FACULTY/STAFF TECHNOLOGY ADDENDUM   (WRSD Policy EGA-R)

 

·        Use of Email

Email is an additional tool given to all faculty/staff in the WRSD.  The Acceptable Use Policy applies to the use of Email.  Important to note: confidentiality of Email messages and data should not be assumed: 1- Messages and data stored or transmitted are capable of being viewed by other parties.  2- Even if a message is erased, it is still possible to retrieve.  A person’s password(s) should never be given out to students or other staff members.  For network and Email security staff members must always log off the network when leaving the computer station. 

All users are reminded that the Email system and software are the property of the WRSD therefore messages and files sent, received or stored remain the property of the district and can be read or reviewed if necessary.  The use of Email at WRSD is primarily for educational purposes.  In no way should it be used as a link to advance one’s personal views, business ventures and/or any for profit organizational associations.  Staff members are expected to use Email in a professional manner.

·        Confidentiality Statement

In compliance with district policy JIEA, faculty/staff who have authorized access to any of the student information systems are required to protect against unauthorized access to such information, ensure the security and privacy of such information, and disclose any anticipated threats or hazards to such information.  Care should be taken not to release this information to the public or other individuals, including but not limited to district employees, who have not been authorized or do not have a legitimate institutional or business need to know.  Any questions regarding release of such information to another person should be directed to your supervisor.

·        Policy Regarding Off-Duty Internet/email use  (WRSD Policy  GBC)

As a School District representative, your off-duty conduct may impact your employment in some circumstances.  For example, off-duty conduct that is immoral and may risk involvement with other members of the school community may lead to discipline or dismissal.  Faculty and staff must maintain appropriate boundaries between students and themselves even when they are off-duty.  Because email and the Internet encourage informal communications, it is important that you take care when using this technology whether you are on or off duty.  The School District does not wish to interfere with or restrict freedom of expression.  However,  language or images in emails or on the Internet that harm or endanger others, particularly students, may fall outside the realm of protected speech.  As we all know, email and Internet use is never truly private; email and Internet communications may be retained or retrieved for years despite the use of the “delete” key.  To that end, the School District has listed some examples of problematic conduct below:

 

• Inviting students to be “friends” through an Internet site or accepting such invitations from students.

 

• E-mailing with students in an overly casual, unprofessional, inappropriate, or offensive manner.

 

• Posting any private student information on a website or sharing such information with unauthorized individuals through email or Internet use.

 

• Having a website that has immoral pictures or information on it or contains links to immoral websites.

 

• Using email or the Internet to criticize, disparage or ridicule students, staff, or the District in a manner that is disruptive or defamatory.