I. Philosophy:
Harper College provides for the use of technology and information equipment, software,
networks and facilities to further the College's mission of instruction, communication,
research, and public service. Access and use of facilities is a privilege and must
be treated as such by all users. Acceptable use is based on common sense, common decency,
and civility, and users are subject to such procedures and processes, which operate
in the College. Responsibility for the provision and support of the resources resides
with Information Technology organization.
II. Risk and Responsibility: E-Mail, Internet Resources, and Electronic Files
A. Security
Harper College utilizes industry standard tools, processes, and equipment to protect
electronic files stored on its computer systems and to filter materials that are transmitted
or received via the College computer resources. Harper College assumes no liability
for offensive material that any user may encounter such as material that is illegal,
defamatory, obscene, inaccurate, or controversial.
B. Privacy
Users are strictly prohibited from accessing files and information other than their
own, those which were intended for the user, and those for which the user has permission
from authorized College personnel to access.
The College reserves the right, to access its computer and network systems, including current and archival files of users' accounts; if that access would be imperative to conducting College business; if there is strong evidence of improper usage; or if there is strong evidence of impropriety. Under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act ("IFOIA"), electronic files are treated in the same way as paper files. Any inspection of electronic files, and any action based upon such inspection, will be governed by all applicable federal and state laws and by College policies.
C. Education and Training
All users have the responsibility to use the facilities and all forms of technology
resources in an efficient, ethical, and legal manner. Users are expected to follow
equipment and lab usage guidelines and, when necessary, receive training in the use
of these resources. They should accept responsibility for their own work by learning
appropriate uses of software to maintain the integrity of work created. Users should
keep archives and backup copies of important work. They are responsible for learning
and properly using the features of securing and/or sharing access to files.
III. Unacceptable Uses:
It is the joint responsibility of all users to help avoid unacceptable uses such as
but not limited to:
Use of networks, technology, and information resources accessed from the College, such as Internet, satellite teleconferencing and distance learning facilities, is subject to the same principles and guidelines that are present within the College. Networks, technology, or information resource providers outside the College may, in turn, impose additional conditions of appropriate use, which the user is responsible to observe when using those resources.
IV. Consequences:
Abuse of these guidelines will result in possible legal action and/or official campus
disciplinary procedures. Incidents involving unacceptable uses will be handled through
existing processes.
Personally identifiable information (PII) is information that can be used to locate or identify an individual. Loss of such information may lead to identity theft or other fraudulent use.
Examples of PII include:
Ways to minimize the risks of exposing your PII:
Identity theft is a serious crime. Identity theft happens when someone uses information about you without your permission. They could use your:
Some warning signs that you may be a victim to identity theft are:
If you believe your identity has been stolen, a helpful guide is available from the
Federal Trade Commission at www.identitytheft.gov.
Tips to prevent identity theft:
How is social engineering done?
Laptops are used everyday to make our electronic lives more readily accessible. Some tips to help keep your information secure on your laptop are:
Mobile devices have become an important part of our lives. We recommend the following security tips: