Acceptable Computer and Internet Use

Set guidelines established by the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) govern all students at Columbus Technical College. In addition to the guidelines established by the TCSG the College has established additional guidelines.

The current version of the TCSG guidelines may be found at https://tcsg.edu/tcsgpolicy/docs/Computer%20Use%20and%20Access%20to%20the%20Internet.htm

1. Additional Guidelines Established by Columbus Technical College
1. Security

All students are responsible for maintaining and protecting the integrity of their data. Students have space on the College servers to store and save files. To protect data, students should always log off the computer when they are finished using it and never share passwords.

2. Passwords

Students are responsible for maintaining the secrecy of all passwords, accounts’ codes, PIN numbers, etc., that are used while enrolled at the College. Passwords should not be written down, stored in a retrieval system without extra security measures in place, or shared with anyone inside or outside of the College.

Students should change passwords frequently and immediately if they feel that the integrity of the secrecy of the password is in question.

3. Virus Protection

Users should be aware that e-mail attachments and shared files are the leading causes of infecting a computer and network with a virus. All College computers are equipped with virus-scanning software; however, users should still use caution when opening e-mail attachments from known and unknown users, especially if the attachment is not business related or if you are not expecting it. If using a non-Columbus Technical College computer for schoolwork, users should ensure that the computer has up-to-date anti-virus software. If not, users should scan all files before opening them on a Columbus Technical College computer.

4. Access to Network Resources

A user account is required for all students to access the network resources at Columbus Technical College.

All students have a network directory for storing files. This directory is referred to as the student’s home directory or F: drive. This is also the default location for the "My Documents" directory for all Microsoft Office applications. Students are responsible for making backup copies of critical files.

5. Proper Use of E-mail

All active students have access to a College-administered email account. The primary purpose of this account is to serve as an electronic means for the College to communicate time- sensitive information to all students. Students should check this account on a daily basis. All other uses of e-mail are considered secondary and should not interfere with the primary purpose of e-mail. If the secondary uses of e-mail do interfere with the primary activities, the College may terminate access to the College’s e-mail and technology resources.

1. Computers, servers, user accounts, and other electronic media are the property of Columbus Technical College and are to be used for the primary purpose of enhancing the mission of the College.
2. By using information-technology equipment, facilities, and resources supplied by the College, users agree to abide by all applicable policies and procedures adopted by the College and comply with current state and federal laws.
3. E-mail transmissions are considered to be non-confidential communications. E-mail transmissions may be subject to disclosure through legal proceedings or otherwise through various laws that may be held to apply to such transmissions.
4. Authorized College personnel must have access to e-mail and related information that is stored on College-owned equipment. This access is required to perform maintenance of the e-mail server, troubleshoot hardware and software problems, prevent unauthorized access and misuse, and comply with legal requests for information. The Information Systems Administrator will be responsible for approving such access.
5. Delivery of e-mail cannot be assured, and recovery of lost e-mail may not be possible.
6. E-mail must not be used for private or commercial gain, posting of chain letters, posting or mailing obscene materials, representing one’s self electronically as another user, or configuring hardware or software to intentionally allow access by unauthorized users.
7. Students have e-mail privileges to allow them to communicate with the staff and faculty of the College. Personal usage by students is allowed but should be limited and should not interfere with normal e-mail communications.
8. The College may terminate or monitor individual access to e-mail at any time due to a violation of the policy.
6. Violation of the Acceptable-Use Policy

Violation of this policy or any others referred to in this section will result in a loss of network privileges, written warning, or possible suspension from the College.

The College reserves the right to change the acceptable-use policy.