Technology Resources

The Gila County Community College District (GCCCD) provides its students, employees, Governing Board members and the public with access to information resources and technologies. GCCCD recognizes that the free exchange of opinions and ideas is essential to academic freedom, and the advancement of educational, research, service, operational, and management purposes, is furthered by making these resources accessible.

Technology resources (including, but not limited to, desktop and laptop systems, printers, central computing facilities, GCCCD-wide or college-wide networks, local-area networks, telephones, facsimile machines, scanners, access to the Internet, electronic mail, and similar electronic devices and information) of the GCCCD are available to Governing Board members, employees, students and, in a limited number of cases, GCCCD contractors and the public. Use of all those resources is subject to the standards set forth in College policies and procedures.

Acceptable Use

Use of GCCCD’s technology resources, including websites created by GCCCD employees and students, is limited to educational, research, service, operational, and management purposes of the College. Likewise, data, voice, images, and links to external sites posted on or transmitted via GCCCD’s technology resources are limited to the same purposes.

Frequently, access to GCCCD’s technology resources can be obtained only through a password known exclusively to GCCCD employees, Governing Board members, authorized affiliates, or students. It is those users’ responsibility to keep a password confidential. While GCCCD takes reasonable measures to ensure network security, it cannot be held accountable for unauthorized access to its technology resources by other persons, both within and outside the GCCCD community. Moreover, it cannot guarantee employees, Governing Board members, and students’ protection against reasonable failures.

The maintenance, operation, and security of GCCCD's technology resources, require that network administrators and other authorized personnel have access to those resources and, on occasion, review the content of data and communications stored on or transmitted through those resources. Any other review may be performed exclusively by persons expressly authorized for such purpose and only for cause. All public officer and employee email accounts and correspondences regarding official duties (regardless of where such correspondences originate or are stored) are subject to Arizona's public records laws and other applicable state and federal laws, as well as policies of GCCCD, all of which may supersede a user's interests in maintaining privacy of information contained in GCCCD's technology resources. Access guidelines and acceptable use directives are further detailed through Procedures 2030.01, Network Resources Guidelines and 2030.02, Information Technology Acceptable Use Directives.

Prohibited Conduct

The following is prohibited conduct in the use of GCCCD’s technology resources.

Posting to the network, downloading, or transporting any material that would constitute a violation of GCCCD policies, procedures, regulations, directives, or contract obligations.
Unauthorized attempts to monitor another user’s password-protected data or electronic communication, or delete another user’s password-protected data, electronic communications, or software, without that person’s permission.
Installing or running any program on any system not approved in advance by the Information Technology Administrator.
Performing acts that would unfairly monopolize technology resources to the exclusion of other users, including (but not limited to) unauthorized installation of server system software.
Hosting an unauthorized website that violates the .EDU or .ORG domain request.
Use of technology resources for non-GCCCD commercial purposes or any other private interest not authorized by GCCCD, including advertising personal services, whether for financial gain or not.
Use of software, graphics, photographs, or any other tangible form of expression that would violate or infringe any copyright or similar legally recognized protection of intellectual property rights.
Activities that would constitute a violation of any Board policy, including, but not limited to, GCCCD’s non-discrimination policy and its policy against sexual harassment.
Transmitting, storing, or receiving data, or otherwise using technology resources in a manner that would constitute a violation of state or federal law, or GCCCD policy or procedure, including, but not limited to, obscenity, defamation, threats, harassment, and theft.
Attempting to gain unauthorized access to a remote network or computer system.
Exploiting any technology resources by attempting to prevent or circumvent access or using unauthorized data protection schemes.
Performing any act that would disrupt normal operations of computers, workstations, terminals, peripherals, or networks.
Using technology resources in such a way as to wrongfully hide the identity of the user or pose as another person.
Allowing or engaging in any unauthorized access to or use of GCCCD’s technology and non-technology resources.
Making personal long-distance or other toll calls, except where the charges for the calls are incurred directly by the caller or arrangements are otherwise made at the time of the call to directly bill the caller.
Intermittent use of technology resources that interferes with the performance of an employee’s main responsibilities.
Use of technology resources to market or conduct other activities on behalf of a third-party regarding the “hosting” of an event that is prohibited under GCCCD’s Facility Use Policy 2050.
Conducting District or college-related business using any electronic mail account other than one hosted or provided by GCCCD, and approved by the College’s Information Technology Services administrator, even when the e-mail account copies all outgoing and incoming messages to the GCCCD hosted account.
Deleting or altering a technology public record in violation of public records retention requirements, or in anticipation of receiving or after receipt of a public records request, subpoena, or a complaint filed as part of a GCCCD grievance, investigation, or review, or another lawful request for the record.
Deleting or altering a technology record on a GCCCD device in anticipation or after receipt of a public records request, subpoena, or a complaint filed as part of a GCCCD grievance, investigation or review, or another lawful request for the records where the record may demonstrate a misuse of technology resources under this regulation.

Complaints and Violations

Complaints or allegations of a violation of these standards will be processed through GCCCD’s articulated student and/or employee grievance procedures. Upon determination of a violation of these standards, GCCCD may unilaterally delete any violative content and terminate the user’s access to GCCCD’s technology resources. It is the user’s responsibility to demonstrate and/or establish the relevance of content if a content complaint is made official. Users retain the right to appeal actions through GCCCD’s grievance procedures.

Network Resource Guidelines

The President or personnel designated by the President shall be authorized to:

Provide network resource access; and
Provide directives concerning the use of Gila Community College computer equipment, programs, and accounts, including access to the Internet and Intranet by use of such equipment, programs, or accounts.

This regulation addresses access to all legally licensed programs and information contained on all GCC-owned computers, including network resources, and/or all accounts or permissions that grant access to such information. It also applies to remote Internet access from off-campus as well as on-campus wired and wireless network access.

Network resource access may be permitted for currently enrolled students, employees, and approved guests.

The following conditions shall apply to all network resource access:

Network resource access from off-campus shall be via approved technologies.
Network resource access shall not be available during system backups, report processing, maintenance, etc.
Network resource access shall be terminated for those who abuse the privilege of using the resources. Any form of harassment, acts of a malicious nature, harm to any computer systems or information, or other acts that indicate the user is not acting in good faith and demonstrating good citizenship shall be considered abuse and will result in administrative action to terminate access privileges and may also result in civil or criminal penalties.

The following conditions shall additionally apply to student access:

Students enrolled in the current semester and owning laptop, tablets, cell phones, or other personal computing devices equipped with the appropriate wireless network card may connect to campus wireless. Student users will be subject to Gila Community College's Technology Resource Standards Policy and Information Technology Acceptable Use procedure.
All other students can access network resources at student-designated Gila Community College computers.

Any deviations from Network Resource Guidelines must be approved by the President or personnel designated by the President.

Acceptable Use Directives

Gila Community College seeks to make access to computer technology available to all students, faculty, staff, and guests who use equipment, facilities, and systems appropriately and responsibly. This procedure addresses the use of networked computer technology at Gila Community College as well as the use of any Gila Community College computer or equipment containing electronic information. In addition, these directives apply to privately owned computer equipment if connected through Gila Community College programs or accounts or if used to access network resources.

Network access yields a vast, diverse, and unique educational resource to members of the Gila Community College community. With the privilege extended to certain College employees, students, and guests to utilize College equipment, programs, or accounts to obtain and exchange information on the network, comes the responsibility to use Gila Community College computer equipment and resources reasonably, responsibly, and in a manner that promotes the educational goals of the College. Failure to comply with this procedure may be grounds for revocation of that privilege as well as for disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal, or criminal charges, or both. Gila Community College reserves the right to allocate and restrict access to computing resources for the benefit and protection of the institution.

Users should understand that electronic mail (e-mail) or other information that is electronically transmitted, received, or stored is not private. College networks and technology systems are licensed, maintained, owned, and operated by Gila Community College. Persons operating and maintaining the College's computer systems have access to information transmitted, received, or stored on these systems. A system administrator during routine maintenance may see the content of electronic messages. In addition, electronic messages are stored in files, and these are transferred to various media during system backups. The contents of these files and the copies saved to tape are subject to the same rules outlined in this and other policies governing information technology.

System administrators, while fulfilling their responsibilities, may have to examine files to diagnose or solve problems or gather evidence of violations of Gila Community College procedure. Gila Community College reserves the right to examine, edit, or remove any material that violates GCC policies or procedures and monitor any activity involving College systems, including the Internet or Intranet. Gila Community College reserves the right to monitor or access all information stored or maintained on its computer systems. If such monitoring reveals possible evidence of criminal, illegal, or other prohibited activity, system personnel may provide the results to the appropriate Vice President, the President, or law enforcement officials.

The user assumes all responsibility for Gila Community College assigned accounts or computer equipment. This includes assuring that unauthorized persons do not use assigned accounts or systems. Passwords or access codes are the property of Gila Community College and may not be shared with others. Users may only access data, e-mail, data transmissions, network resources or computer equipment for which they have authorization. Users may not conceal their identity in any electronic communication.
All users should save local copies of their work files, including web pages and e-mail, in case of accidental removal.

Gila Community College makes absolutely no warranties of any kind, neither expressed nor implied, for the services it is providing. The College is not responsible for loss of documents, data, or personal information because of system failure, hardware malfunction, or faults incurred by the network or computing resources, or for any other loss incurred for any reason. The College is not responsible for any damage or loss to personal computing hardware or software incurred while using any College resources, facilities, or services.

While using any such Gila Community College-owned or maintained computer equipment or resources, a College employee, student, or guest shall not knowingly or intentionally:

Transmit, publish, display, retrieve, record, or store any information or material in violation of state or federal law. This includes, but is not limited to, actions that would be in violation of laws protecting copyrights, trademarks, or other intellectual property.
Transmit, publish, display, retrieve, record, or store any information or material that is obscene, profane, physically or sexually abusive, sexually explicit, or that describes or displays people engaging in explicit, obscene, or otherwise inappropriate behaviors, or engaging in conduct that would be considered inappropriate for general public viewing or general viewing in the workplace. This prohibition does not impede or contradict Policy 4000, Academic Freedom which allows the legitimate use of various media essential to the fundamental mission of discovering and advancing knowledge and disseminating it to students.
Transmit, publish, display, retrieve, record or store information or material that could reasonably be construed to create a hostile or offensive work or educational environment for members of a particular sex, religion, race, or ethnic background. For example, sexually inappropriate screen savers or wallpaper that might create an offensive workplace for others are prohibited on GCC equipment.
Engage in conduct reasonably likely to disrupt use of the Internet or Intranet or use of other Gila Community College computer equipment or resources by others. This includes conduct known by the employee, student, or guest to be contrary to accepted and reasonable rules of network etiquette when accessing Gila Community College computer systems. Measures will be taken to protect the quality of service to all users.
Use Gila Community College computer equipment or resources for a commercial or political purpose distinct from the employee's specific job function at Gila Community College, unless expressly authorized in writing by the appropriate Vice President or other personnel as designated by the President.
Engage in conduct reasonably likely to compromise any system security device or security program.
Engage in conduct reasonably likely to harm or destroy data or software or to harm or destroy computer equipment. Introduction of a virus or other software that will maliciously interfere with the normal operation of the hardware or software is strictly prohibited.

Finally, it is the institution's intention that the above restrictions be applied consistently but reasonably. There is no intention to hamper appropriate educational research and discourse. If an employee, student, or guest has any question about whether a certain activity is or is not prohibited by the above directives, or if the employee, student, or guest believes that an exception to any of the above restrictions is warranted, that employee, student, or guest should seek advice concerning the issue, or request an exception from application of a specific directive, from the appropriate Vice President or other personnel as designated by the President.

Requests for unofficial College Internet/Intranet postings via the Web or links to other servers are to be directed to Gila Community College's IT administrator. Process guidelines governing unofficial College Internet/Intranet postings via the Web or links to other servers include:

College committees, organizations, and groups may be granted the privilege of posting pages that:

are consistent with the public, non-profit educational mission of the College,
meet the technical specifications of the system,
comply with College procedures and state and federal laws, and
are approved in advance by GCC administration.

Groups and individuals seeking this privilege should contact the IT administrator in writing and provide the following information:

An outline of the proposed page(s) including addresses of proposed links and samples of graphics or photos.
A justification for why the page is requested or how it might serve the Gila Community College community.
The IT administrator will seek approval through designated channels if all requested documentation has been provided.
Those groups granted the privilege of posting pages must have designated a College employee to act as a liaison and responsible party to ensure that all College policies, procedures, and applicable laws are understood and followed. Identity of the designated employee will be provided when notification of proper approval is made. Content must be reviewed and approved before an initial link to the page or pages is provided.
The originating party is responsible for maintaining links, updating, and maintaining appropriate and timely content, and ensuring that any changes conform to College policies, procedures, and applicable laws. If the approved page(s) are found at any time to contain inappropriate or outdated content or are in violation of College policy, no advance notice will be given before removing links to the page or groups of pages until the originating party can show compliance to College guidelines and procedure.
Parties granted the privilege of posting pages or links to pages included on College servers may not receive advance warning when the servers are brought down for maintenance, repairs, backups, or any other reason deemed necessary by appropriate College administrators.
Gila Community College reserves the right to prohibit elements on unofficial pages that it deems inappropriate as outlined in this procedure. This includes text, graphics, or links to third-party pages. Unofficial pages may also be required to display a disclaimer provided by the College.