Internet Usage Policy
All Internet data that is composed, transmitted or received via the American Sentinel computer communications systems is considered to be part of the official records of the university and is subject to disclosure to law enforcement or other third parties such as state regulators and accrediting agencies. Consequently, students should always ensure that the information contained in their email messages and other transmissions is accurate, appropriate, ethical and lawful.
The equipment, services and technology provided via the Internet are the property of the school. As such, the university reserves the right to monitor Internet traffic and retrieve and read any data composed, sent or received through our online connections and stored in our computer systems. Data that is composed, transmitted, accessed or received via the Internet must not contain content that could be considered discriminatory, offensive, obscene, threatening, harassing, intimidating or disruptive to any employee or other person. Examples of unacceptable content may include, but are not limited to, sexual comments or images, racial slurs, derogatory gender-specific comments, or any other comments or images that could reasonably offend someone on the basis of race, age, sex, religious or political beliefs, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by law.
The unauthorized use, installation, copying or distribution of copyrighted, trademarked or patented material on the Internet is prohibited. As a general rule, if a student did not create the material, does not own the rights to it or has not secured authorization for its use, the material should not be put on the Internet. Likewise, copyrighted and/or trademarked information should not be downloaded from the Internet to the school’s networks or devices without obtaining prior permission in writing or having possession of a legal bill of sale or license from the owner.
Abuse of school-provided Internet access will result in disciplinary action up to and including dismissal. Students may also be held personally liable for any violations of this policy. The following behaviors are prohibited and can result in disciplinary action:
- Sending, printing or posting discriminatory, harassing or threatening messages or images.
- Stealing, using or disclosing someone else’s code or password without authorization.
- Copying, pirating or downloading software and electronic files without permission.
- Sending or posting confidential material, trade secrets or proprietary information outside of the university.
- Violating copyright law.
- Failing to observe licensing agreements.
- Engaging in unauthorized transactions that may incur a cost to the university or initiate unwanted Internet services.
- Sending or posting messages or material that could damage the university’s image or reputation, including the use of the university name, titles and positions in any publication that may be perceived as offensive.
- Participating in the viewing or exchange of pornography or obscene materials.
- Sending or posting messages that defame or slander other individuals.
- Attempting to break into the computer system of another organization or person.
- Performing operations intended to identify security vulnerabilities or disrupt service of another organization.
- Refusing to cooperate with a security investigation.
- Sending or posting chain letters, solicitations or advertisements not related to education purposes or activities.
- Using the Internet for political causes or activities, religious activities or any sort of gambling.
- Jeopardizing the security of the university’s electronic communications systems.
- Sending or posting messages that disparage another organization’s products or services or passing personal views as representing those of the organization.
- Sending anonymous email messages.
- Engaging in any other inappropriate or illegal activities.
