Many colleges establish Internet usage policies to keep the school network safe and deter malicious or illegal online behavior. In some schools, Internet policies may help keep school computers available for class-related work. In others, the policies may simply clarify expectations of students and staff that use the network.
Though Internet use restrictions vary considerably from college to college, many institutions expressly forbid using school network connections for unauthorized computer access (hacking), gambling and the public display of pornographic material. Some schools, like Skyline College in San Bruno, California, forbid students from conducting business on the network. Others, like Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, allow use of the network for almost any legal purpose.
Many colleges use network monitoring tools to police their networks and identify restricted behavior. Some colleges may issue warnings to students who violate the practices, and many report suspected illegal activity to local law enforcement agencies. Most schools require Internet users to identify themselves and may restrict those who repeatedly violate the policy.