Student Use Policy

The MP3 format itself is not illegal. It is a compression method. What makes MP3’s illegal is when copyrighted material is distributed or downloaded in this format.

How is an MP3 of my favorite song illegal if I can tape the same song off the radio legally?

"The difference between copying to cassette as opposed to a computer hard drive is that audio cassette players (as well as Minidisc and DAT players) are devices covered by the Audio Home Recording Act of 1992 (AHRA) and a computer is not."       Adapted from "Top 10 Myths" by www.soundbyting.com

Did You Know

• If you own the CD, you can not put the full length tracks from that CD on the Internet
• If you don't charge people from the MP3s, it's still illegal to allow downloads of copyrighted material.
• You are not protected by the "Fair Use" Policy & the First Amendment of the constitution when you distribute and download copyrighted MP3s.

I.T. Action

The Information Technology department will monitor MP3 downloads according to the room number of the computer.  If an illegal MP3 download is detected, the individuals in the room will be notified and informed of the activity.

• First Notice: Student will receive a warning/caution.  Information will be provided on the quantity of network usage, and recommendations will be provided.  The student will be required to sign a statement saying they will not download illegal material.
• Second Notice: Student network access from the residence hall will be terminated.  Student may appeal this termination of network access by contacting the Director of Residence Life.
• Third Notice:  Permanent loss of network access on campus. 

Failure to comply with eliminating illegal downloads will result in a second notice and termination of network access.