Computer software use

The University has a copyright policy concerning computer software. This policy has been signed and approved by the Chancellor and Faculty Senate. IT Services supports and adheres to this policy.

The policy is Administrative Policy Paper #AP31, dated October 13, 1992. It is entitled "Computer Software Use" and is re-printed below:

1.0 POLICY/PURPOSE: The following policy submitted by the Computer Guidance Committee was approved by the Faculty Senate and Chancellor.

Whether the software was procured for Administrative or Academic use, the University, its faculty, staff and students, shall at all times, abide by any and all copyright laws pertaining to computer software and by any computer software license agreements which are legally applicable to them. Specifically this means that:

1. All copies of computer software used by any department, faculty or staff member or student on a University owner computer must be a legally acquired copy.
2. Unauthorized or illegal copying of copyrighted software for institutional, personal use or for distribution to others is strictly prohibited.
3. Knowingly allowing copyrighted software to be illegally copied is prohibited.
4. Copyrighted software must be stored in a location or manner so as to prevent the possibility of illegal copying.
5. Any person knowing of a possible violation of computer software copyright law is required to report the violation to the University Administration.

Persons guilty of computer software copyright violations may be subject to disciplinary action by the University. Such violations may also subject any persons involved to criminal or civil prosecution.

The Administrative and Academic Computer Centers shall refuse persons requesting assistance in using what appear to be illegal copies of software.

Summary statements of this policy shall be posted in all areas that are open for general use of computers. Reminders regarding this policy will be periodically sent to all University Departments and offices.

In a memo issued by the Chair of the Computer Guidance Committee, John Shepherd, on February 14, 1992, the following examples of illegal activities were given:

1. Purchasing one copy for a department or office and making additional copies of the software for faculty, staff or students. For example: if your department has 10 machines it must buy 10 copies of the software.
2. Making additional copies of the software so that the package may be used both at home and at work unless only one individual is using the package at any time.
3. Purchasing a single copy of the software and making duplicates for an entire class or placing it on a computer network for general access. When the University purchases software for use on a local area network, it purchases the appropriate number of copies. This is accomplished by availing ourselves of quantity discounts or special network software packages offered by some vendors.
4. Placing the software on an electronic bulletin board for distribution.
5. Making software available with the tacit knowledge that it will be copied illegally.
6. Receiving and using unauthorized copies of software.
7. Making unauthorized copies with the justification that it is legal because the "software is not copy protected". The absence of copy protection merely means that the vendor has, for your convenience, not placed any obstacles to prevent you from making legitimate backups. You are still bound by the terms of the license agreement which, in general, prohibits the above practices.

Enforcement of proper software licensing practices is performed by the UW System Department of Internal Audit's Software Industry Monitoring Group.

You should occasionally check to ensure compliance with all software licensing terms. Failure to follow proper licensing practices puts yourself and the University at great risk.

More Policies
Software

Web site comments

Need immediate assistance? Call the HelpDesk at (715) 425-4357 (HELP)

Site Map  |