Acceptable Use Policy (A.U.P.)

Please read this document carefully before signing.

The Harare International School (HIS) has implemented network systems that will allow unprecedented educational opportunities for students and staff to communicate, learn, and publish information. These network resources provide students and staff access to electronic resources and are to be used for educational purposes. Communication over the HIS network is not to be considered private. Network supervision and maintenance may require review and inspection of network activity.

Terms and Conditions For Internet Access And Use:

The use of the Internet must be in support of education or research and adhere to the educational goals and objectives of HIS. While some material accessible via the Internet may contain information that is inappropriate or inaccurate, HIS believes that the benefits to students exceed the disadvantages. Ultimately, parents and guardians are responsible for setting and conveying the standards that their children should follow when using the Internet.

Appropriate Use of the Internet:

Students are responsible for appropriate behavior when using the Internet just as they are in a classroom or around the campus. Students are expected to abide by the generally accepted rules of network etiquette:

• Do not view, send or access abusive, obscene or harassing materials. A good rule to follow is never view, send, or access materials that you would not want your teachers and parents to see. Should students encounter such material by accident, they should report it to their teacher immediately. If the item is an email, they are not to delete the email, rather save it so that we may track down the offending user.

• Do not access or participate in chat rooms, or multi-user environments; download or play games; subscribe to or access listservs; download music files or check, send or receive Internet email (Hotmail, MSN, etc.) unless prior permission is granted by a teacher.

• Do not use email for chain mailing, chatting or school-wide messaging.

• Do not give out any personal information including names, addresses, phone numbers or credit card information pertaining to themselves or any other person without appropriate staff approval.

• Do not engage in any commercial, for-profit activities.

• Do not violate copyright laws. Materials accessed through the Internet must be properly cited when referenced in a student research assignment.

• Do not download or install any commercial software, shareware, or freeware onto network drives or disks. Do not copy other people’s work or intrude into other people’s files.

• Do not waste school resources by printing excessively or consuming limited hard drive space or network space.

• Do not use the Internet in any way that disrupts the service or its operation for others.

Consequences for Inappropriate Use of the Internet:

Since Internet access is a privilege and not a right, users have the responsibility to use the Internet in an appropriate manner. Consequences of misuse or abuse of the Internet, depending upon the severity of the situation may include one or more of the following:

• A warning followed by clarification of the appropriate use guidelines.

• Loss of privilege of Internet access for not less than 45 school days.

• Notification of parents and administrators by phone or personal conference.

• Referral to administration for disciplinary action.

Terms and Conditions For Technology Network and Equipment Access and Use:

Harare International School provides a variety of technology resources that will allow unprecedented educational opportunities for students and staff to communicate, learn, and publish information. These resources include computers, software, scanners, printers, digital cameras, video cameras and much more. Students will be required to act appropriately when utilizing technology equipment and work areas.

Appropriate Use of Networks and Technology Equipment:

Students are responsible for appropriate behavior when using HIS technology resources. Students are expected to abide by the following rules:

• Do not intentionally damage computers, computer systems or computer networks. Students should take special care with the physical facilities, hardware, software, and furnishings. Students may not remove / move, unplug, alter or add equipment or software to the network without the approval of the IT Coordinator.

• Do not create or willfully disseminate computer viruses. Students should be sensitive to the ease of spreading viruses and should take steps to ensure that disks and files are virus free.

• Do not attempt to gain unauthorized or illegal access to HIS technology resources or any other technology resources.

• Do not attempt to gain access to the HIS or any other computer system or go beyond your authorized access by entering another person’s password or accessing another person’s files.

• Do not download, install or run any software without the express permission of your teacher or the IT Coordinator.

• Personal technology equipment brought to school is subject to the procedures outlined in the Student AUP.

• Do not alter the computers or change the settings or system configurations in any way.

• Do not alter, damage or vandalize HIS technology equipment or software in any way.

• Do not use HIS resources to create, manage or access personal web pages or personal servers without the express permission of your teacher or a network manager.

Consequences for Inappropriate Use of Networks or Technology Equipment:

Users have the responsibility to use technology resources in an appropriate manner. Consequences of misuse or abuse of these resources, depending upon the severity of the situation may include one or more of the following:

• A warning, followed by clarification of the appropriate use guidelines.

• Loss of access to HIS technology resources.

• Notification of parents and administrators by phone or personal conference.

• Referral to administration for disciplinary action.

• Students who have lost Internet or network privileges may not use personal equipment in lieu of school equipment while at school, nor may they ask other students to use school resources since they have lost their access.

Conclusion:

Harare International School staff will exercise reasonable oversight to ensure that the communication and technology resources and facilities are used in the appropriate manner.

The School makes no guarantee that the functions or the services provided by or through the School system will be error-free or without defect. The School will not be responsible for any damage you may suffer including, but not limited to, loss of data or interruptions of service. The School is not responsible for the accuracy or quality of the information attained through or stored on the system. The School will not be responsible for financial obligations arising from unauthorized use of the system. 

Please keep these pages for future reference.

Signature Section (please detach this page and return to Mr. Irish, IT Coordinator):

Both the student and parent or legal guardian must sign below. Parental or legal guardian signatures indicate you are granting permission for your child to have access to all School technology resources available for student use.

Student Signature Section:

I have read the Harare International School Acceptable Use Policy, and I agree to follow the rules contained in this policy. I understand the consequences if I choose to violate any of the rules.

Student Name (print) _______________________________________ Grade ______

Student Signature __________________________________________ Date _______

Parent / Guardian Signature Section:

As the parent or legal guardian of the student signing above, I have read this Acceptable Use Policy and grant permission for my child to access the Harare International School’s computer systems and technology resources. I understand that my child will be held liable for violations of this agreement. I understand that the School’s computer systems and technology resources are intended for educational purposes. I also understand that it is difficult for my child’s school to restrict access to all controversial materials, and I will not hold the School responsible for materials acquired on the network.

Parent / Guardian Name (print) _______________________________ Date _______

Parent / Guardian Signature______________________________________________

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