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Overview of MCAD's campus policies regarding network usage, privacy and copyright infringement

MCAD's computer network, workstations, servers and software are the property of MCAD and are provided to support the operation of the college. Use of network, equipment or services for personal business or profit; to attempt unauthorized access to user accounts, workstations, servers, networks or other attempts to disrupt services on MCAD's local network or other sites on the Internet is not permitted. The unauthorized distribution of copyright material, including unauthorized peer-to-peer file sharing, is also not permitted.

Usage violation may result in loss of a user's account, suspension, immediate dismissal and/or criminal and civil penalties as outlined by Federal, State and local statues. The college also has the right to discontinue email and/or academic account access of any student who misuses their privilege by sending abusive, intrusive and/or offensive messages to any student, faculty or staff member. Personal file security over MCAD's network, email and file servers are not guaranteed by MCAD. Network services should be treated as public domain and items that are of a sensitive and/or personal nature should not be conducted via email. The college has a long history of providing open access to all students using its electronic communication systems. In order to maintain MCAD's open environment, all users must be self-regulatory and sensitive to others regarding the content of their emails or other public postings. Please be respectful to the entire community when using these services.

Furthermore, a violation of Federal copyright laws can result in civil or criminal penalties. Anyone found to have infringed on a copyrighted work may be liable for actual damages or statutory damages ranging from $750.00 to $30,000.00 for each work infringed. For "willful" infringement, statutory damages may be increased up to $150,000.00 for each work infringed. An infringer of work may also be liable for the attorneys' fees incurred by the copyright owner in enforcing the owner's rights. "Willful" infringement can also result in criminal penalties including up to five years of imprisonment (up to 10 years for a second or subsequent offense) and fines of up to $250,000.00 per offense.

Please view this list of alternative (legal) options for online content.