Student Life

Student Handbook: Bullis Network Acceptable Use Policy

The Bullis technology network (all hardware, software and electronically stored information contained in Bullis computers, servers, routers, printers, scanners, digital cameras, personal digital devices, telephones and cell phones) is for the educational and administrative use of Bullis students, faculty and staff. Access to computers and networks owned, operated or leased by Bullis imposes certain responsibilities and obligations and is granted subject to local, state and federal laws, as well as the policies listed here. The use of the Bullis network and all Bullis technology is a privilege, not a right.

Bullis reserves the right to examine and remove any files, e-mail and programs installed on the network, personal or otherwise, or any other technology device either owned by Bullis or used on the Bullis campus, in order to ensure the proper functioning of the network, conduct normal maintenance and ensure compliance with these policies. All students are expected to understand and work within the following policies at all times:

When using the Bullis Network you are expected:

To use your user ID and password in support of educational, administrative and research activities consistent with the objectives of the school.
To protect your user ID and system from unauthorized use, and be responsible for all activities on your user ID.
To log off the network before walking away from any computer.
Never to use the Bullis network for personal, political and/or monetary gain; for example, by selling access to your user ID or to the Bullis network, or by performing work for profit with school resources in a manner not authorized by Bullis.
Never to use another person’s system, user ID, password, files or data without their permission.
To avoid wasting computing resources or network resources; for example, by storing personal files anywhere on the network, intentionally placing a program in an endless loop, printing excessive amounts of paper.
Never to use the network to transmit or engage in any activities that are in violation of any local, state or federal law or regulation, including piracy, tracking, extortion, blackmail, unauthorized access to any computers on the Internet, or purchase, sale or distribution of contraband materials.
Not to use the network in any way that would disparage the school, negatively or adversely reflect on the school or be contrary to the school’s interests.
Not to engage in any other activity that does not comply with the general principles presented in this policy.

Accessing the Internet Over the Bullis Network

Take care to ensure personal safety and privacy when using the Internet by not posting personal information about yourself such as name, age, gender, location, phone number or picture.
Do not post, share or transmit the personal information of any Bullis student, teacher, administrator or staff member.
Do not download, distribute, host, transmit or view racist, obscene, threatening or sexually explicit materials.

Communications Over the Bullis Network

Respect the privacy of others, and never indiscriminately forward or duplicate e-mail messages or files without the permission of the author.
Do not access another user’s e-mail account or attempt to intercept or examine the content of messages or files being transmitted over the network.
Never use or post vulgar, profane, intimidating, threatening, obscene or other inappropriate language in any message communicated over the Bullis network and the Internet.
Never use e-mail, blogs, messaging services, online journals or online dictionaries to harass, disparage, abuse, defame, threaten or intimidate another person.
Do not initiate or forward any message that harasses, disparages, abuses, defames or intimidates another person.
Do not initiate or forward chain letters, perpetrate pyramid schemes or conduct gambling activities.
Understand that e-mail, text messages, etc, are not considered to be private, and that messages dealing with illegal activities may be reported to the appropriate authority.

Network Security

Never use computer programs or other means to decode passwords or access control information.
Never attempt to circumvent or subvert system or network security measures, such as a firewall and spam filter.
Never engage in any activity that might be purposefully harmful to systems or to any information stored thereon, such as creating or propagating viruses and worms, disrupting services or damaging files or making unauthorized modifications to any data.
Register your personal laptop and other Internet-enabled devices with the technology office prior to use on campus.
Do not download, install, copy or delete any software on school computers without the permission of the director of technology or the network manager.
Do not use the Bullis network resources, website or domain name to harass or stalk anyone.
Do not vandalize or damage technology equipment, software and/or files.

Copyright Infringement

Respect the rights of copyright owners regarding text, images, video, software, etc.
Do not download, copy, transmit or use any information or files, including music, videos and movies, in violation of copyright laws.
Do not copy any software from Bullis computers or install or download any software, including but not limited to, programs, Web browsers, music players and games, onto any of the school’s computers.
Use only legal versions of copyrighted software in compliance with vendor license requirements.
Observe and respect all copyright laws and properly attribute information used.
Do not distribute, post or transmit any copyrighted material without permission.

Individuals using computer systems and networks owned, operated or leased by Bullis do so subject to applicable laws and school policies. Bullis makes no guarantee that the services provided will be error-free or without defect. The school cannot be responsible for any damage suffered including, but not limited to, loss of data or disruption of service. Bullis disclaims any responsibility and/or warranties for information and materials residing on non-Bullis systems or available over publicly accessible networks.