Georgetown University Course Materials Proper Use and Copyright Reminder

September 15, 2020

Dear Georgetown Students,

As the new semester commences, I want to take a moment to remind you about the proper use of Course Materials provided to you by your professors. Course Materials include all written or electronic documents and materials, including syllabi, current and past examination questions/ answers and presentations, such as lectures, videos, PowerPoints, audio recordings, etc.

The materials used in Georgetown University courses (“Course Materials”) created by course instructors (classroom, laboratory, etc.) usually represent the intellectual property of the creator. Such materials may not be disseminated or reproduced in any form for public distribution (e.g., online posting, sale, exchange, etc.) without the permission of the professor or course-related instructor. Course Materials may only be used by students enrolled in the course for academic (course-related) purposes.

Published course readings (book chapters, articles, reports, etc.) that are made available to you in Canvas or Blackboard generally are copyrighted material. These works are made available to students through permission of the copyright owner, licensed databases, or fair use. They are protected by copyright law, and also may not be further disseminated or reproduced in any form for distribution (e.g., uploading to websites, sale, exchange, etc.) without permission of the copyright owner.

Please be cautious about using online tutoring services or other sites that encourage you to sell, upload, or share study materials representing the intellectual property of your professors. Doing so may be in violation of copyright laws, and may also violate Georgetown’s computer use policies and policies relating to the Georgetown Honor System. Students found posting materials without written permission may be subject to discipline via the Georgetown Honor System. Please be aware that your instructors are increasingly cognizant of the possible impermissible use of Course Materials they have created.

If you have any questions, you may find out more information below or speak to Meg Oakley, Director of Copyright and Scholarly Communication, Lauinger Library; or Katherine Greene, Assistant Director for Resources & Copyright Support, Dahlgren Medical Library.

More information about copyright can be found here:
https://www.library.georgetown.edu/copyright

More information about computer acceptable use policy and intellectual property can be found here:
https://security.georgetown.edu/it-policies-procedures/computer-systems-aup

More information about the Honor System can be found here:
https://honorcouncil.georgetown.edu/system

Warm regards,
Annamarie Bianco
Associate Vice President and University Registrar