Carthage Employee Computer Use Policy

Carthage employees are expected to comply with the terms of the Carthage Computer Use Policy – Carthage Employees and to report any violation of these policies to the Director of Administration immediately. These policies apply when accessing Carthage's computer technology resources, from on or off campus, and when using Carthage's technology resources.

Carthage employee use of Carthage's technology resources is restricted to lawful and College approved purposes. Approved primary purposes include teaching and learning, and official College business. Permissible secondary purposes include College-related social, personal, and community functions and activities. Use of the technology resources for secondary purposes is always subordinate to use for primary purposes.

A network user id and password are assigned to Carthage employees solely for their individual use and should not be shared with anyone. Carthage employees are responsible for all functions performed from their assigned network account. For this reason, Carthage employees should not leave any machine unattended while logged on. In addition, any attempt to discover and/or disclose another's password is a violation of this policy.

Administrative information systems user id’s and passwords are assigned to Carthage employees on an individual need to know basis. Information from any Carthage administrative system should only be used in accomplishing Carthage academic and business tasks. Carthage employees are responsible for following the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) to provide for student and employee privacy.

Installing, posting, distributing, or transmitting sexually explicit and/or pornographic images, or materials considered harassing, threatening, or obscene (as defined in section 1460 of Title 18, United States Code) via Carthage resources is prohibited.

Carthage employees must respect copyright and intellectual property rights of others. Copying of materials, which belong to others, including passwords and files constitutes a breach of the policy. Note that unauthorized duplication or transmission of copyrighted or other proprietary content could subject the Carthage employee to criminal prosecution as well as personal liability in a civil suit. Because Carthage College does not require, request, or condone unauthorized copying or use of computer software, such action is not considered to be taken in the course of employment. The College will not provide legal defense for individuals who may be accused of making unauthorized copies of software even if these individuals maintain that such action was taken in the course of their employment. If the College is sued or fined because of unauthorized copying or use, it may seek payment from the individuals as well as subject them to disciplinary action.

Carthage employees must use Software owned or licensed by the College in accordance with the applicable license.

Consequences of Computer Use Policy Violations - Violating the Carthage Computer Use Policies may result in restriction/revocation of network access, suspension or termination from the college, or other actions as deemed appropriate by the Vice President for Administration & Business. Procedures for disciplinary action are described under the Conditions of Employment section of the Carthage Employee Handbook.