Page 46 - C:\Users\adarr\Documents\Flip PDF\2019 APUS Employee Handbook\

or hamper the ability of others to access and use such systems (e.g., distributing chain letters and large
attachments).

Message Content and Public Representations
Employees must comply with the following guidelines while using company e-mail systems:

• APUS has a zero tolerance policy concerning obscene communications. E-mail should be
free of obscene, harassing, defamatory language or attachments.
• E-Mail must not include rumors or unwarranted speculation. Avoid incomplete, unbalanced,
and unprofessional e-mail content.
• E-mail is primarily for business use. Personal communications should be limited.
• The following uses are not permissible:
• Derogatory, obscene, defamatory, and harassing communications (including but not limited
to the transmission and viewing of sexually explicit material, humor that is off- color or
contains racial or ethnic slurs, and abusive, or profane language).
• Fraudulent communications.
• Email used for commercial, charitable, religious, or partisan political purposes.
• Transmission of trade secrets, or privileged communications.
• Unauthorized copying and distribution of copyrighted material.
• Communications that violate or infringe the rights of others.
• Automatic forwarding of email outside APUS.

It is the responsibility of every APUS employee to refer to the APUS Acceptable User Policy for additional
details on acceptable use of APUS corporate computing facilities.

The following guidelines should be followed for using e-mail signatures in an appropriate, ethical, and
professional manner.

• Email and signatures should be professional and strictly relate to APUS business.
• Email signatures must be consistent with the standards and format set forth by the
marketing department.
• Refrain from including other slogans, quotes or other statements in the signature portion
of your e-mail messages.

Harassing or Offensive Material
Company systems may not be used for transmittal, retrieval or storage of any communication which is
of a discriminatory, harassing, defamatory or threatening nature, or which is derogatory to any
individual or group. In addition, company systems may not be used for transmittal, retrieval or storage
of any obscene or offensive communications or for any other purpose that is illegal or against APUS
policy or contrary to APUS interest. Offensive and/or unprofessional communications and any other
violations of the aforementioned policies and/or internal controls may result in disciplinary action,
including letters of reprimand, fines, notification to appropriate law enforcement officials, and
termination of employment.

Monitoring and Privacy
Emails and computer files are the property of APUS. Employees and faculty should not expect their
messages to be kept private. At any time, APUS management may access information and files, including
e-mails, and reserves the right to monitor and review employee usage of APUS systems to ensure that
2019 Employee Handbook, Revised January 2019 45