668.14 Program Participation Agreement
(30) The institution has developed and implemented written plans to effectively combat the unauthorized distribution of copyrighted material by users of the institution’s network, without unduly interfering with the educational and research use of the network, that include –
(A) The use of one or more technology‐based deterrents;
Limestone University currently blocks URL access to Peer-to-Peer centric sites for both the Faculty/Staff and student Internet connections utilizing application firewalls and other methods. Periodic monitoring of externally destined traffic is also reviewed to determine compliance with Limestone’s stated computer security policy.
An e‐mail address ( DMCA@limestone.edu) is used for receiving and responding to Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) notices per the requirements of the Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA).
(B) Mechanisms for educating and informing its community about appropriate versus inappropriate use of copyrighted material, including that described in 668.43(a)(10)
Limestone University’s policy concerning unauthorized distribution of copyrighted material through use of our network is annually distributed to students, faculty, and staff via email.
File sharing restrictions, copyright guidelines, & computer use policies are also posted on our web site.
Guidelines are posted in the Limestone University Student Handbook as well as the Faculty/Staff Handbook.
(C) Procedures for handling unauthorized distribution of copyrighted material, including disciplinary procedures; and
In the event that a faculty or staff member is detected participating in unauthorized peer‐to‐peer file sharing, Human Resources staff registers the complaint and takes appropriate action against the individual.
When Limestone University receives a complaint about the IP address assigned to a student’s computer or the college detects a student participating in unauthorized peer‐to‐peer file sharing, we take the following action:
1st Offense:
Warning: the violator is contacted via email addressing the complaint. The communication includes Limestone University’s policy on unauthorized file sharing and offers safe, legal alternatives. A response from the violator acknowledging receipt and understanding is requested within seven days. If no response is received, second offense penalties are automatically accessed.
2nd Offense:
a. An institutional penalty in the amount of $100 is charged to the violator’s account.
b. A meeting is requested with the violator.
c. An IT Hold is placed on the violator’s account prohibiting any future registration until both A and B are satisfied.
3rd Offense:
One semester suspension from the college.
(D) Procedures for periodically reviewing the effectiveness of the plans to combat the unauthorized distribution of copyrighted materials by users of the institution’s network using relevant assessment criteria. No particular technology measures are favored or required for inclusion in an institution’s plans, and each institution retains the authority to determine what its particular plans for compliance with paragraph (b)(30) of this section will be, including those that prohibit content monitoring; and
Institution representatives meet annually to review the effectiveness of the copyright plan. Following this meeting, if adjustments are necessary, they will be made.
(ii) Will, in consultations with representatives from the institution –
(A)Periodically review the legal alternatives for downloading or otherwise acquiring copyrighted material;
(B) Make available the results of the review in paragraph (b)(30)(ii)(A) of this section to its students through a Web site or other means; and
(C)To the extent practicable, offer legal alternatives for downloading or otherwise acquiring copyrighted material, as determined by the institution; and
Annually, tools are reviewed by the Information Technology Department. Results are made available in paragraph (b)(30)(ii)(A) of this section.
668.43(a)(10)
(10) Institutional policies and sanctions related to copyright infringement, including
(i) A statement that explicitly informs its students that authorized distribution of copyrighted material, including unauthorized peer to peer file sharing, may subject the students to civil and criminal liabilities;
(ii) A summary of the penalties for violation of Federal copyright laws; and
(iii) A description of the institution’s policies with respect to unauthorized peer‐to‐peer file sharing, including disciplinary actions that are taken against students who engage in illegal downloading or unauthorized distribution of copyrighted materials using the institution’s information technology system; and
Limestone University’s online statement: www.limestone.edu/p2pcompliance
Example of Annually Distributed Email:
File Sharing Could Get You Kicked Out!
Unauthorized distribution of copyrighted material (music, movies, etc…) through use of file-sharing programs on our network is strictly prohibited. Violators could face institutional fines and/or loss of network access and may even be subject to civil and criminal penalties such as fines and/or imprisonment. College employees who violate our computer‐use policies will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including dismissal. For detailed information see below.
Alternatives to Illegal File Sharing
Legal Downloading Resources. Members of the Limestone University community are encouraged to take advantage of these legitimate sources of digital content.
Who should you contact with questions?
