Acceptable Use Policy for ETFO Computer Systems and Networks

Policy Scope

This policy covers the use of all ETFO Provincial Office computer systems and networks, including:

• computers, software, network drives, and storage devices (e.g., desktop computers, laptops, shared network drives such as the I:\ drive, SWAP, Folio, external USB hard drives and data sticks, the MS Office Suite, SuperHR, etc.);
• ETFO’s public website;
• all eLearning, team collaboration, and community sites located in ETFO’s SharePoint portal, or any portal provided by outside contractors;
• ETFO’s secure extranet for Executive members, local Presidents, and staff (i.e., Secure Services); and
• ETFO’s Internet connection, e-mail system, and mailing lists (i.e., listservs such as Presnet, Execnet, PAnet, etc.).

All individuals who use ETFO Provincial Office computer systems and networks are bound by the terms and conditions of this policy, including

• employees at the provincial and local levels;
• elected officers at the provincial and local levels;
• members; and
• non-members given access to ETFO systems.

All ETFO Provincial Office computer systems and networks shall be used in a professional manner to:

• assist employees in the completion of work-related tasks;
• enable the research, learning and collaboration efforts of members, employees, and union officers; and
• further the objects and priorities of the Federation.

Acceptable use is always ethical, reflects honesty, and shows restraint in the consumption of shared resources. It demonstrates respect for physical and intellectual property, ownership of information, system security mechanisms, and the individual's rights to privacy and freedom from intimidation, harassment, and unwarranted annoyance.

Access to computer systems and networks owned by ETFO Provincial Office imposes certain responsibilities and obligations on users and is subject to all relevant laws, statutes, rules, and regulations, including provincial and federal laws related to such things as copyright, pornography, theft, vandalism, libel, and slander. In addition, professional relations between ETFO members are governed by

• Section VI of the ETFO Constitution (Code of Professional Conduct, available online at http://www.etfo.ca/AboutETFO/Governance/Constitution/Pages/default.aspx); and
• The ETFO Human Rights Statement (available online at http://www.etfo.ca/AboutETFO/Governance/HumanRightsStatement/Pages/default.aspx).

Finally, all users of ETFO computer systems and networks should note that there are other organizations with the power to discipline users for inappropriate use of information communication technologies, such as school boards, The Ontario College of Teachers and the Ontario Teachers’ Federation. Your use of ETFO computer systems and networks is subject to

• a school board’s standards, rules, and regulations (e.g., when members access ETFO networks in the workplace);
• the Ontario College of Teachers’ Ethical Standards and Standards of Practice for the Teaching Profession as outlined in the document Foundations of Professional Practice (2006) (available on-line at http://www.oct.ca/standards/foundations.aspx); and
• all regulations governing professional relationships and the conduct of teachers made under The Teaching Profession Act (cf. the OTF guidebook We The Teachers, available online at http://www.otffeo.on.ca/english/about_wetheteachers.php).

Users shall not:

• share their passwords with anyone;
• use others' passwords;
• violate the privacy of other users;
• use the Internet or any technology for illegal or immoral purposes;
• use profanities or language that is generally offensive, defamatory, harassing, or threatening to another individual and/or group;
• use software having the purpose of damaging other members' systems, or the network (e.g., computer viruses);
• trespass in, change or delete computer files or directories that do not belong to the user;
• download or install unauthorized software;
• display or send copyrighted material without permission;
• share unlicensed software;
• use equipment or networks for commercial activity;
• violate the rules of common sense or etiquette (e.g., send e-mail chain letters or display offensive messages or pictures);
• intentionally damage or misuse servers, networks, or equipment;
• address hardware or software problems without the direction of authorized staff; or
• intentionally waste limited resources.

The use of ETFO Provincial Office computer systems and networks is a privilege, not a right, and inappropriate use may result in:

• the severe restriction or withdrawal of privileges;
• disciplinary action or termination (in the case of employees);
• action to recover damages;
• sanctions under the ETFO Code of Professional Conduct; and/or
• the reporting of unethical and/or criminal behaviour to the appropriate authorities.

Users are required to send an email to etfo-it@etfo.org if they discover:

• any user activities, messages, files, or websites that contain materials that are in violation of this policy;
• attempts by any user to abuse or damage the system or violate the security of the network and its resources;
• any illegal activity or violation of relevant regulations governing professional conduct; or
• any error messages or problems which indicate that an ETFO system is not functioning properly.

All computer systems and networks have been installed by ETFO to facilitate communications, eLearning and collaboration. Although users may have individual passwords to access these systems, all passwords and systems belong to ETFO, and the contents of emails or internet communications are accessible at all times for any purpose by ETFO. All communications, including text and images, can be disclosed to law enforcement or other third parties without prior consent of the sender or the receiver. Users should not assume that any message sent via email or posted in a secure website is confidential.

ETFO Provincial Office computer systems and networks are to be used at your own risk. ETFO makes no warranties of any kind, whether expressed or implied, for the service it is providing. ETFO assumes no responsibility or liability for any damages you suffer. This includes damage to hardware or loss of data resulting from delays, non-deliveries, misdirected deliveries, or service interruptions obtained via the Internet. ETFO specifically denies any responsibility for the accuracy or quality of information obtained through its services.