Purpose
To provide Users with clear guidelines for the acceptable use of Mid Michigan College technology resources.
Policy
Mid Michigan College (Mid) provides computers, networks, email, Internet access, and other technology resources to support the educational mission of the College and to enhance learning opportunities for students, faculty, and staff. All hardware, software, networks, email systems, accounts, and Internet access provided by Mid are intended primarily for official College business. Personal use should be kept to a minimum. Personal use that interferes with job responsibilities or Mid operations is prohibited. Any unauthorized use is expressly forbidden.
Scope
This Acceptable Use of Technology Policy (AUP) applies to all Mid students, faculty, staff, and contracted staff collectively referred to as Users. Users agree to abide by the rules and regulations set forth in this policy. Employees refers to faculty, staff, and contracted staff.
All Mid-provided technology resources remain under the control, custody, and supervision of Mid. Mid reserves the right to monitor all computer and Internet activity on its systems to ensure compliance with this policy, other Mid policies, and applicable federal, state, and local laws. Users have no expectation of privacy in their use of Mid-provided hardware, software, systems, or accounts. Information and records on Mid’s network may be subject to disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act.
Prohibited Activities
Users must not
- Use Mid technology resources to record students, personnel, or non-public meetings unless the recording is for a legitimate educational or business purpose and has been authorized by a supervisor or applicable policy. Unauthorized recording or dissemination may result in disciplinary action as specified below under Consequences of Violation.
- Use any password other than their own to access Mid technology resources unless explicitly authorized by a supervisor or instructor. Users are responsible for protecting their password(s) and will be held accountable for any misuse resulting from failure to secure them.
- Use unlicensed copyrighted material, make illegal copies of copyrighted software, store such copies on Mid systems, or transmit them over Mid networks.
- Download or install software or applications without permission from Mid’s Information Technology department.
- Open or forward emails or attachments from unknown or questionable sources.
- Send unsolicited emails (such as chain letters or spam) or engage in abusive conduct, including harassment, obscene language, or any activity that harms Mid’s reputation.
Monitoring & Access
Mid reserves the right to review any electronic correspondence and any material stored in files to which Users have access. Mid may edit or remove any material that, in its sole discretion, is deemed unlawful, obscene, abusive, or otherwise objectionable.
System Availability
Mid’s network and data systems are provided on an as-is and as-available basis. Mid does not warrant that the systems will be error-free or uninterrupted, and is not liable for any damage arising from the use of or inability to use the systems.
User Accounts
Users may not modify any component of their assigned Mid Mich email address.
Student accounts will be disabled two years after the student’s last course completion.
Employee accounts, including email, will be disabled upon separation from Mid.
Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI)
At Mid, Users may use Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) tools in compliance with this Acceptable Use of Technology Policy, the separate Acceptable Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) Policy, and all applicable laws and regulations. Detailed definitions, acceptable use standards, prohibited uses, and training requirements are provided in the Acceptable Use of GenAI Policy.
Reporting
Users must immediately notify Mid’s Information Technology department of any unauthorized access to, misuse of, or interference with Mid technology resources.
Policy Changes & Acknowledgment
Mid reserves the right to change this policy at its discretion. By using Mid’s network or technology systems, Users agree to release Mid, its Employees, and all affiliated organizations from all claims arising from use or inability to use these systems.
Procedure
The CIO/AVP of Technology or designee notifies the affected User of violations of this policy and makes any necessary corrections to the User’s access. Failure to comply may result in disciplinary action consistent with the consequences outlined below.
Consequences of Violation
Students who violate this Acceptable Use Policy may be subject to disciplinary action pursuant to students’ rights and responsibilities under the Student Code of Conduct Policy.
Employees who violate this policy may be subject to disciplinary action pursuant to applicable College policies.