19.12 / Anti-Piracy

Effective: January 01, 2009

  1. Purpose

    The purpose of this statement is to set forth University policy with regard to the unauthorized downloading and distribution of copyrighted material over the University's computing and information technology resources.

  2. Preamble

    The Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008 requires that certain universities comply with specific anti-piracy provisions directed at the unauthorized downloading and distribution of copyrighted material over college and university computer networks.

  3. Policy

    The University shall, at least annually, inform students that the unauthorized distribution of copyrighted material, including peer-to-peer file sharing, may subject them to criminal or civil liability and to discipline under the University's Student Code of Conduct. The annual advisory shall include, as a minimum, the following information:

    1. A summary of the penalties for violation of federal copyright laws.

    2. A review and description of University policies regarding unauthorized peer-to-peer file sharing utilizing the University's computing and information technology resources.

    3. A review of the deterrents put in place by the University to combat the unauthorized distribution of copyrighted material.

    4. A review of alternatives to illegal downloading that are offered by the University.

  4. Implementation

    This policy shall be included in the WSU Policies and Procedures Manual and shared with appropriate constituencies of the University.

    The Chief Information Officer shall have primary responsibility for publication, dissemination and implementation of this University policy.