Unauthorized
copying or use of computer software is a violation of federal law,
a likely breach of a license agreement, and an action that also
may subject the perpetrator to discipline within the college.
The best position for students, faculty and staff to take is to
ASSUME THAT COPYING OF SOFTWARE FOR USE ON AN ADDITIONAL MACHINE
IS PROHIBITED UNLESS YOU ARE TOLD OTHERWISE BY AN INFORMED INDIVIDUAL
WHO IS IN A POSITION TO KNOW. If any questions arise, consult the
Director of Computing and provide a copy of the software license
agreement so a determination may be made.
Some agreements
restrict the use of software to certain equipment. Unauthorized
use of this software will be viewed the same as unauthorized copying.
Copyright law also holds that multiple-loading from one disk to
multiple machines is a violation unless allowed by a license.
Since Sweet
Briar College does not require, request, or condone unauthorized
copying or use of computer software, such action is not considered
to be taken in the course of study or employment. As a result, the
college will not provide legal defense for individuals who may be
accused of making unauthorized copies of software even if these
individuals maintain that such action was taken in the course of
their employment or study. If Sweet Briar is sued or fined because
of unauthorized copying or use by students, faculty or staff, it
may seek payment from the individuals as well as subject them to
disciplinary action that may include dismissal.
Sweet Briar
recognizes that the need for software often exceeds the resources
available to purchase it. The Computing Center has provided a legal
way to satisfy software needs. They and the library can provide
access to a large and growing collection of public domain software
and of shareware/freeware, all of which are legal to copy and use.
Sweet Briar
College policy requires that all students, faculty, and staff abide
by the law. All members of the college community are also obligated
to comply with our contractual obligations. In the final analysis
we demean the integrity of the college and all it stands for when
we engage in unauthorized copying or use of computer software.
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