Electronic Environment Policy

(effective 1/1/07)

Lesley University values freedom of expression and an open exchange of ideas and information. Lesley provides members of its community with access to a wide range of information and electronic services. Lesley's electronic environment includes the use of computers, computer networks, the Internet, and electronic communication (i.e., electronic mail, telephone, voice mail and faxes). These services are essential for research, instruction, and administration.

Lesley acknowledges that there is a delicate balance between freedom of expression and respect for the rights of fellow members of the Lesley community. Lesley's Electronic Environment Policy requires all users to maintain reasonable standards of professional and personal respect and courtesy. Members of the Lesley community are provided with broad access to the University's electronic environment. The electronic environment, by its very nature, allows users to engage in the system with near anonymity. These characteristics of the Lesley electronic environment demand responsible use by all of the University's users.

In particular, email messages are the electronic equivalent of letters or memoranda printed on Lesley stationery and, as such, should not include political, religious, humorous or philosophical comments. The signature lines for your email should be limited to only: your name, title, department, and contact information.

Despite the unique attributes of the electronic environment, all Lesley policies that apply elsewhere in the Lesley community, including the terms of all handbooks and catalogs distributed to undergraduate and graduate students, faculty and staff, apply in full force to use of the electronic environment. Specifically, all Lesley harassment and discrimination policies, the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, and the Lesley Community Standards of Conduct are applicable to all forms of contact with the electronic environment.

For more information, please see University Technology's Electronic Environment Policy (e-Policy) page.