IT Policy Q&A

Yes.

VWCC Violation Enforcement Procedure:

1. Faculty, staff and students at the college or VCCNet facility should immediately report violations of information security policies to the local Chief Information Officer (CIO).
2. If the accused is an employee, the CIO will collect the facts of the case and identify the offender. If, in the opinion of the CIO, the alleged violation is of a serious nature, the CIO will notify the offender's supervisor. The supervisor, in conjunction with the College or Systems Office Human Resources Office and the CIO, will determine the appropriate disciplinary action. Disciplinary actions may include but are not limited to:
   1. Temporary restriction of the violator's computing resource access for a fixed period of time, generally not more than six months.
   2. Restitution for damages, materials consumed, machine time, etc. on an actual cost basis. Such restitution may include the costs associated with determining the case facts.
   3. Disciplinary action for faculty and classified staff in accordance with the guidelines established in the State Standards of Conduct.
3. In the event that a student is the offender, the accuser should notify the Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs. The Vice President, in cooperation with the CIO, will determine the appropriate disciplinary actions which may include but are not limited to:
   1. Temporary restriction of the violator's computing resource access for a fixed period of time, generally not more than six months.
   2. Restitution for damages, materials consumed, machine time, etc. on an actual cost basis. Such restitution may include the costs associated with determining the case facts.
   3. Disciplinary action for student offenders shall be in accordance with the guidelines established in the State Standards of Conduct.
4. The College President will report any violations of state and federal law to the appropriate authorities.
5. All formal disciplinary actions taken under the policy are grievable and the accused may pursue findings through the appropriate grievance process.

VWCC is committed to maintaining a work environment free from discrimination, sexual advances, or harassment which may affect an employee's terms and conditions of employment. If you receive such messages, immediately notify your manager or call the Help Desk at 857-7354.

All employees are presented an Information Technology Employee Ethics Agreement upon the start of employment and on an annual basis. Employees should use this important document for their reference.

• VWCC provides its employees with computer equipment and online access to internal and external networks so that users may communicate on business matters more effectively, and accomplish VWCC's goals.
• VWCC recognizes that this College asset, like College-owned telephones, fax machines, and copiers, also provides employees the capability to use these technologies for non-business purposes. Although VWCC's computer assets are intended for business purposes, VWCC will allow minimal personal use of PC workstations under the following conditions:
  • The personal use does not violate the Information Technology Employee Ethics Agreement.
  • The personal use does not violate other VCCS policies and procedures.
  • The personal use does not interfere or adversely affect the individual's ability to perform his/her duties and responsibilities to VWCC.

Illustrative examples of prohibited "personal use" include:

• Accessing and/or downloading information from websites that contain pornographic, offensive or indecent materials.
• Transmitting email messages which. harass or violate the civil rights of other employees, vendors, or customers.
• Distributing information via VWCC systems to express your political (vote for my favorite candidate), religious (prayers/scripture lessons), or other personal beliefs (pro-life/pro-choice, adopt a pet, etc.).
• Using VWCC's systems for any type of solicitation (sporting event tickets, charitable donations, chain letters, or invitations to join groups or clubs).
• Using VWCC's systems to advertise and/or sell personal products/services (houses, cars, furniture, candy, cookies, cosmetics, etc).
• Using VWCC's systems to gamble.
• Downloading excessive information such as to overload VWCC's network.