Computer Usage Policy

Introduction

In the words of Pope John Paul II in his January 24, 2005, apostolic letter entitled “The Rapid Development” directed to those responsible for communications, “Such is the importance of the mass media that fifteen years ago I considered it inopportune to leave their use completely up to the initiatives of individuals or small groups, and suggested that they be decisively inserted into pastoral programs.” The mandate to which this letter points is made clear in Redemptoris Missio, promulgated on December 7, 1990, which invokes the idea of the Areopagus, explaining that “[t]he means of social communication have become so important as to be for many the chief means of information and education, of guidance and inspiration in their behavior as individuals, families and within society at large. In particular, the younger generation is growing up in a world conditioned by the mass media.” This social conditioning brings about a deeper reality calling us to integrate the message of the Gospel into the ‘new culture’ modern communications has created. Based on this idea, “The Rapid Development” specifically addresses the rise of the Internet, which “not only provides resources for more information, but habituates persons to interactive communication” in addition to “other new means of communication" as tools that should become appropriate extensions of the Church’s mission in the world.

The importance of the Church’s becoming an active producer of cyberspace is outlined in two additional documents promulgated by the Pontifical Council of Social Communications on February 22, 2002, entitled “Church and Internet” and “Ethics in Internet.” The former document argues that “It is important, too, that people at all levels of the Church use the Internet creatively to meet their responsibilities and help fulfill the Church's mission. Hanging back timidly from fear of technology or for some other reason is not acceptable, in view of the very many positive possibilities of the Internet.” That we in the seminary are responsible for ensuring this reality is made explicitly clear in the statement that “[p]riests, deacons, religious, and lay pastoral workers should have media education to increase their understanding of the impact of social communications on individuals and society and help them acquire a manner of communicating that speaks to the sensibilities and interests of people in a media culture. Today this clearly includes training regarding the Internet, including how to use it in their work.” The latter document argues that “the Catholic Church, along with other religious bodies, should have a visible, active presence on the Internet and be a partner in the public dialogue about its development.” The use of computing resources and the network at Kenrick-Glennon Seminary, therefore, is not only consistent with the mission and values of the institution and the Archdiocese of St. Louis and with local, state, and federal laws, but it is also consistent with the interests of the Vatican.

To ensure that Kenrick-Glennon Seminary engages this task responsibly, this policy Computer Usage Policy applies not only to the institution-owned computers and related equipment, but also to all computers and related equipment used on institution property but not owned by the institution as access to cyberspace from the institution occurs through an institutional network. Accountability is ensured through the institution’s monitoring of all computing resources accessing the institution’s network, and users are forbidden unauthorized access of cyberspace outside of the institutional resources established for that purpose and may not use for illicit purposes alternative means of accessing cyberspace (such as cell phones, dial-up, or local non-institutional wireless signals) to intentionally bypass network restrictions or institutional monitoring programs. Because computing resources on the institution grounds may not be used for illegal purposes, users are required to comply with all federal, state, and other applicable laws. This includes the laws of privacy, copyright, trademark, obscenity, and child pornography. The Electronic Communications Privacy Act and the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act prohibit "hacking," "cracking," and infringement of applicable software licenses.

Those uncertain of whether an activity violates a policy or law should seek guidance prior to engaging in the activity.

Usage Policies

Examples of violations of the computer usage policy include, but are not limited to, the following as concerns institutional computers or personal computers that access the institutional network:

Additionally, it is unethical to misuse the computing resources, interfere with the use of computing resources by others, or intimidate others. Examples include, but are not limited to, the following:

The Computer Usage Policy applies to the use of all Kenrick-Glennon computing resources. Additional computing resource and network-use policies, terms, and conditions may be in place or may be instituted in the future for specific electronic services offered by the institution.

Users are provided access to the Kenrick-Glennon institutional network with the understanding that they will adhere to the aforementioned policies. The institution extends to students, faculty, and staff the privilege to use its computing resources and network. This is not a right, and use of the computing resources may be revoked for violating any terms of this policy.

Users will be held accountable for their conduct under any applicable institutional policies, procedures, or codes of ethics and conduct. Complaints alleging misuse of institutional computing and network resources should be directed to the Office of Instructional Technology or those responsible for taking appropriate disciplinary action.

The Office of Instructional Technology typically handles minor infractions of this policy or those that appear accidental in nature. More serious infractions are handled via formal procedures. In some situations, it may be necessary to suspend account privileges to prevent ongoing misuse while the situation is under investigation.

Infractions by students may result in the temporary or permanent restriction of access privileges and referral of this situation to the Academic Dean and/or the Dean of Students. Infractions by a faculty or staff member may result in referral to the appropriate administrative officer.

Offenses that are in violation of local, state, or federal laws will result not only in the revocation of computing privileges as part of an institutional disciplinary action, but they will also be reported to the appropriate law-enforcement authorities.

No person under 18 years of age may use computing resources on the institution grounds unless that person has permission from an appropriate administrative authority and has appropriate supervision. There are no computing resources located on the institution grounds appropriately configured for Web surfing by minors.

Violations of this policy will result in disciplinary or legal action by the institution.

Sources for this Policy

Some sources used and adapted to complete the Kenrick-Glennon Seminary Computer Usage Policy include:

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