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Conroe Independent School District

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Contents of this Document

This document consists of separate sections. You may either read through the entire document, or you can jump directly to any of the following sections below by clicking on them.

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Information Technology,
Ethical Use Policy

The proper and ethical use of computers, software and related networks is required at the Conroe Independent School District. In providing access to knowledge and sharing of information, the District requires that these resources be used by all members of its community with respect for the public trust through which the resources have been provided. The District works to create an intellectual environment in which students, faculty and staff are free to create and to collaborate with colleagues, both local and at other institutions, without fear that the products of their intellectual efforts will be violated by misrepresentation, tammpering, destruction, theft or other misuse and abuse.

Access to the District's information resources, the sharing of information and the security of the intellectual product of the community all require that each and every user accept responsibility both for protection of his or her own data and for the rights of the community. Access to the networks and to the information technology environment is a privilege and must be treated as such by all users of these systems.

As a condition of use of all district information technology facilities, all users must:

Among other prohibitions, users must not:

Developing a strong sense of ethics in students concerning use of computers and software supports the District's obligation to inculcate values. By setting appropriate examples, each person contributes to the reputation of the District for producing responsible students of high integrity. Individuals found guilty of unethical, destructive, or illegal activities on district computers or networks will be dealt with in the same manner as violators of other state or federal laws or district rules or polices. Such actions may result in disciplinary sanctions including the loss of computer and network access privileges, and civil or criminal proceedings. Individuals using district computing and network facilities should be familiar with the guidelines on software copyrights and fair use, as well as guidelines for acceptable use of the Internet.

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Copyright Infringement
Penalties

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Reducing Your
Liability

O Proactive Education

Be proactive in providing copyright education for your employees.

OPost Signs

Post signs showing the District's policy on copyrighting.

OPut in Licenses

Have usage that you require written into software licenses when you purchase software so that you will not have to violate the license to get your job done.

OClass Curricula

Include the policy on software copyright in class syllabi.

OHandouts

Distribute handouts to employees and students explaining copyright laws.

OMeetings

Hold meetings within your department to discuss ways to comply with software copyright.

OKnow Licenses

Know the contents of licenses for the software you acquire so you will know what is legal.

O Signed Statements with Distribution

Some departments may want to have employees or students sign statements, agreeing to abide by copyright law and license requirements, when they are given software to use.

O Policy (general) and Guidelines

Make sure your department has a policy regarding software copyright and procedures for complying or make your department aware of the District's policies and procedures .

O Get Permission in Writing

If you need to make additional use of a software product beyond what is in the license, get permission in writing from the vendor.

O Permission Notebook (licenses, PO's, shareware receipts, permission)

Keep a software notebook containing copies of licenses, PO's, shareware receipts, and written permissions for software on the machines in your department.

O Do Software Audits by Hand or Use Auditing Software

DOCUMENT EVERYTHING.

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The Bottom
Lines

If you don't know that you have permission, don't do it!

If you don't have permission IN WRITING, you don't have permission.

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Where to Get
Additional Resources

Here is a Guide to help you know where to get additional resources for your departmental copyright education program:

O The Software Publishers Association (SPA) offers a Software Management Guide for $80.00. It includes sample forms, model programs, sample policies, and guidelines. It can be obtained from:

        Software Publishers Association
        Attention: Fulfillment Dept.
        1730 M Street Northwest
        Suite #700
        Washington, D.C. 20036

Or phone: (800) 388-7478.

O Gary H. Becker, copyright consultant, has published a manual called Copyright, A Guide to Information and Resources, First Edition. It includes policies for all forms of educational media. Copies can be obtained for $23.50 (hard cover) or $18.50 (soft cover) plus postage fees. They can be obtained from:

        Gary H. Becker, Consultant
        P.O. Box 951870
        Lake Mary, FL 32795-1870

Or phone: (407) 322-0890.

O The following videos are available for check out at all campus libraries and media centers:

*The Technology Help Desk phone is (409)788-SOLV.

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