Official Policies

Appropriate Use

What is the UM-ISHS's policy on appropriate use of intellectual property?
Access to the technology utilized by the UM-Independent Study High School imposes certain responsibilities and obligations. Appropriate use incorporates ethical and honest behavior and demonstrates respect for physical and intellectual property, system security protocols, and individuals' rights to privacy and freedom from intimidation, harassment, and unwarranted annoyance.

By enrolling in this course, students accept the terms of this policy and acknowledge that they hold The University of Mississippi Independent Study High School harmless for any injury or offense they may suffer by accessing information on the Internet. Students agree to:

Use Internet resources for authorized purposes only. Respect the work and creativity of the authors of materials seen on the Internet. Therefore, students will not copy files from the Internet for any use other than personal use, unless the webmaster explicitly states that the page may be copied indiscriminately.

Use only legal versions of copyrighted software in full compliance with licensing agreements. Respect the work and creativity of software developers by not downloading or duplicating licensed software. Students understand that they may download public domain programs and will pay for shareware programs. They assume all risks in determining if the program is public domain, shareware, or licensed.

Exercise responsible, ethical behavior. The Internet is a global network of information. In addition to useful scholarly information, students may find information that is inaccurate or plagiarized. Gatekeepers or systems of censorship are not in place on the Internet. Students must understand that they are not permitted to intentionally access profane or offensive information.

Respect individual’s freedom from harassment. UM-ISHS students will protect the privacy of their classmates. They will not publish any names, passwords, e-mail addresses or other information pertaining to other students. They will not use an e-mail account as a means to harass people who use the Internet, including teachers and other students

Actions that constitute inappropriate use include, but are not limited to:

Students who violate any part of this agreement or engage in any other activity that school authorities consider inappropriate will be subject to disciplinary action consistent with the UM-ISHS academic honesty policies and procedures. Discipline could include, but would not be limited to, immediate suspension or termination of Internet access for the course(s).

Any attempt to break into or tamper with the system operations, including any student records or grades, will result in cancellation of privileges.

Academic Honesty

What is the UM-ISHS's policy on academic honesty?
Any inappropriate use of the Internet is strongly discouraged by the UM-Independent Study High School and The University of Mississippi. Academic integrity is expected in the completion of UM-Independent Study High School courses. Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, plagiarism, fabrication of information or citations, submitting work of another person or work previously used without informing the instructor and securing written approval, facilitating acts of academic dishonesty by others, unauthorized prior possession of examinations, or tampering with the computer files and/or academic work of other students. A student charged with academic dishonesty will be given oral or written notice of the charge by the instructor, and appropriate action will be determined by the administration.

As in any course of study, your success in this course is dependent on the amount of attention you give each assessment, your study skills, the experiences you bring to the course, and the help you receive while taking the course. We encourage you to give each assignment maximum effort. Seek assistance from your teacher regarding course content, and/or the UM-Independent Study High School for other needs or questions.

Proctors for Independent Study High School Students

All tests taken by Independent Study students must be proctored at an approved testing site. The information below is provided to assist you in locating a suitable proctor.

Students Located in Lafayette County, MS

If the student resides in Lafayette County, the student must utilize the testing space in the Independent Study High School office, in the Yerby Conference Center. Please call the UM ISHS office to schedule all tests. Twenty-four hour notice is required when scheduling tests. Reserve a testing time by calling the office at 662.915.1296 or emailing your information to ishs@olemiss.edu.

Because of the number of students taking tests at the UM ISHS office, it is important that students report promptly at the appointed hour.

If a student has a disability that qualifies under the Americans with Disabilities Act and requires accommodations, then we will work with that student to procure an accessible testing location.

Please note: the UM ISHS office will be closed on holidays in accordance with The University of Mississippi holiday schedule.

Students outside of Lafayette County, MS

Local supervisors/proctors are responsible for maintaining test security, establishing testing conditions, proctoring tests, and submitting completed test authenticity forms to UM-ISHS when necessary.

The most acceptable choice for a supervisor or proctor is a person currently employed at any level as an educator (elementary, secondary, or post secondary). The person could be a teacher, counselor, administrator, or extension educator. Other acceptable choices include head librarians or local clergy. Military families may use base education officers, chaplains, and superior commissioned officers. Families living overseas may use embassy or consulate officials or other approved non family members. For more information on selecting a supervisor, contact us at (662) 915-1296.

UM-Independent Study High School administration must approve proctors. For students transferring credit back to a school, local school official also must approve the proctor.

For more specific information, please contact the UM-ISHS office at 662.915.1296 or email at ishs@olemiss.edu.