Middle Tennessee State University does not permit students to use university resources to illegally download or share copyrighted digital files. Further, the university discourages students from using their personal resources to do the same. The rule governing this behavior can be found on page 9 of the 2007-2008 Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook. The rule prohibits the following:

33. Abuse of Computer Resources and Facilities. Misusing and/ or abusing campus resources including but not limited to the following:

a. Use of another person’s identification and/or password.

b. Use of University resources and facilities to violate copyright laws

c. Unauthorized access to a file including but not limited to altering, using, reading, copying, or deleting the file

d. Unauthorized transfer of a file

e. Use of computing resources and facilities to send abusive or obscene correspondence and/or interference with normal operation of the University computing system

f. Use of computing resources and facilities to interfere with the work of another student, faculty member, or University official

g. Violation of any published Information Technology Resources policy

It is important for students to understand that MTSU is in regular contact with the recording, film, and entertainment industry to monitor illegal copyright activity. Students who are identified as the registered user to an IP address found to be engaged in illegal activity will be subject to disciplinary and potential legal action including civil penalties that can range from $750 to $150,000 per work in damages for each willful act.

Students found in violation of the University’s computer use policies will be required to sign an Illegal Downloading Agreement with the Office of Judicial Affairs. Additionally, students will be required to obtain further information on the subject at www.campusdownloading.com.

Students are encouraged to use legal downloading sites to avoid copyright violations.  For more information on these sites, check the Legal Download Resources page.