Electronic Communication and Internet Use

The following guidelines have been established for using the Internet, company-provided cell phones and e-mail in an appropriate, ethical and professional manner: 

• Internet, company-provided equipment (e.g., cell phone, laptops, computers) and services may not be used for transmitting, retrieving or storing any communications of a defamatory, discriminatory, harassing or pornographic nature.
• The following actions are forbidden: using disparaging, abusive, profane or offensive language; creating, viewing or displaying materials that might adversely or negatively reflect upon Marchese Ford or be contrary to Marchese Ford’s best interests; and engaging in any illegal activities, including piracy, cracking, extortion, blackmail, copyright infringement, and unauthorized access of any computers and company-provided equipment such as cell phones and laptops.
• Employees may not copy, retrieve, modify or forward copyrighted materials, except with permission or as a single copy to reference only.
• Employees must not use the system in a way that disrupts its use by others. Employees must not send or receive large files that could be saved/transferred via thumb drives. Employees are prohibited from sending or receiving files that are not related to work.
• Employees should not open suspicious e-mails, pop-ups or downloads. Contact IT with any questions or concerns to reduce the release of viruses or to contain viruses immediately.
• Internal and external e-mails are considered business records and may be subject to discovery in the event of litigation. Be aware of this possibility when sending e-mail within and outside the company.

Right to Monitor

All company-supplied technology and company-related work records belong to the company and not to the employee. Marchese Ford routinely monitors use of company-supplied technology. Inappropriate or illegal use or communications may be subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment.