College lenient in online misbehavior policy

by Joe Holden staff writer

Members of Cabrini's administration have developed an acceptable use policy pertaining to the college's computers that does not specifically forbid the downloading of questionable materials from sources such as the Internet.

"The learning resources and technologies department does not have any official policy against the downloading of materials off the internet, whether it be pornographic materials, illegal sound or video clips," said Andrew Cioppi, employee of the college's learning resources and technologies department.

Cioppi explained that any student is allowed to download materials and information from the internet, and each student has a home directory on the campus server which allows them to save the information obtained.

"Downloading is allowed just as long as you have the space to hold it;' said Cioppi, "But when something is downloaded, and they do not have any more space available, the file that is downloaded appears on the entire system, and that is where the problem occurs."

He went on to explain that when there are a potential 2,000 users, it is not safe to assume that what you want on a computer is what someone else also wants.

The computers have to be kept running smoothly, and this is done by keeping the programs configured with one another.

Many programs that can be downloaded off of the Internet will not match all ready existing programs on the system. Downloading non-configured material will slow the entire system down from a few seconds to possibly minutes.

Cioppi went on to explain that even though there is no policy regarding unacceptable downloading, it does not mean that the col- lege condones the use of the system computers in manners that may be offensive to other members of the community. He explained that if a problem should arise with the downloading office of student development's position on unacceptable or offensive downloading, he simply said, "Use your head, don't do it." one is around, and downloading is being done, the learning resources and technologies department is able to trace a persons' account if there is a problem or question. of unacceptable or offensive materials, the complaint is filed in the student development office.

Weaver also referred to the student handbook.

Within the code of conduct, under the section of honesty and integrity, it says, "comments or images made or transmitted that are lewd, lascivious, filthy or indecent, intended to annoy, abuse, ,threaten or harass another person; or comments or images that depict or describe in terms patently offensive to the Cabrini community, sexual or excretory activities or organs; use of the College facilities to interfere with normal operation of the College computing system."

He also stated that it is the student development office that pursues a case against a user, if sufficient evidence is found.

''The student handbook has the final say on what is acceptable and what is unacceptable," said Cioppi.

Cioppi mentioned that many area colleges are very strict with their computer policies.

When acting dean of students, Paul Weaver, was asked about the