Computer Network Access
Network resources are intended for educational and research purposes. To ensure that a computer connected to our network does not negatively impact other computers, students are required to have up-to-date anti-virus software installed on their laptop computers prior to connecting to Golden Gate University’s academic network (wired and wireless). Anyone using the network should also take proper precautions against malicious spyware or viruses. Any student whose improperly protected laptop computer disrupts network performance may be held responsible for any damage to university resources. Students must not use peer-to-peer file sharing applications when connected to the GGU network (see below). Use of network resource intensive applications such as web servers, ftp servers and audio/video conferencing software is inappropriate.
Audio Recording of Classes
The faculty has adopted a general policy permitting the use of audio recorders in class. Faculty members who do not wish to have a class recorded will announce this on the first day of class and list it in their syllabi. Recording of lectures or class presentations is authorized solely for students currently enrolled in that course section, for the purpose of studying. Recordings may not be posted, uploaded, distributed, or shared by any means without the express permission of the professor. Distribution of class recordings without permission violates university policy and may constitute copyright infringement in violation of federal and/or state law.
Unauthorized Distribution of Copyrighted Material
Unauthorized distribution (downloading or uploading) of copyrighted material over the Internet, including peer-to-peer file sharing, is considered copyright infringement. Copyrighted material that may not be shared without authorization includes recorded music (often in the form of MP3 or MP4 files), movies, television shows, digital books, or magazines. Copyright infringement may subject a student to civil and criminal liabilities.
Summary of Civil and Criminal Penalties for Violation of Federal Copyright Laws
Copyright infringement is the act of exercising, without permission or legal authority, one or more of the exclusive rights granted to the copyright owner under section 106 of the Copyright Act (Title 17 of the United States Code). These rights include the right to reproduce or distribute a copyrighted work. In the file-sharing context, downloading or uploading substantial parts of a copyrighted work without authority constitutes an infringement.
Penalties for copyright infringement include civil and criminal penalties. In general, anyone found liable for civil copyright infringement may be ordered to pay either actual damages or statutory damages affixed at not less than $750 and not more than $30,000 per work infringed. For “willful” infringement, a court may award up to $150,000 per work infringed. A court can, in its discretion, also assess costs and attorneys’ fees. For details, see Title 17, United States Code, Sections 504, 505.
Willful copyright infringement can also result in criminal penalties, including imprisonment of up to five years and fines of up to $250,000 per offense.
For more information, please see the Web site of the U.S. Copyright Office at www.copyright.gov, especially their FAQ’s at www.copyright.gov/help/faq.
Institutional Penalties for Copyright Infringement
Students who use the university’s network to engage in unauthorized distribution of copyrighted material are in violation of the Standards of Student Conduct and will be disciplined accordingly and possibly reported to licensing organizations, such as the State Bar.
Legal Alternatives for Acquiring Copyrighted Material
A fairly exhaustive list of web sites from which you may legally obtain copyrighted material is published by EDUCAUSE.
|
