IT Acceptable Use Agreement

IT acceptable use agreement

The contents of this agreement applies to anyone using the colleges IT systems attached to the colleges and it's facilities, this includes user's own devices no the colleges Wi-Fi and college devices that are used offsite.

Users are accepting the terms and conditions of this agreement each time they log in to any college system or device. Users should regularly check this college IT acceptable use agreement, which can be found on the college website www.telfordcollege.ac.uk/it-aua/.

Users are free to connect their own personal devices to the colleges Wi-Fi. By doing so, you agree to follow this agreement. When connecting to the network we will collect general information from your device to ensure that it meets the requirements to keep the network secure.

All college IT systems and facilities must be primarily used for educational purposes.

As a user you are solely responsible for the access to your college supplied accounts (this includes usernames, passwords, and multifactor authentication methods). If you feel that an account has been compromised in anyway, you must change your password immediately and notify the Digital and IT Helpdesk.

You must not share your account details with anyone. No one other than yourself should use your account to use or access any of the college’s IT system (including Wi-Fi). You must lock the computer when you are away from your desk or sign out of web-based IT systems (such as Microsoft 365).

All IT equipment is property of the college. You must not attempt to move, disconnect or in any way tamper with the college’s IT equipment. You must not attempt to repair any device. All issues and faults should be reported to the Digital and IT Helpdesk for them to repair or replace the equipment.

The college uses automated monitoring of all electronic communications (including emails and Microsoft Teams communications) coming in and out of the college’s IT network to ensure the security of its data and systems. In addition, where require Digital and IT Services may intercept and monitor all electronic communication where necessary.

The college monitors all network connectivity of college devices and users' devices which are connected to the college’s network or Wi-Fi.

The college deploys live screen monitoring technology within classrooms and social spaces, to aid teaching and learning

The college employs web filtering technology to record all web traffic and monitor/block inappropriate content for an educational setting. This includes users' own devices logged onto the college Wi-Fi network. Web filtering technology is also deployed on college devices that are in use off the college campus.

The college’s IT equipment and/or network must not be used in any way that could be considered:

bullying and harassment, abusive, threatening, inciting hate

offensive, indecent, or obscene. Including abusive images, language, or literature

discriminatory in any sense

a violation of copyright law or a breach of a licencing agreement

the use of any application and/or device to circumvent management or security controls or damage, destroy or deny availability of service.

Users must not engage with the mass transmission of unsolicited emails and Microsoft Teams messages. Any college announcements must go through the correct process, through Student Voice for students and the Executive Office for staff.

College communication such as Microsoft Teams and email should only be used for business or teaching and learning purposes only. Sending any messages that could be considered “spamming” is not allowed.

Users must ensure all measures are taken to protect the personal and/or commercially sensitive data held on the network. All such data should be shared correctly where appropriate agreements are in place, ensuring the correct level of encryption has been applied.

Users will be assigned appropriate access level to the college’s IT systems; This should be used in accordance with the user’s role within the college, any sensitive information to which they have access should be treated accordingly.

Use of the college’s IT system to author resources, coursework/assignments and other documents must the authors own work, where other sources are used these should be referenced, this includes Artificial Intelligence – for further details please see the assessment malpractice policy and/or copyright and intersectoral property policy.

Users must not use the college’s IT systems for commercial purposes outside the college’s business.

Personal data should not be removed from the college’s IT systems. Where required users should use their OneDrive/SharePoint area. Where this cannot be used users may use USB storage where is encrypted to an acceptable standard.

All information saved onto the college’s IT system is the property of Telford College and cannot be taken from the college’s system without prior permission – for further details see the college’s copyright and intellectual property policy.

Any breach of the regulations contained with this agreement and the other relevant policies listed below will be regarded as serious and may result in disciplinary action or the withdrawal of user privileges.

Digital wellbeing

Staff should always be considerate of their own and others digital wellbeing. Sending messages outside of business hours outside of college working hours should be avoided. Likewise, users are reminded they should take adequate breaks from technology and work for their own digital wellbeing.

Other Legal documents and college policies relevant to this document are:

JANET – Acceptable use policy

Computer Misuse Act 1990

Copyright – Design and Patent Act 1998

Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015

Telford College - Data Protection Policy and Retention Policy

Telford College - IT Security Policy

Telford College - IT Equipment Policy

Telford College – Safeguarding and Prevent Policy

Telford College - Social Media Policy for Staff

Telford College – Positive Behaviour Process

Telford College – Disciplinary Policy for Staff