- Acceptable uses of the network.
- Unacceptable uses such as breaking any kind of law or hacking, violating privacy of other users, and visiting certain websites.
- What types of devices will be allowed on the network.
- When and where access will be permitted and or denied. This usually requires some method of determining a user's identity and device. Staff and students may be given accounts with usernames and required to sign in to the network before using it.
- Consequences for violating any rules of the AUP.
As I looked for examples of Acceptable Use Policies, I found that they shared many of the same elements. They usually had an introduction, explaining what an AUP was. They also had a section to define different terms used in the policy that users might not understand. And within their rules, they usually listed what users could do as well as what they couldn't do.
I think a good AUP is extremely important in schools. It is important for the school so that they can keep their network running properly. Both teachers and students have a lot of private information on their devices as well as the school's network and its servers. Having a good AUP helps protect that private information and provides consequences for anyone who doesn't adhere to the policy.
Some examples of Acceptable Use Policies from a variety of academic institutions are listed below: