Longwood University         Chef Administration and Finance Officer: Human Resources        201 High Street, Lancaster 335, Farmville, VA  23909         Phone: 434.395.2074     Fax: 434.395.2666

Policy 5222
MISCONDUCT INVOLVING THE ABUSE OF TECHNOLOGY
(Formerly Appropriate Use of Technology)

I.     PURPOSE

This policy is to create notice among employees of the institution that the Department of Human Resource Management has issued guidance, which states that inappropriate use of the Internet by state employees while at work may be considered a violation of the Standards of Conduct (Policy 1.60). The institution has no desire to monitor use of the Internet with regard to contact, yet does expect use to be primarily work or professional development related while at work.

II.     POLICY

Prohibition of state-owned or leased computer equipment to access files or service with sexually 
explicit content (1996 Commonwealth of Virginia Law).

A. Applicable Laws:

1. The law provides for exceptions to be granted to individuals engaged in bona fide research projects, with prior approval of the agency head (the President).
          
2. The Virginia Chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union has successfully challenged the constitutionality of the law on the grounds that it restricts free speech in the Virginia courts and the case is currently under appeal. This policy will be modified as necessary in the future, based on case developments in the courts.

III.     INTERPRETATION

The Security Administrator within the Department of Information Technology and Academic Computing at Longwood University is the appropriate source for questions relating to appropriate use of technology on campus.

Approved by the Board of Visitors September, 1997.
Revised and approved by the Board of Visitors, September 7, 2002.

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