Acceptable Use Policies

Acceptable use policies (AUPs) are sets of rules, regulations, rights, and responsibilities adopted by school officials (either in individual schools or at the board level), colleges, and universities designed to regulate and monitor the computer activity of students, staff, and visitors. AUPs are necessary to restrict the ability that students and staff have to access, store, and send sexual, violent, or otherwise unlawful material online.

AUPs generally apply both to the Internet and the general use of personal computers, computer networks, and other audiovisual communication equipment owned and controlled by school boards. This entry describes typical content and related legal issues.