Web Access Policies

Nazareth College has an approved policy of restricting access to certain web sites or web resources for two specific reasons:

• If it is expected that permitting access to these sites or resources will create a substantial load (excessive bandwidth usage) on the institution's internal network or Internet access conduit, and the resource that is being accessed has limited educational benefit. Examples of this kind of site are high volume music download sites, and personal videoconferencing or voice communications.

• If the Internet site or resource requires that special ports be opened in the institution's firewall, thereby creating added security risks for unauthorized intrusions. Again, this is for sites or resources that have limited educational benefit. Examples of this kind of site are some highly interactive computer games.

The college does not currently restrict access to sites based on content or on potential copyright issues. It is, however, incumbent upon every individual using Nazareth College resources to adhere to the Nazareth College Computing Code of Conduct, which includes issues related to content and copyright.

Since the college's network and internet connection are shared by many, and the costs of providing "unlimited" bandwidth are very high, it is felt that this policy provides the best balance between openness and functionality, and affordability.

William Nass, Director of Information Technology Services. 7/1/2005