Risk Management Policies
An important component of Internet and E-Mail risk management strategy is the creation of district policies that provide guidelines for computer use for students and staff. Risk management strategies should include a Student Acceptable Use Policy (AUP), an Employee AUP, a Document Policy, as well as policies that designate whether or not the district will filter content, maintain web logs, or provide student e-mail accounts.

It should be noted that although these policies carry considerable legal weight they will not keep your students, staff, or district safe from all the hazards that they may encounter on the Internet or the litigation that may result from unforeseen incidents. In all instances, the most common mistake that schools make is to create computer use policies for their students and staff and then ignore daily practices that may not be aligned with them. If, for example, your district's policy states that the school provides Internet access as an Educational Forum; and you are aware of and do nothing about the Mp3 files (non curriculum related) that students are downloading and playing on school computers, your policy becomes less of a protection in litigation. First, develop your written policy and then insure that your daily practice aligns with it.

Student AUPs

• Sample Policies
  

Analysis of K-12 AUPs

• A Legal and Educational Analysis of K-12 Internet Acceptable Use Policies Read Nancy Willard's suggestions for writing an AUP. She defines the role of the school Board, disciplinary action to take with an offender and how it relates to the First Ammendment.

NSBA's Legal Issues and Education Technology: A School Leader's Guide Wording to guide your internet, e-mail, and computer use policies.

• Disclaimers
  -Third Party Links
  -Student Created Web Pages

Employee AUPs

Should I create a separate Employee AUP?

Employee Acceptable Use Policies (AUP's) provide many of the same protections as Student AUP's. They establish the school computer system as an "Educational Forum", and provide guidelines for incidental personal use, explain that e-mail is not considered private in the school environment, establish acceptable guidelines for use including issues of copyright, system security, and misuse of resources. Creating an employee AUP can protect the school from litigation as well as serve as an educational document for staff members.

Issues to Consider in an AUP:

Important Issues

• Electronic Document Guidelines
  
• School Boards, Technology and Sunshine Laws
• Alternate Domain Names
• Third Party Links Disclaimer