Proposed Revision to 1901.1 - Unauthorized Copying and Use of Computer Software
Introduction:
Software
and Intellectual Rights
Respect for
intellectual labor and creativity is vital to academic discourse and
enterprise. This principle applies to
works of all authors and publishers in all media. It encompasses respect for the right to acknowledgment, right to
privacy, and right to determine the form, manner, and terms of publication and
distribution.
Because electronic
information is volatile and easily reproduced, respect for the work and
personal expression of others is especially critical in computer
environments. Violations of authorial
integrity, including plagiarism, invasion of privacy, unauthorized access, and
trade secret and copyright violations, may be grounds for sanctions against
members of the academic community.
(EDUCOM Software Statement)
Board policy:
1. Employees and students of any unit
of the Montana University System, community
college or vocational
technical center are prohibited from making or using any
unauthorized copy or copies of computer software or related documentation.
2. Employees and students are subject to
disciplinary actions under appropriate employee or student regulations in
addition to any civil or criminal penalties which may be imposed as a result of
vendor action.
3. In the event an employee is sued by the
copyright owner or licenser, the indemnification policy in section 804.4 of the
Policy and Procedures Manual will be utilized.
4. Each president or vocational
technical center director campus shall insure
that a unit policy is established and distributed to
communicate the foregoing prohibition to all
employees and students. The campus
policy shall be reviewed by university legal counsel for compatibility with
appropriate federal and state law and regental policy.
History:
Item 55-002-R0687,
Unauthorized copying and use of computer software; Montana University System
