk State College. All messages, documents, and other forms of information created, sent, or received by any user under this agreement while using Polk State College Technology Services resources may be accessed, reviewed, and disclosed by Polk State College at any time without prior notice or consent from the student or the party from whom a transmission is received. Under no circumstances should a student expect that any information, email message, or any attachment thereto sent by Polk State College’s email systems or Internet service, or any information accessed by Polk State College systems is confidential. There is no expectation of privacy under this agreement. Disclosure may include, but is not limited to, officials of law enforcement, regulatory bodies, and governments, as well as members of the general public making requests under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). Furthermore, such messages, documents, and information may be subject to compulsory disclosure through the judicial process. 

 

Virus Policy

Polk State College is not responsible for damage to or loss of data from an individual’s disk storage media or home computer resulting from email or any other kind of file transfer from faculty, staff, or students.

Polk State College does everything in its power to ensure that harmful files are not propagated, but the student is responsible for the protection of his or her personal hardware, software, and data. The student is broadly encouraged to scan any item received with an up-to-date virus-protection product. Each student should maintain electronic copies of all work throughout a term to ensure there is a backup if data gets lost or corrupted on the Internet.