User Policy for Technological Resources

I.  Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to ensure that all users understand their privileges and responsibilities in relation to the computer, network, and Internet resources provided by the seminary.  The provisions of this policy, where not specifically noted, apply to all classes of users (i.e. students, faculty, staff).  This document must be read and the acknowledgment statement signed in order for privileges to be granted.

Violations of this policy may result in suspension of privileges and/or other disciplinary action as set out in the catalog and employment manual.  If you have questions or require clarification about any of the provisions of this policy, please contact the Educational Technologist, if you are a student, or the Director of Information Technology, if you are a Westminster employee.

II.  Computer Resources

A.  Overall Privileges

Employees

Generally all full time employees are provided with a dedicated computer workstation with software appropriate to the requirements of the position.  Computer peripherals, such as printers and scanners, are made available as well.

Adjunct faculty and teaching fellows with offices on campus will be given access to the Internet through the seminary network and a Westminster email account but must provide their own computer workstation.

All other employees, including student workers, are given access to computer workstations and peripherals as necessary to satisfy the requirements of their position.

Students

A sixteen-workstation computer lab, located on the lower level of the Andreas Center, is available for all registered students.  A high capacity dedicated laser printer is part of the student computer lab and is available for lab users on a fee-per-page basis.

The computer lab is generally available during library hours.  There will be periods when the lab may be closed for class purposes, faculty use, training, maintenance, or other reasons.  

B.  Other Campus Resources

Public Access Workstations

Public access workstations in the library and other campus areas (i.e. Student Affairs Office) are provided for dedicated purposes (i.e. access to the Library Winnebago system, Internet access).  These workstations may not be used for any other purpose.  Unless indicated, users may not attempt to access the seminary network or use the floppy, Zip, CD, DVD, or CDRW drives on these workstations.  Printing from public access workstations in the library is exclusively for search results.

Classrooms

The computer and audio-visual equipment in the classrooms is for faculty use only.  Students may only use this equipment as part of a class with faculty supervision.

C.  Responsibilities

Equipment Care

All users are to handle the computer resources provided by the seminary with care.   Users may not attempt to repair, upgrade, or perform any type of maintenance on computer workstations or peripherals unless permission has been granted by the Information Technology Department.  The Help Desk is to be contacted immediately with any computer equipment issue.

Software

Users may not install or upgrade software without permission from the Information Technology Department.  The Information Technology Department, because of auditing requirements, must be provided with copies of invoices and software licenses for every application that is purchased and installed on campus workstations.   

Computer Lab

The computer lab is provided primarily to support students in their academic program.  Students may occasionally use the lab for personal purposes, unless it prevents others from using the resources for academic work.

All users of the computer lab must abide by the guidelines posted in the lab.  Anyone requiring assistance in the lab should contact the Educational Technologist or the Help Desk.  Tampering with cabling or equipment, installation or upgrading of software, or attempted modification to workstation system settings is strictly prohibited.

III.  Network & Internet Resources

A.  Access

Employee

Generally all full time employees are provided with a unique user name and password which allows them to log in to their workstation, utilize network applications and storage areas, and connect to the Internet. 

Part time employees, adjunct faculty and teaching fellows with campus offices, and student workers are provided with access to the network as needed.

Users are responsible for keeping their passwords confidential and for taking reasonable precaution to ensure that no one else accesses the campus network with their credentials.  Unauthorized access to the seminary network could result in loss or corruption of data or violations of the federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), for which the seminary is liable.

Students

Students have access to the Internet through the student lab using a generic user name and password posted in the lab area.  Students may not log into any seminary workstation outside of those provided in the computer lab and Student Affairs office.

B.  Email

Purpose

The purpose for providing email service is for academic and administrative activities that support the educational mission of the seminary. 

Employee

Generally all full time employees are provided with a Westminster email account.  Other employees are provided with an account where appropriate.

Student

Currently the seminary is not able to offer Westminster email accounts to students.  Students may access their own web-browser based email accounts in the computer lab.

Privacy

By law all email stored in a Westminster email account is the property of the seminary.  The seminary does, however, treat all email as private, and seminary users should treat email correspondence similarly.  Users can expect that their email will not be read or examined by others without their authorization unless deemed appropriate by a seminary official or required by local, state or federal law.

Acceptable Use

Users may use their Westminster email account for personal reasons provided that this usage is limited and does not interfere with their ability to fulfill their job responsibilities.

Users are expected to use email in a manner consistent with biblical standards and honoring to Christ.  Chain letters or messages for personal financial gain, promotion, advertising, or commercial activity are prohibited.  Messages that contain profane, sexually explicit, or degrading language are prohibited and are grounds for disciplinary action as set out in the catalog and employee manual.

C.  Internet

Purpose

The purpose for providing Internet access is for academic and administrative activities that support the educational mission of the seminary.

Acceptable Use

Users may utilize their access to the Internet for personal reasons provided that this usage is limited and does not interfere with their ability to fulfill their job responsibilities.

Users are expected to use the resources of the Internet in a manner consistent with biblical standards and honoring to Christ.  Accessing pornographic material from any campus workstation is grounds for immediate disciplinary action.  Instant messaging or chat room conversations with language that is profane, sexually explicit or degrading is grounds for disciplinary action.

IV.  Violations

Serious breeches of this policy could result in termination of employment or dismissal from the educational programs enrolled in which he/she is enrolled.