Elon University promulgates ethical and responsible uses of technology and has identified four core values related to technology, ethics, and personal responsibility. These are safety, caretaking, originality, and civility. The University has strong expectations that students' behavior in the use of technology will be guided by these values and that the university's resources will be used in a responsible manner which supports the mission of the university and the law. A full explanation of these values is given at http://www.elon.edu/e-web/students/handbook/TERP.xhtml and by reference is made a part of the Student Handbook. Failure to uphold these values and related policies may result in serious judicial repercussions and loss of computing privileges.
Students are expected to review and become familiar with the University’s technology policies and to abide by and uphold these policies. The complete policies may be accessed at http://www.elon.edu/technology/about-policies.html . (Be sure to review the Acceptable Usage, Account Management, Network Connection, and Password policies.) Students are accountable for these policies, as well as the four technology policies presented below.
Definition - Elon University recognizes participation in cyber communities (Facebook, My Space, Xanga, Blogspot, Live Journal, Webshots, Second Life, World of Warcraft, etc.) is significant and can be used in positive ways to build community on and off campus. However, these outlets may also be used in inappropriate and harmful ways. Elon expects students who choose to utilize cyber communities/online social networks to exercise discretion and uphold standards of good taste and respect. Students found violating University policy, as well as local, state and federal laws in these cyber communities may be held accountable through the student judicial system and/or the court system. Students are also responsible for any content on their personal online space that is submitted to their site by individuals affiliated and not affiliated with the institution.
Students who participate in cyber communities and/or online social networks are advised to follow established safety practices. Students should set privacy features to restrict access to their profiles and pictures to friends, and should not accept a “friend” request from someone who is unfamiliar or who the student cannot identify. The University also discourages the inclusion of personally identifying information in personal profiles such as, but not limited to address (including campus address), class schedule, cell/home phone number, AIM screen names, e-mail addresses, and birth date (omit year). Information published in the public domain can result in negative safety, judicial, legal, personal and professional consequences. Students are advised that administrators, parents, law enforcement personnel, future employers and even predators may view this information. These public online spaces are open to an international audience and should be regarded as public information.
Definition - Elon University encourages the appropriate use of e-mail. However, e-mail is a privilege, and certain responsibilities are attached to its use. All users are expected to adhere to bounds of decency, law, ethics, common sense and good taste in e-mail communications. Individuals and university-sanctioned student organizations must comply with the Elon University E-mail Policy as well as all local, state and federal laws. (https://wiki.elon.edu/display/TECH/E-mail+Policy)
Definition - videotaping, audio taping, or photography (camera and video phones included) of students, faculty or staff without their express consent.2011.35.4 World Wide Web
Definition - individuals and university-sanctioned student organizations must comply with the Elon University Web Policy as well as all local, state and federal laws for material residing on or any activity (e.g. file-sharing) conducted through any server on the Elon University computer network. Check the Web policy (https://wiki.elon.edu/display/TECH/Web+Policy) for the full text of the policy along with information on style and content.
Sanctions related to all Technology Policies:
First Offense - normally, not less than official warning, loss of computing privileges on a temporary basis and possible loss of privilege to exhibit a web site or use university email.
Second Offense - normally, not less than disciplinary probation or preliminary suspension, suspension or expulsion from Elon's computing facilities and possible permanent loss of technology privileges.
Third Offense - normally, disciplinary suspension or permanent separation. Also, students found in violation of University policy as well as local, state and federal laws may be held accountable through the student judicial system and/or the legal system.
elon}