A delicate balance exists between the right to privacy of users and the obligations of the Technology Department to correct disruptions and misuse and to investigate violations of school policy.

1. The school acknowledges that users have a right to expect that the privacy and confidentiality of their data and their use of the system will not be violated. Computing staff has an obligation and duty to preserve the confidentiality and privacy of any user data to which their legitimate responsibilities give them access.

2. Users acknowledge, in accepting the privilege of access to the school's information resources that the school's computing staff have the right, within their jurisdiction, to carry out their responsibility to keep the school's information technology facilities and resources operating and available to the community. When, in their judgment, it is necessary to protect the integrity of the system or its policies, those staff designated by the Director of Technology are permitted to examine stored or printed data for the purpose of gaining sufficient information to diagnose and correct problems, to determine if a user is acting in violation of school policy, or to take other actions necessary to ensure the sustained and proper functioning of the information infrastructure. In so doing, staff members have an obligation to maintain the privacy of the user's data.

3. Users acknowledge that the computing staff are not obligated to hold confidential data that provide evidence of violation of laws, contracts, license agreements, network access policies, or the school's policies and may disclose such data to the Director of Technology, who, in turn, may disclose the data to a higher authority.

4. Willful misapplication or dissemination of confidential or exclusive information or materials will ultimately result in appropriate action by the school, up to and including dismissal or termination of employees, or civil action, and/or referral for prosecution of any known or suspected criminal activity.