Acceptable Use Policies (my district)

Elements of an AUP (per NEA)

Each element should: (per NEA)

What my district’s AUP states

Preamble

Explain why the policy is needed, its goals, and the process of developing the policy. This section should say that the school's overall code of conduct also applies to student online activity.

This section identifies the purpose of the AUP is to “enable students to understand expectations for the use of technology at school.” No further elaboration is offered. 

Definition Section

Define key words used in the policy.

There is no definitions section present, the only term defined is “computer”.  It states “all District computers, computer systems and networks, computer hardware and associated peripheral equipment, and software purchased or developed by the District.”

Policy Statement

Tell what computer services are covered by the AUP and the circumstances under which students can use computer services.

There is no specific section for this except for a statement that says “students shall acknowledge the terms and conditions of this policy that govern the student’s use of District computers, e-mail and Internet access.”

Acceptable Uses Section

Define appropriate student use of the computer network.

District policy states that student use of District computers, email, and Internet is only authorized for “education-related purposes”.

Unacceptable Uses Section

Give clear, specific examples of what constitutes unacceptable student use.

This section lists sixteen different uses of District resources that are unacceptable.  For the complete list, click here and look at pages 56-57.

Violations/Sanctions Section

Tell students how to report violations of the policy or whom to ask questions about its application.

This section is very brief and merely states: “Students found to be in violation of this policy shall be subject to consequences that may include the suspension or revocation of use privileges, detention, and suspension or expulsion from school.”