It is the policy of the University to respect the protections given by federal law to owners of copyrightable subject matter (“Copyright-Protected Materials”). It is against University policy for faculty, staff, or students to use University equipment, services, or facilities to access, use, copy, reproduce, distribute, or display Copyright-Protected Materials except as permitted under copyright law.

Properly applying the legal principle of “fair use” or other limitations on the exclusive rights granted under the Copyright Act, obtaining the permission of the copyright holder, or acquiring appropriate rights in Copyright-Protected Materials, are ways to comply with federal copyright law while advancing the University’s legitimate activities, including in scholarship, teaching, and learning. It is the individual responsibility of faculty, staff, and students to comply with this policy in all University programs and activities and in use of all University equipment, services, or facilities. The University Library and University Information Technology Services provide copyright guidance and information resources. The Office of University Counsel provides legal advice concerning copyright law.

Copyright-Protected Materials may include software, library holdings, audio and audio-visual works, compilations of data, and other technology and information resources provided through the University for use by faculty, staff, and students. Such materials must be used consistent with the licenses that have been entered into by the University.

Special requirements apply to public performance of motion pictures, films, songs, and videos. Federal law grants copyright owners the exclusive right to perform motion pictures in any “place open to the public or at any place where a substantial number of persons outside a normal circle of a family and its social acquaintances is gathered” (United States Code, Title 17, Section 101). Students should be aware that dormitories and meeting places may also be “public” places. Further information regarding the showing of motion pictures or films, or public performance of music, on University property, can be obtained by contacting Student Affairs Event Management on the fourth floor of Newcomb Hall at (434) 924-7225.

Compliance with Policy:
Under federal law, violations of copyright law may result in civil and criminal penalties, including imprisonment. The University regards violation of its Copyright policy as a serious matter. Any such violation is without its consent and is subject to appropriate disciplinary action or sanction ranging from loss of access to the relevant University services, resources, or property (including computing privileges) to dismissal or removal from the University as determined by applicable employment or student disciplinary policies.

Direct questions about this policy to the Office of the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer.