Computer and Email Usage

Computers, computer files, the e-mail system, and software furnished to employees are Spelman property intended for business use. Employees should not use a password, access a file, or retrieve any stored communication without authorization. To ensure compliance with this policy, computer and e-mail usage may be monitored.

Spelman strives to maintain a workplace free of harassment and sensitive to the diversity of its employees. Therefore, Spelman prohibits the use of computers and the e-mail system in ways that are disruptive, offensive to others, or harmful to morale.

For example, the display or transmission of sexually explicit images, messages, and cartoons is not allowed. Other such misuse includes, but is not limited to, ethnic slurs, racial comments, off-color jokes, or anything that may be construed as harassment or showing disrespect for others.

E-mail may not be used to solicit others for commercial ventures, religious or political causes, outside organizations, or other non-business matters.

Spelman purchases and licenses the use of various computer software for business purposes and does not own the copyright to this software or its related documentation. Unless authorized by the software developer, Spelman does not have the right to reproduce such software for use on more than one computer.

Employees may only use software on local area networks or on multiple machines according to the software license agreement. Spelman prohibits the illegal duplication of software and its related documentation.

Employees should notify their immediate supervisor, the Director, MIT or any member of management upon learning of violations of this policy. Employees who violate this policy will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.

For additional information regarding the Media and Information Technology Security and Passwords and Acceptable Use of Electronic Resources policies, please contact Media and Information Technology.

Policy No.  516  Effective Date:  9/1/2000 Revision Date:   11/18/2009