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Infonet Use Policy

Updated

De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) recognizes the importance of information technology (IT) which adds value to teaching, learning, research, and administration by providing new ways of accessing information, improving communications, and strengthening collaborations in the College.

The Information Systems and Technology Office (ISTO), guided by the Benildean Core Values and Lasallian Guiding Principles, is tasked with the responsibility of managing the IT services and facilities of DLS-CSB.

Terms and Definitions

  • Authentication – the process of verifying, testing, or guaranteeing the correctness of information.
  • Availability – a state in which authorized users are granted timely and uninterrupted access, whenever or wherever they may be.
  • Codes of Practice – or ethical codes, are a set of principles outlining the responsibilities or proper conduct.
  • Confidential Information – the information given in “confidence”. For example, students give their sensitive private information to certain College personnel in confidence that they will not disclose the information to others.
  • Information Systems and Technology Office (ISTO) – the office in charge of managing the IT infrastructure and computing resources, as well as the information systems, databases, and business processes of the College.
  • Infonet – all IT resources, services, and facilities of De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde. It consists of but is not limited to, computer peripherals, computer and telecommunications networks, Internet services, remote access services, digital communication services, software and applications, supporting documentation, supplies, digital storage facilities, physical facilities, and energy sources. Computing and networking facilities are limited to those leased, rented, owned by, or loaned to DLS-CSB.
  • Infonet Account (or Credentials) – composed of the username (or login identification) and password used to access the Infonet (e.g. DLS-CSB domain account, Google Apps account).
  • Infonet User (or User) – a person who has the authorization to use the Infonet, including but not limited to students, faculty, personnel, third-party contractors or clients, or other organizations.
  • Integrity – the principle that information retains its authenticity, and is only modified by authorized users; firm adherence to a code of ethics or moral values.
  • Internet – the global public network of networks which uses TCP/IP as a standard communications protocol. Differentiated from other inter-networking, or internet, technologies by the use of the capital letter “I”.
  • Intranet (or intranet) – a type of local area network (LAN) which uses TCP/IP as its standard protocol.
  • Local Area Network (LAN) – a type of network topology, or architecture, which is confined to a single building or group of buildings.
  • Malicious Software (or Malware) – a piece of software, or program code, designed specifically for malicious purposes, such as but not limited to service disruption, breach of confidentiality, breach of privacy, exploitation, blackmail, threat, or other criminal activities. Malware includes viruses, worms, Trojan Horse programs, spyware, or other similar software.
  • Personal, Private, or Sensitive Private Information – such as but not limited to date of birth, medical record, SSS number, TIN, credit card, bank account, etc.

Policy Statement

  • The Infonet is intended for teaching, learning, research, and administration in support of the Mission-Vision of DLS-CSB, creating a learning environment that promotes mutual support and respect for all learners through the fair use of information technology.
  • The Infonet should not be used for commercial purposes or non-College-related activities without written permission and approval from the DLS-CSB Chancellor and/or President.
  • Use of the Infonet is granted as a privilege to students, faculty, staff, and administrators; therefore, DLS-CSB reserves the right to limit, restrict, extend, or revoke the use of the Infonet, its services, and its facilities.
  • Use of the Infonet should not contradict the Philippine Laws, other institutional policies, rules or regulations, and the terms and conditions of applicable contracts (such as but not limited to copyright, patents, software end-user licenses, or third-party acceptable use policies).
  • An Infonet user must adhere to the Conditions for Use and the Codes of Practice for Appropriate Use of Infonet.
  • The Information Systems and Technology Office (ISTO)is tasked with the responsibility of managing the IT resources, services, and facilities of DLS-CSB. Towards this end, the ISTO is authorized to implement procedures and guidelines that will ensure the fair use of IT; and to ensure the effectiveness, efficiency, security, and reliability of all IT resources, and services.

Conditions for Use of Infonet

  • Unlawful Activities. Use of the Infonet is granted as a privilege by DLS-CSB on the condition that it will not be used for activities that are against the Law, College rules or regulations, social norms, and/or against common decency. Users should not encourage or tolerate such unlawful activities, and should immediately report it to the ISTO or any DLS-CSB personnel of authority.
  • Infringement. Users must not infringe on the copyright, patents, and other property rights covering software, databases, and all other materials, such as but not limited to text, images, icons, music or other recordings, motion pictures, or videos, retrieved from or through the Infonet. The user agrees to indemnify and keep indemnified DLS-CSB and each and every member of its personnel against all actions, claims, and demands for infringement of patent and/or breach of copyright which may be brought or made against DLS-CSB or any member of its personnel arising out of, or in connection with the use of the Infonet.
  • Use of Infonet Accounts. Users access the Infonet by means of an Infonet account (or credential) and, therefore, Infonet accounts must be treated as confidential information by the user. The user is accountable for all actions done by their Infonet account, and it is their responsibility to secure their Infonet account.
  • Unauthorized Access. Infonet users should not exceed the approved level of access, unless with written permission and approval. Accessing, or an attempt to access the Infonet (i.e. computer, computer network, or any IT services provided by the College) without authority or beyond the authorized access is a violation of this policy, and is subject to disciplinary action.
  • Denial of Service. Users should not disrupt the normal operating conditions of the Infonet which could affect, or encroach on other user’s access and use of the Infonet through unacceptable practices, such as but not limited to:
    • Sending chain letters, spamming, repeated cross-posting of the same message on mailing lists, emails with attached large or unnecessary files, or similar practices that will deny the user access to his or her email.
    • Modifying the configuration, parameters, options, or settings (either hardware or software) of a computer system in offices, computer laboratories, libraries, and public areas that will prevent others from using the computer system. Only authorized ISTO personnel can change the configuration and settings.
    • Intentional, or deliberate, introduction of malicious software (malware) or programming code that will cause the breakdown or hamper the operations of the Infonet, or any other information system of the College.
    • Use of software, applications, services, facilities, or devices that has been identified by the ISTO as the cause for excessive network traffic or bandwidth utilization, server load, data storage, or disruption of other Infonet services.
  • Offensive Content. Users should not send or publish offensive content, such as but not limited to fraudulent, malicious, harassing, threatening, obscene, pornographic, abusive, racist, or libelous in nature. Users should not produce, disseminate, or display offensive content using the Infonet.
  • Academic Honesty. Users are given the privilege to access the Infonet for teaching, learning, research, and administration, but the Infonet must not be used for cheating, plagiarism, or any acts of academic dishonesty.
  • Emergency Cases. DLS-CSB reserves the right to take emergency action to ensure the effectiveness, efficiency, security, and reliability of the Infonet. This includes, but is not limited to the following:
    • Termination of a computer program or process or an online session.
    • Temporary alteration of (or disabling) the user’s Infonet account or credentials.
    • In case of an investigation, and with written authorization, the ISTO may access user data files, including private files, stored within the Infonet without the consent of the user/s. When there are reasonable grounds to believe that a violation of Philippine and/or International laws, other IT policies, or relevant policies, rules, and regulations of the College.
    • Taking emergency actions does not waive the rights of DLS-CSB to take additional actions under other College policies, rules, and regulations.
  • Data Loss. Users must understand that the Infonet is not perfect, and the College will not be liable to the user in the event of data loss due to hardware or software failure.
  • Disclaimer. DLS-CSB disclaims any responsibility and/or warranties for information and other materials residing outside the Infonet, or computer and systems not owned, leased, rented, or loaned to DLS-CSB and materials available over publicly accessible networks. Such materials do not necessarily reflect the attitudes, opinions, or values of DLS-CSB, its students, faculty, staff, and administrators.
  • External Network Services. DLS-CSB also has acceptable use agreements for facilities, services, or connections outside the Infonet (e.g. third-party library portals, Internet service providers, third-party research networks, etc). The College cannot, and will not, extend any protection to users should they violate the policies of a third-party external network or telecommunications system.

Codes of Practice for Appropriate Use of Infonet

The standard practices for the use of the Infonet were derived from the Benildean Core Values (i.e. appreciation of individual worth, creativity, professional competence, social responsibility, a sense of nationhood, and faith); and as a Benildean community, we depend on the spirit of mutual respect and cooperation by which we are guided in our online activities.

  • Follow the intended use of the Infonet system, service, resource, or facility. Users should not misuse, or abuse, the privilege to access or use the Infonet granted to them by the College.
  • Respect the rights of other users, and do not commit acts that will encroach on their privileges to use the Infonet.
  • Respect other users and not commit acts of sexual, racial, and other forms of harassment using the Infonet.
  • Not to commit acts that will breach the privacy of other Infonet users.
  • Not to commit acts that will breach the security of the Infonet, or other computer networks, facilities, or services using the Infonet.
  • Users are responsible for safeguarding their Infonet account, or credentials, which are used to identify and authenticate the user before granting access to the Infonet. Users should treat their Infonet accounts as confidential information. Users are held accountable for all actions done using their Infonet account.
  • Users are responsible for the information they send or publish over the Infonet.
  • Users are expected to abide by the laws of the Philippines, and other relevant international laws when using the Infonet.
  • Not to commit acts that will breach copyrights, patents, and other intellectual property rights.
  • Users are responsible for the activities and security of their personal computers, including but not limited to personal desktop computers, laptops, tablets, smartphones, wearables, or similar gadgets which they have registered and connected to the Infonet.
  • Report any problems, security breaches, illegal activities, or suspected misuse or abuse of the Infonet.
  • Users are expected to cooperate with College authorities during the investigation of Infonet misuse or abuse, security breach, or any illegal activities.

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