With computers and other modern technology becoming more commonplace in society, the ways in which intellectual property is accessed is changing. Unfortunately with these new methods of acquisition, laws have had to change and adapt, which means WCU policies have had to also change and adapt.
In order to comply with federal laws such as the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) and the Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA), WCU has created policies and procedures that help to protect the rights of intellectual property owners as defined by these laws. As a result, WCU prohibits the illegal sharing (downloading, distribution, copying) of materials that violate intellectual property laws.
Below are links to the University’s policies and procedures related to copyright infringement compliance as well as some resources to help educate faculty, staff, and students on both U.S. and International Copyright laws.
WCU Policies and Federal Laws
- Digital Millennium Copyright Act of 1998
- The Higher Education Opportunity Act
- Policy 52 “Use of Computers and Data Communications”
- Policy 67 “Computer Hardware, Software, and Service Standards”
- Policy 84 “Copyright Policy”
- Policy 95 “Data Network Security and Access Control”
- Policy 97 “Data Security and Stewardship”