Hiwassee College Internet Filtering Policy
(approved by the Board of Trustees)

Campus Computing Network

The Hiwassee College campus computing network (HCNet) is a resource to further the College community's teaching, scholarly research, and spiritual goals. Persons accessing any of the network resources are expected to practice common sense, decency, and courtesy to other users. Individuals are responsible for the proper use of their account, including proper password protection.

Access to HCNct is a privilege. That privilege may be revoked at anytime, with or without noticed for misuse, abused or vandalism. HCNet is restricted to authorized users, defined as individuals who have and ID and password assigned by the college.

All students, faculty, and staff are responsible for using the HCNet in an effective, efficient, ethical and lawful matter, seeing that the information system is used in an effective, efficient ethical, and lawful manner. Any activity that occurs on an individual's account or workstation is the responsibility of that individual.

This policy extends to networks and resources outside the College that access HCNet via the Internet. These network or resource providers may impose additional conditions for appropriate use. It is the responsibility of the user to observe all such conditions.

Prohibited Activities

File and Music Sharing

The unauthorized exchange of copyrighted materials via a college internet connection or the use of college-owned equipment is prohibited. Information concerning persons using file sharing programs may be given to authorities without the user’s knowledge.

Transmission of Possession of Pornographic Materials

The downloading or transmission of pornographic material via college network resources and/or utilizing college-owned equipment is prohibited. Accessing web sites with pornographic or exploitive material or advocating hate speech is forbidden. Pornographic or obscene files are not to be stored on any college-owned or personal computer on the Hiwassee College campus.

The College reserves the right to remove network privileges from a user if pornographic or obscene files are found on an individual’s personal computer, or if a user continuously attempts to access pornographic websites or materials,

The Office of Student Development and/or the Office of Academic Affairs will be notified of any suspension of privileges. Service to the user may not be restored until the Dean of Students and/or Dean of Academic Affairs approves the reactivation of network privileges.

The Computer Technology Committee will make recommendations and advise the Leadership Team and the President regarding appropriate monitoring procedures.

For specific and additional information, contact the Dean of Students.