Copyright Policy
Downloading and sharing movies and music is almost always copyright infringement and a violation of University policy. Do not do this on the University network, on University computers, or on work time. Staff members who infringe will be subject to disciplinary procedures, up to and including dismissal. Typical sanctions for a first offense include a week's mandatory leave without pay.
The University's policy regarding copyright can be found at href='http://www.unc.edu/campus/policies/copyright.html. Relevant sections of the policy include
Section IV. A. which deals with the appropriate use of copyrighted works:
"The University is committed to complying with all applicable laws regarding copyrights. As an institution devoted to the creation, discovery and dissemination of knowledge, the University supports the responsible, good faith exercise of full fair use rights, as codified in federal law at 17 U.S.C. B' 107, by faculty, librarians, staff and students in teaching, research, and service activities. Except as allowed by law, it is a violation of this Policy and law for University faculty, staff, or students to reproduce, distribute, display publicly, perform, digitally transmit (in the case of sound recordings), or prepare derivative works based upon a copyrighted work without permission of the copyright owner."and Section II. which states:
"Compliance with the terms of this Policy is a condition of employment for University faculty and staff, and of enrollment for University students."
Violation of this policy is a personal conduct issue which will incur appropriate disciplinary action. Please call me if you have questions concerning this policy. More information about copyright may be found at http://www.unc.edu/policy/copyright.html.
