Copy the text you see below into your favorite word processor, replace all of the <YOUR> references with the name of your school or school district, and modify any of the text to match the requirements of the specific at your school or district. Get it approved, (by the faculty, administration and the board.) Then have all users of the Internet at your school sign it.
If you have any ideas for changes to this sample, let us know.
The following template is based on the AUP template available from ftp site ftp.classroom.net/wentworth/Classroom-Connect/aup-faq.txt. Classroom Connect makes it available so that it may be used to create your own AUP. You may also wish to visit the Hellgate School District site (an NMP pilot project) to see their approach to using the internet.
(Please read this document carefully before signing.)
Internet access is now available to students and teachers in the <YOUR> School District.
We are very pleased to bring this access to <YOUR> School District and believe the Internet offers vast, diverse, and unique resources to both students and teachers. Our goal in providing this service to teachers andstudents is to promote educational excellence in schools by facilitating resource sharing, innovation, and communication.
The Internet is an electronic highway connecting thousands of computers all over the world and millions of individual subscribers. Students and teachers have access to:
1) Electronic mail (e-mail) communication with people all over the world.
2) Information and news from NASA as well as the opportunity to correspond with the scientists at NASA and other research institutions.
3) Public domain software and graphics of all types for school use.
4) Discussion groups on a plethora of topics ranging from Chinese culture to the environment to music to politics
5) Access to many University Library Catalogs, the Library of Congress, and ERIC, a large collection of relevant information to educators and students.
6) Graphical access to the World Wide Web, the newest and most exciting access tool on the Internet.
With access to computers and people all over the world also comes the availability of material that may not be considered to be of educational value in the context of the school setting. <YOUR> School District has taken precautions to restrict access to controversial materials. However, on a global network it is impossible to control all materials and an industrious user may discover controversial information. We (<YOUR> School District) firmly believe that the valuable information and interaction available on this worldwide network far out weighs the possibility that users may procure material that is not consistent with the educational goals of the District.
Internet access is coordinated through a complex association of government agencies, and regional and state networks. In addition, the smooth operation of the network relies upon the proper conduct of the end users who must adhere to strict guidelines. These guidelines are provided here so that you are aware of the responsibilities you are about to acquire. In general this requires efficient, ethical and legal utilization of the network resources. If an <YOUR> School District user violates any of these provisions, his or her account will be terminated and future access could possibly be denied.
The signature(s) at the end of this document is (are) legally binding and indicates the party (parties) who signed has (have) read the terms and conditions carefully and understand(s) their significance.
Internet--Terms and Conditions of Use
1) Acceptable Use - The purpose of the backbone networks making up the Internet is to support research and education in and among academic institutions by providing access to unique resources and the opportunity for collaborative work. The use of your account must be in support of education and research and consistent with the educational objectives of the <YOUR> School District. Use of other organization's network or computing resources must comply with the rules appropriate for that network. Transmission of any material in violation of any national or state regulation is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to: copyrighted material, threatening or obscene material, or material protected by trade secret
2) Privileges - The use of the Internet is a privilege, not a right, and inappropriate use will result in a cancellation of those privileges. (Each student or teacher who receives an account will be part of a discussion with a <YOUR> School District staff member pertaining to the proper use of the network.) The system administrators will deem what is inappropriate use and their decision is final. Also, the system administrators may close an account at any time as required. The administration, faculty, and staff of <YOUR> School District may request the system administrator to deny, revoke, or suspend specific user accounts.
3) Network Etiquette - You are expected to abide by the generally
accepted rules of network etiquette. These include (but are not limited to) the
following:
a) Be polite. Do not get abusive in your messages to others.
b) Use appropriate language. Do not swear, use vulgarities or any other
inappropriate language.
c) Illegal activities are strictly forbidden.
d) Do not reveal your personal address or phone numbers of students or
colleagues.
e) Note that electronic mail (e-mail) is not guaranteed to be private. People
who operate the system do have access to all mail. Messages relating to or in
support of illegal activities may be reported to the authorities.
f) Do not use the network in such a way that you would disrupt the use of the
network by other users.
g) All communications and information accessible via the network should be
assumed to be private properly.
4) <YOUR> School District makes no warranties of any kind, whether expressed or implied, for the service it is providing. <YOUR> School District will not be responsible for any damages you suffer. This include loss of data resulting from delays, nondeliveries, mis-deliveries, or service interruptions caused by it's own negligence or your errors or omissions. Use of any information obtained via the Internet is at your own risk. <YOUR> School District specifically denies any responsibility for the accuracy or quality of information obtained through its services.
5) Security - Security on any computer system is a high priority, especially when the system involves many users. If you feel you can identify a security problem on the Internet, you must notify a system administrator or your <YOUR> District Internet Coordinator. Do not demonstrate the problem to other users. Do not use another individual's account without written permission from that individual. Attempts to logon to the Internet as a system administrator will result in cancellation of user privileges. Any user identified as a security risk or having a history of problems with other computer systems may be denied access to Internet.
6) Vandalism - Vandalism will result in cancellation of privileges. Vandalism is defined as any malicious attempt to harm or destroy data of another user, Internet, or any of the above listed agencies or other networks that are connected to any of the Internet backbones. This includes, but not limited to, the uploading or creation of computer viruses.
School District Internet Use Agreement
I understand and will abide by the above Internet Use Agreement. I further understand that any violation of the regulations above is un ethical and may constitute a criminal offense. Should I commit any violation, my access privileges may be revoked, school disciplinary action may be taken, and/or appropriate legal action.
User's Full Name: __________________________________
User Signature: ___________________________________
Date: _______________
PARENT OR GUARDIAN
As the parent or guardian of this student, I have read the Internet Use Agreement. I understand that this access is designed for educational purposes. <YOUR> School District has taken precautions to eliminate controversial material. However, I also recognize it is impossible for School District to restrict access to all controversial materials and I will not hold them responsible for materials acquired on the network. Further, I accept full responsibility for supervision if and when my child's use is not in a school setting. I hereby give permission to issue an account for my child and certify that the information contained on this form is correct.
Parent or Guardian's Name (please print): _________________________
Parent or Guardian's Signature: _________________________________
SPONSORING TEACHER
(Must be signed if the applicant is a student)
I have read the Internet Use Agreement and agree to promote THIS agreement with the student. Because the student may use the network for individual work or in the context of another class, I cannot be held responsible for the student use of the network. As the sponsoring teacher I do agree to instruct the student on acceptable use of the network and proper network etiquette.
Teacher's Name (please print): _________________________________
Teacher's Signature: _________________________________________
