Acceptable Use of Technology Policy

Acceptable, appropriate use of the Taft network

It is the general policy of the Taft School that computers and network services are to be used in a responsible, efficient, ethical and legal manner in accordance with the mission of the school. Users of the Taft network must acknowledge their understanding of the general policy and guidelines as a condition of using the network. All users are responsible for adhering to these Taft policies and procedures for network use. Any communication or action that would be considered inappropriate in any other setting is equally inappropriate on the computer, computer network and/or the Internet.

Use of the network is a privilege, not a right. Failure to act in accordance with the Acceptable Use Policy as described below and published administrative procedures may result in a loss of network access, disciplinary action and/or criminal penalties under applicable state and federal law. Information on observed or reported violations will be turned over to the Dean's Office for disposition.

Acceptable use of the network includes activities that support learning, teaching and communication. Students and faculty are encouraged to explore and develop new ways of using technology to support Taft teaching and learning objectives.

Unacceptable use of the network includes, but is not limited to:

  • Using network credentials that belong to someone else.
  • Violating the rights to privacy of students or employees of the Taft School or others outside of Taft.
  • Using the network to harass or bully another individual or individuals.
  • Using profane or obscene language that may be offensive to another user.
  • Plagiarism and/or copying materials in violation of copyright law.
  • Using the network for financial gain or for any commercial or illegal activity.
  • Acting in a manner that degrades or disrupts system performance or unauthorized entry to and/or destruction of computer systems and files.
  • Excessive bandwidth usage that impacts the network or Internet performance of others.
  • Re-posting personal communications without the author's prior consent.
  • Accessing, downloading, storing or printing files or messages that are illegal, obscene or that offend or degrade another.
  • Using BitTorrent or other peer-2-peer methods as a means to unlawfully download copyrighted material such as movies, music, games, programs, etc.
  • The use of any technology or device to disable, bypass, or otherwise attempt to circumvent Taft's access policies, firewall systems or other access points. This would include personal routers, Internet Connection Sharing, Proxies, Anonymizers, or other devices and methods.

The Taft School makes no express or implied warranty for the Internet access it provides or the resources available through the use of our network. We cannot completely eliminate access to information that is offensive or illegal and residing on networks outside of the Taft School campus. Taft does not guarantee the availability of access to the Internet and will not be responsible for any information that may be lost, damaged or unavailable due to technical and/or other difficulties.

If you have any questions about this policy, please call the Taft IT department at 860-945-7990.