Electronic Communication Use

Computers, computer files, electronic communication, and software furnished to employees are Lakeland property and are intended for business use only. Employees should not use a password, access a file, or retrieve any stored communication without prior authorization from their supervisor. To ensure compliance with this policy, computer and electronic communication usage may be monitored and use of the equipment is considered consent to the monitoring and accessing of information transmitted by or to the Lakeland equipment, as well as any information stored on the system.

Lakeland prohibits the use of computers and the electronic communication system in ways that are disruptive, offensive, or harmful to fellow employees or other persons. For example, the display or transmission of sexually explicit images, messages, and cartoons is strictly prohibited. Other such misuse includes, but is not limited to, ethnic slurs, racial comments, off-color jokes, and anything that may be construed by others as harassment of or disrespect toward others.

Electronic communications shall not be used to solicit others for commercial ventures, religious or political causes, outside organizations, or other non-business matters. Electronic communications shall not be used for broadcasting unsolicited personal views on social, political, religious or other non-business related matters.

Lakeland purchases and licenses the use of various computer software for business purposes and does not own the copyright to this software or its related documentation. Unless authorized by the software developer, Lakeland does not have the right to reproduce such software for use on more than one computer.

Employees may only use software on local area networks or on multiple machines according to the software license agreement. Lakeland prohibits the illegal duplication of software and its related documentation.

Employees may not load or download any software onto the Cooperative?s system without the prior approval of the Director, or his/her designee. This is to avoid possible licensing infringements, as well as assure that no viruses are imported into the system.

Employees should notify their immediate supervisor or any member of management upon learning of violations of this policy. Employees who violate this policy may be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.

Policy No.  516  Issued  10/1/2002  Applicable  12/14/2006