Computer & Network Use Policy (CNUP): All students, faculty, and staff should read the CNUP to become familiar with the College's policies regarding use of the campus computer network.

The computer network at Keene State College is an everyday resource that is shared by students, faculty, and staff. That's over 6,000 clients who use the network to search the Internet, post an announcement on MyKSC, take an online quiz through Blackboard, send an e-mail, or develop a Web page; among other activities.

Keene State College expects faculty, staff, and students to utilize computer and network resources in a responsible manner. This includes respect for the privacy of information; respect for the intellectual property rights of others; respect for the fact that the network is a shared resource; and respect for the local, state, and federal laws that govern the fair exchange of information.

Copyright Policy: All students, faculty and staff should read the Copyright Policy to become familiar with the College's policies regarding copyright.

Summary of Civil and Criminal Penalties for Violation of Federal Copyright Laws
Copyright infringement is the act of exercising, without permission or legal authority, one or more of the exclusive rights granted to the copyright owner under section 106 of the Copyright Act (Title 17 of the United States Code). These rights include the right to reproduce or distribute a copyrighted work. In the file-sharing context, downloading or uploading substantial parts of a copyrighted work without authority constitutes an infringement.

Penalties for copyright infringement include civil and criminal penalties. In general, anyone found liable for civil copyright infringement may be ordered to pay either actual damages or "statutory" damages affixed at not less than $750 and not more than $30,000 per work infringed. For "willful" infringement, a court may award up to $150,000 per work infringed. A court can, in its discretion, also assess costs and attorneys' fees. For details, see Title 17, United States Code, Sections 504, 505.

Willful copyright infringement can also result in criminal penalties, including imprisonment of up to five years and fines of up to $250,000 per offense.

For more information, please see the Web site of the U.S. Copyright Office at www.copyright.gov, especially their FAQ's at www.copyright.gov/help/faq.