Internet, Computer and Email Usage

Internet access to global electronic information resources on the World Wide Web is provided by WVEMS to assist employees in obtaining work-related data and technology. The following guidelines have been established to help ensure responsible and productive Internet usage.

All Internet data that is composed, transmitted, or received via our computer communications systems is considered to be part of the official records of WVEMS and, as such, is subject to disclosure to law enforcement or other third parties. Consequently, employees should always ensure that the business information contained in Internet email messages and other transmissions is accurate, appropriate, ethical, and lawful.

The equipment, services, and technology provided to access the Internet remain at all times the property of WVEMS. As such, WVEMS reserves the right to monitor Internet traffic, and retrieve and read any data composed, sent, or received through our online connections and stored in our computer systems.

Data that is composed, transmitted, accessed, or received via the Internet must not contain content that could be considered discriminatory, offensive, obscene, threatening, harassing, intimidating, or disruptive to any employee or other person. Examples of unacceptable content may include, but are not limited to, sexual comments or images, racial slurs, gender-specific comments, or any other comments or images that could reasonably offend someone on the basis of race, age, sex, religious or political beliefs, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Internet users should take the necessary anti-virus precautions before downloading or copying any file from the Internet. All downloaded files are to be checked for viruses; all compressed files are to be checked before and after decompression.

Abuse of the Internet access provided by WVEMS in violation of law or WVEMS policies will result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment. Employees may also be held personally liable for any violations of this policy. The following behaviors are examples of previously stated or additional actions and activities that are prohibited and can result in disciplinary action:

Sending or posting discriminatory, harassing, or threatening messages or images

Stealing, using, or disclosing someone else's code or password without authorization

Copying, pirating, or downloading software and electronic files without permission

Sending or posting confidential material, trade secrets, or proprietary information outside of the organization

Violating copyright law

Failing to observe licensing agreements

Engaging in unauthorized transactions that may incur a cost to the organization or initiate unwanted Internet services and transmissions

Sending or posting messages or material that could damage the organization's image or reputation

Participating in the viewing or exchange of pornography or obscene materials

Sending or posting messages that defame or slander other individuals

Attempting to break into the computer system of another organization or person

Refusing to cooperate with a security investigation

Sending or posting chain letters, solicitations, or advertisements not related to business purposes or activities

Jeopardizing the security of the organization's electronic communications systems

Sending or posting messages that disparage another organization's products or services

Passing off personal views as representing those of the organization

Sending anonymous email messages

Engaging in any other illegal activities

COMPUTER AND EMAIL USAGE:

Computers, computer files, the email system, and software furnished to employees are WVEMS property intended for business use. Employees should not use a password, access a file, or retrieve any stored communication without authorization. To ensure compliance with this policy, computer and email usage may be monitored. Employees do not have a personal privacy right in any matter created, received or sent from WVEMS’s Internet system.

WVEMS strives to maintain a workplace free of harassment and sensitive to the diversity of its employees. Therefore, WVEMS prohibits the use of computers and the email system in ways that are disruptive, offensive to others, or harmful to morale.

For example, the display or transmission of sexually explicit images, messages, and cartoons is not allowed. Other such misuse includes, but is not limited to, ethnic slurs, racial comments, off-color jokes, or anything that may be construed as harassment or showing disrespect for others.

WVEMS purchases and licenses the use of various computer software for business purposes and does not own the copyright to this software or its related documentation. Unless authorized by the software developer, WVEMS does not have the right to reproduce such software for use on more than one computer.

Employees may only use software on local area networks or on multiple machines according to the software license agreement. WVEMS prohibits the illegal duplication of software and its related documentation.

Employees should notify their immediate supervisor, the Executive Director or any member of management upon learning of violations of this policy. Employees who violate this policy will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.

Policy No.  5.16  Issued  1/1/2019  Applicable  12/13/2018