The Michigan Commission for the Blind Training Center (Center) computers and network are provided for students to conduct research, complete assignments, and communicate with others. Access to network services is given to students who agree to act in a considerate and responsible manner. Students are responsible for their behavior on Center computers, networks, and the Internet just as they are in a classroom or Center hallway.  Access is a privilege -- not a right.   The privilege to access the Internet brings with it a number of responsibilities.  In order to use the Internet services available at the Center, each student must read the following information and sign the computer/Internet agreement.  For students who are not their own legal guardian, the legal guardian must also sign the computer/Internet agreement.  General Center  rules for behavior and communications apply and users must comply with State of Michigan laws, policies, and standards and honor the agreements they have signed.   

Students are responsible for any of their visitors who use the Center computers or Internet.

The Center is not responsible for restricting, monitoring or controlling the communications of individuals utilizing the network.

Computer storage areas shall be treated like public areas.   MCBTC staff may review files and communications to maintain system integrity and ensure that users are using the system responsibly.  Users should expect that files and e-mails stored on the Center computers will NOT be private.  The Center reserves the right to inspect any material stored in files to which users have access and will edit or remove any material which the Center staff, in its sole discretion, believes may be objectionable.

Internet / World Wide Web / E-mail Access

Access to the Internet and e-mail enables students to use millions of resources.  Students should understand that some material accessible via the Internet may contain items that are illegal, defamatory, inaccurate or potentially offensive to some people.

Filtering software is in use, but no filtering system is capable of blocking 100% of the inappropriate material available on the Internet. We believe that the benefits to students from access to the Internet, in the form of information resources and opportunities for collaboration, exceed any disadvantages.  Students are responsible for appropriate activities related to Center computers and Internet.

The Center does not warrant that the functions of the computers or Internet will meet any specific requirements, or that it will be error-free or uninterrupted; Nor shall the Center be liable for any direct or indirect, incidental, or consequential damages (including lost data, information, or profits) sustained or incurred in connection with the use, operation, or inability to use the system.

For students who have a legal guardian, ultimately, parents and guardians are responsible for setting and conveying the standards to be followed when using media and information sources. The Center supports and respects each student's right to decide whether or not to access the Internet. 

Unacceptable uses of computer, network, and Internet resources include, but are not limited to the following:

·        Use that violates State or U.S. law and regulations.

·        Use for immoral, illegal or unethical purposes.

·        Use that will cause harm to, or invade the privacy of, another individual.

·        Creating or forwarding of chain mail or "spam" regardless of content.

·        Posting agency information to external newsgroups, bulletin boards or other public forums without permission. 

·        Use for commercial purposes, financial gain, or fraud. 

·        Use for personal profit, political fundraising, or gambling.

·        Use to obtain, view, download, or otherwise gain access to potentially objectionable or pornographic materials, including text materials, video images, or sound files that may be considered objectionable. 

·        Sending or receiving offensive messages, pictures, or other materials over the Center's e-mail system.

·        Using obscene language.

·        Harassing, insulting or attacking others. 

·        Any use that violates public safety or compromises the privacy of legally protected resident or citizen information.

·        Violating copyright laws, including, but not limited to, downloading or copying of copyrighted materials, music, video, text or pictures.

·        Hacking systems and databases or acting to disrupt systems or cause unnecessary network congestion or application delays. 

·        Intentionally wasting limited resources, including bandwidth, ink, paper, etc.

·        Knowingly installing viruses, spyware, or adware.

·        Use of any remote control software on any internal or external host personal computers and/or networks or attempts to gain unauthorized access to remote systems. 

·        Damaging or modifying computers, computer systems or computer networks, including installing or removing software.

·        Using others' passwords or trying to change passwords without permission.

·        Trespassing in others' folders, work or files.

·        Removal of any Center property, either hardware or software.

·        If the student has a legal guardian, giving personal information, such as complete name, phone number, address or identifiable photo, without permission from staff and parent or guardian.

Violations of this agreement may result in a loss of access as well as other disciplinary or legal action.