Acceptable Use of Internet, Email, Networks, and Technology

Trinity School makes email and internet access available to employees as appropriate for their position. Email and the internet are important tools for communication and learning and should be used primarily for school business and instructional purposes. However, limited personal use of these resources is authorized so long as such use is occasional, is of reasonable duration, does not adversely affect employee performance, and does not violate state or federal laws or compromise intellectual property rights.

Trinity School provides employees with various digital tools and resources for education, productivity, and communication. The school expects employees to show respect and take responsibility for any and all technology that is provided in accordance with their job. Please see the specific use and care requirements in the Employee Technology Responsible Use and Care Policy.

A.     Access to and use of Trinity School’s data, electronic protected information, email, digital document sharing, workstations, computers, networks, etc., is restricted to Trinity School’s business needs. Accessing or using the school’s equipment or data for reasons other than Trinity School’s business purposes, such as for personal gain, for advancement of individual views, for advertising or listings for personal benefit, or for accessing the files or communications of others without appropriate authorization, is prohibited.

B.     Any information acquired through access to Trinity School’s workstations, computers, networks, or files is not to be used in any manner that could be detrimental to Trinity School, or in any manner that could be in violation of law. Trinity School will cooperate with any legitimate law enforcement investigation.

C.     The IT department or its designee is responsible for assigning workstations, software, and data and will keep a record of such assignments. Software and data shall be used only on the computer to which it is assigned unless authorized by the IT department. No one is permitted to attach or detach any keyboard, printer, monitor or internal board or other component without express authorization from the IT department.

D.     The programming of computers or networks is restricted to designated employees. Programming is not to be undertaken by non-IT individuals without prior approval from the IT department.

E.      Only designated employees may download software pertaining to direct business use, with the IT department’s approval. Employees must arrange to have such software properly licensed and registered. Downloaded software must be used only under the terms of its license.

F.      Contractors or vendors are prohibited from accessing workstations, computers, software, data, networks, etc. without specific and express prior IT department approval.

G.     All computers, laptops, and workstations should be secured with a password-protected screensaver with automatic activation feature or by logging off. Passwords may not be shared. Authorized employees are responsible for the security of their passwords.

H.     No employee may knowingly distribute viruses or circumvent the user authentication or security of any network or account, nor may they cause security breaches or disruptions to the computer systems, networks, or workstations. This includes accessing data the employee does not have express authorization to access.

I.       Computer games and unlicensed software will not be permitted on Trinity School computers, nor may employees use Trinity School internet connections to download entertainment software or games or play games against opponents over the internet. Any such software or data found will be subject to removal and the employee may be subject to disciplinary measures.

J.       All information created on Trinity School’s workstations, computers, networks, etc. shall remain the property of Trinity School. Any software or file downloaded via the internet onto Trinity School’s network or any computer workstation becomes the property of Trinity School.

K.     No employee may provide information about or disclose electronic protected health information to outside parties who do not have authorization to receive such information.

L.      The use of a computer, email, or the internet for harassment (in accordance with Trinity’s Harassment Policy) or other inappropriate behavior regarding race, color, creed, religion, gender, sexual orientation, ancestry, national origin, age, and/or disability is prohibited.

M.   The use of a computer, email, the internet, or any other school resources to engage in any illegal activity is prohibited.

N.     Sending messages that adversely affect the reputation of the school or its students, parents, or community members is prohibited.

O.    Sexually explicit material may not be accessed, displayed, archived, stored, distributed, edited, or recorded using Trinity School network or computing resources. Trinity School reserves the right to monitor and block access to all inappropriate internet sites.

P.     Employees with internet access may not upload any software licensed to Trinity School or data owned or licensed by Trinity School without explicit authorization from the IT department.

Q.    The use of instant messaging services or online chat rooms is permitted only with IT department approval.

R.     Trinity School reserves the right to inspect any and all files stored in public or private areas of Trinity School computers and networks to assure compliance with this policy.

S.      Employees are prohibited from engaging in illegal activities or accessing websites with illegal or otherwise prohibited content when using school networks or school equipment on or off school property, during or after working time, or while directly or indirectly representing the school in any way.

Engaging in activities that are prohibited may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination.

The school retains the right to monitor network usage as well as usage of individual computers and email accounts, and employees should not have an expectation of privacy when utilizing school networks, systems, or electronic communication resources.  All employees explicitly agree to this condition in consideration for the ability to utilize the school’s computer networks and resources.