Internet Use Policy
Employees may use College computers or equipment on their lunch and break periods to access appropriate internet sites. A website is not appropriate if it display images or other content depicting violence, sexually explicit material, racially offensive material, or any other material which is offensive to the College’s customers, employees, vendors or guests or disruptive to the College’s operations. Employees may not allow any third party to use College provided computers or internet services for any reason.
While accessing the internet, employees should be fully aware of the global reach of this medium. Employees must maintain a high level of dignity and be mindful that they represent the College to the world at large while online.
When conducting College business on the internet, employees must follow all guidelines and policies for conducting business in conventional settings and may not violate any federal, state or local laws or regulations.
There are security measures on the system for protection of the network and proprietary information of the College. No employee shall, under any circumstances, attempt to disable or circumvent these security measures.
The College may comply with any law enforcement requests regarding an employee’s internet activities. The College reserves the right to use content management tools to monitor or block content on its computer system and internet. The College also maintains the right to limit or prohibit internet access at any time for any reason or no reason.
Social Media
Social media can be a fun and rewarding way for employees to share their lives and opinions with family, friends and co-workers around the world. However, use of social media also presents certain risks and carries with it certain responsibilities. To assist employees in making responsible decisions about their use of social media, the College has established this policy to provide guidance on the appropriate use of social media. This policy applies to all College employees. The College reserves the right to use search tools and other software to monitor social media use for compliance with this policy.
In the rapidly expanding world of electronic communication, social media can mean many things. Social media includes all means of communicating or posting information or content of any sort on the Internet, including to your own or someone else’s web log or blog, journal or diary, personal web site, social networking or affinity web site, web bulletin board or a chat room, or other social media application or platform, whether or not associated or affiliated with the College, as well as any other form of electronic communication.
Ultimately, employees are solely responsible for what they post online. Before creating online content, employees should consider some of the risks and rewards that are involved. Employees should be aware and understand that the College may respond if employee conduct adversely affects your job performance, the performance of fellow employees or otherwise adversely affects the College’s management, employees, customers, or its legitimate business interests.
The College reserves the right to use content management tools to monitor or block content on its computer system, and search tools and other software to monitor Social Media for compliance with this policy.
Know and follow the rules
Employees are required to comply with the Keuka College’s policies in their activities online. The College considers postings inappropriate when they include discriminatory remarks, harassment, threats of violence, or other offensive or unlawful conduct. Inappropriate postings may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination.
Respect
Employees should always be fair and courteous to fellow employees, customers, members, suppliers or people who work on behalf of the College. Also, employees should keep in mind that they are more likely to resolve work-related complaints by speaking directly with co-workers or by using the College’s Open Door Policy than by posting complaints to a social media outlet. Nevertheless, if employees decide to post complaints or criticism, they should avoid using statements, photographs, video(s) or audio that (1) reasonably could be viewed as malicious, obscene, threatening or intimidating, (2) disparage other employees, volunteers, customers, associates or suppliers, or (3) might constitute discrimination, harassment or bullying. Examples of such conduct might include offensive posts meant to intentionally harm someone’s reputation or posts that could contribute to a hostile work environment on the basis of race, sex, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, status of being transgender, predisposing genetic characteristics, genetic information, national origin, military or veteran status, citizenship, color, marital or familial status, domestic violence victim status, or any other characteristics protected by law.
Honesty and Accuracy
Employees should make sure they are always honest and accurate when posting information or news, and if they make a mistake, should correct it quickly. Employees should be truthful about any previous posts have been altered. The Internet archives almost everything; therefore, even deleted postings can be searched. Never post any information or rumors that are known to be false about the College, fellow employees, associates, customers, suppliers, people working on behalf of the College.
Using social media at work
Employees should refrain from using social media while on working time or on College computers or equipment, unless it is work related and pre-approved by your immediate supervisor. Do not use College e-mail addresses to register on social networks, blogs or other online tools utilized for personal use.
Violations
The College expects employees to immediately report to their supervisor and/or Department and/or Division Head, IT Department, or The Office of Human Resources, any suspected violations of this policy. The College may investigate reported violations of this policy. Violations of these policies may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination. The College reserves the right to take legal action where necessary against employees who engage in prohibited or unlawful conduct. The College reserves the right to ask employees to remove a post or to shut down a website if it violates the policy.
Retaliation is prohibited
The College prohibits retaliation against any employee for reporting a possible violation of this policy or for cooperating in an investigation. Any retaliation may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination.