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Cell phones/Telephones
    Cellular phones are disruptive to classroom, work, and worship environments.  Cell phones will be turned in to the dean at the end of study hall and be kept until the end of the student’s school/work time the following day (no earlier than 4:30 pm).  Dorm students who are on the  D, F, or I list for any class must turn in their cell phones at the beginning of study hall. Phones may be used after Friday vespers until lights out.  On Sabbath, phones will be available for use after lunch until lights out with the exception of vespers.  On Sunday, phones are available for use after brunch through study hall with the exception of any work hours. 
    Cell phones found in a student’s possession or in a dorm room during unapproved times will be confiscated and constitute a violation.   Cell phones may be checked by faculty members for inappropriate use/content at any time.  Students must provide the dean with all cell phone passwords/codes.  Failure to do so, or changing a password/code without notifying the dean will result in a loss of  cell phone priviledge.  Music, movies, or ringtones are not to be stored on the phone or on any removeable memory stick/chip. 

Violations:
1st violation will result in phone confiscation for 48 hours.
2nd violation will result in phone confiscation for 1 week.
3rd violation will result in indefinite phone confiscation.

    After three months the student may petition to regain his/her phone privileges.

*Upon parental request, confiscated phones will be returned ONLY for trips home.

Phone Messages
     Parents will be given a list of phone numbers to contact or leave a message for their child.
  
Computers and the Internet
         Students may have personal computers at BMA, but they are not required since campus computers are readily available for student use.
 For those bringing personal computers, the following restrictions apply:

•        All computer passwords must be registered with the dean.  Failure to do so will result in a loss of privilege.
•        Computers are checked in to the dean each evening and during Sabbath hours.
•        Students must have all computer games approved by the dean.  Failure to do so will result in the loss of computer priviledges.
•        Software piracy is a crime and is forbidden at Bass Memorial Academy.  Pirated software and other media will be deleted.
•        Software not in harmony with Christian standards is not allowed and will be confiscated and destroyed.
•        Digital Movies or TV shows are not allowed and will be deleted and the computing device confiscated.
BMA reserves the right to search computers for inappropriate material without notice.

There are provisions for wireless internet connections in the dorms during certain hours.  Students wishing to use online services in the dorms must have permission from their parents and sign an acceptable use policy.  There will be zero tolerance for inappropriate internet use in the dormitiories.
The board, administration, and staff of Bass Memorial Academy believe that the Internet is an important tool in today’s technological society.  Accordingly, an investment has been made in a high-speed wireless, permanent connection between our campus network and the Internet.  Any student with a network account may send and receive Internet e-mail.
Unfortunately, along with the benefits of the Internet, there are elements that do not meet Christian standards.  While measures are taken to prevent access to inappropriate material, the staff of Bass Memorial Academy believes that students should be taught principles for responsible Internet usage.  Our guiding principle will be the words of Paul: “Finally brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report, if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things” (Philippians 4:8).
    Students browsing the World Wide Web may be able to access sites that would not be acceptable according to this guideline. Parents may request a weekly automated report of their child’s internet activity if desired.  If a student is found deliberately accessing inappropriate material in violation of their signed agreement, that student will lose his Internet access, and may additionally be dealt with by Administrative Council.

Media Policy
        We encourage students to grow into strong well-balanced Seventh-day Adventist Christian men and women and feel that media is an avenue which Satan can effectively use to sway the mind from the peace that only Christ can provide.  Biblical Seventh-day Adventist standards must be used in the selection of media brought to BMA.  Videos/movies of any kind are NOT to be brought to school.  Collectively music, books, magazines, and games are referred to as media.  Satanic, pornographic, immoral, anti-Christian, and anti-authority music, books, magazines, and games are unacceptable.  Media that is negative, promotes violence, includes inappropriate language, or focuses on depression and suicide also run contrary to the Seventh-day Adventist standard.  While many people have differing views of media, the dorms follow the teachings of Philippians 4:8. 

General Information about Media
The Personal Listening Device (PLD) policy is as follows:

    •    PLD’s are not allowed at BMA which includes radios, mp3 players, alarm clock radios, stereos of any kind and other devices with the ability to play stored or removable media.
    •    The student senate may petition the Faculty Council for an exception to the above policy.
               
Violations
        Confiscated media and videos/movies will not be returned.  Confiscated PLD’s will be held until the end of the school year.  Questions regarding media should be directed to the Deans before bringing it to campus.  Deans may check rooms from time to time, unannounced, and will confiscate inappropriate or hidden media. Any infraction of this policy is subject to a two-step enforcement plan.

    •    First offense:  If the infraction involves a computer or other media player, the hardware will be confiscated for one month.  Media will be destroyed. 
    •    Second offense:  Hardware will be confiscated for the remainder of the year. Media will be destroyed.
 
*Other participants involved in the infraction who are not the owners of the material or apparatus will pay a $25 fine.

Games
    Games, which includes video, computer, hand-held, board, etc..., are for recreational purposes.  Unfortunately, games can distract students from educational and spiritual endeavors.  Therefore the deans will control their use.  If remotely questionable, the dean should be consulted before the games are brought.  Games that are inappropriate will be confiscated and destroyed.