VCOM College Catalog and Student Handbook

behavioral sanction. Student Internet and email access on all campuses is monitored for student downloads of shared files such as music, videos, etc. which is in violation of copyright laws and is done by federal, state and local agencies. If a student is reported to VCOM as having performed an illegal download, the student will be issued a warning and be required to present their computer to the IT Department staff who will verify shared/copyright questionable files are removed. A second violation will result in an honor code reporting plus temporary loss of computer access privileges of up to seven days. Students need to be diligent to not violate digital and non-digital copyright laws. If a student loses their computer access, they may not be able to complete their academic requirements, which could jeopardize their continued progress at VCOM. Click the following link to see the policy on the VCOM Policy on the Use and Misuse of Digital Copyrighted Materials, which are also distributed to all faculty, staff and students annually. Publications and Media Relations The printing, distribution of publications, or the use of the name of the institution by students, faculty, or staff requires approval of the Provost. Student publication requests may be submitted to the Associate Dean for Student Affairs. Please submit requests 14 days in advance. Requests for the use of Virginia Tech, Auburn University, or the University of Louisiana Monroe’s logos (including the university’s mascot images) must also be made through these same channels and may require a longer lead time. Since those logos are the copyright of those schools, approval is less likely to be granted. VCOM’s name, logo or seal may not be used, amended, or altered without approval of the VCOM’s Director of Website and Publications. Social Media Policy The VCOM Policy on Social Media Usage is to provide clarification on how to best enhance and protect personal and professional reputations as well as intellectual property of VCOM’s students, faculty, and staff when participating in the social media environment. This policy defines the rules and procedures for the use of official college social media sites to ensure that college-sponsored social media is both legal and in compliance with college policies. In addition, this policy defines the guidelines for students and employees who participate in other forms of social media such as posting to his/her personal media or when commenting on other community or public sites. VCOM encourages the use of social media to connect with others, including students, employees, alumni, and the college. Social media sites are excellent venues to communicate and encourage engaging discussions about college current events, issues, accolades, organizations, and people. However, these technologies must be used with caution, as what students, faculty, or staff write can disclose protected information, damage reputations, offend, and be considered unethical or unprofessional. In addition, what individuals post can have legal ramifications. Damage can be done to students, faculty, staff, VCOM and/or the profession. VCOM reserves the right to consider how a prospective student, faculty or staff candidate, current faculty or staff member, or current student presents themselves via social media. This information can be used to determine whether that person has the appropriate characteristics (ethical and professional) necessary to be a successful VCOM employee or student (candidate), continue their employment with VCOM (current employee) or to continue enrollment as a VCOM student and future physician based on the ethical and professional nature of the social media content. This information can also be used to determine whether that person represents a threat to self or other faculty, staff, or students and to whether HIPAA or FERPA standards are being followed. These policies apply to all types of use of social media on behalf of VCOM, including departmental use and use by individual employees whose job duties entail such use, or when using social media for personal use. Students and employees should use good judgment when using social media and be mindful that their actions and statements have the ability not only to affect themselves, but also others at VCOM and the college.

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