Every student should act responsibly when using computers and computer-based information; failure to do so, will result in immediate withdrawal of rights subject to investigation.

Security

In particular, every student should ensure the security of any computer he/she uses and the data accessed via that computer. Students should not attempt to breach the security systems of the College or of any third party.

Students must ensure that they log out of the system when a task is finished so that the next user can log in with his/her own password.

Students should note that it is illegal to copy or use unlicensed software or manuals or to encourage others to do so.

Passwords

The security of personal passwords is a student's responsibility.

1. Passwords should not be disclosed to others.
2. If passwords are written down, they should be stored in a secure place.
3. Students should try to use passwords which are not obvious to others.

Virus Protection

If a student suspects that his/her computer has been infected by a virus, he/she should contact the IS Technicians or a member of staff immediately.

Private Use of Computers

1. Use of College computers (including laptops) for purposes other than those related to academic study is forbidden.
2. Only authorised data may be stored on a College computer or network (including removal media)

E-Mail

In order to ensure that the e-mail system is used effectively and difficulties are avoided, the College has identified a number of problems which might arise and students should follow the guidelines set out below.

1 The use of College e-mail accounts for messages, other than those directly connected with academic work, should have the prior approval of the student's Course Tutor.

2 Students should consider the impact of any e-mail message they are intending to send. In particular they should check to ensure that the message:

a) is factually correct

b) could not be seen as sexual or racial harassment and is not abusive in any way

c) does not contain any statements which could be regarded as libellous

d) does not contain confidential information which should not be passed to the recipient

e) does not contravene copyright

3 Students should not use the e-mail/internet to access pornography or to access social networking sites such as Facebook or Twitter, to engage in on-line gambling, or to take part in electronic chain letters. Engaging in such activities or using College facilities will result in disciplinary action.

4 Students are not allowed to set up their own websites using the College network and computers.

5 A student who receives an e-mail he/she considers to be offensive should follow the bullying procedure.

As the use of electronic mail both internally and externally increases, it is important that all students adopt good practices to ensure its most effective use.

Some misuses of e-mail are both criminal and civil offences and the College has a responsibility to deal with this. Such behaviour is likely to be seen as gross misconduct and result in disciplinary action leading to dismissal from courses.

Students could also be subject to libel actions with e-mails used as evidence.

Students should, therefore, be aware of the following points:-

1 e-mails can be read by third parties.
2 e-mails can be used as evidence in legal proceedings.
3 e-mails can create binding contracts.
4 e-mails can constitute harassment and bullying.
5 e-mail abuse can be gross misconduct and lead to disciplinary action.

We are all bound by UK and international laws including the Data Protection Act 1998; the Copyright Designs and Patents Act 1988; the Computer Mis-use Act 1990; the Official Secrets Act 1989; the Trades Descriptions Act 1968 and the Race Relations Act 1976. (Copies of all these can be found in the LRC). There are also laws relating to a range of topics including libel, annoyance, pornography, blasphemy, protection of minors, intellectual property rights, sex discrimination, equal opportunities, advertising standards and defamation of character, some of which are included in the Joint Academic Network (JANET) acceptable user policy (copy in the LRC).

Students should note that any breach of these Guidelines may be considered under the College’s Disciplinary Procedure.