Copyright
Public Performance Law (videos/DVDs)
A word of caution to all student organizations who use videos: you may be violating a copyright law! If you plan to show a movie to your organization members or in your residence halls, you must be aware of the restrictions involved. Showing videos/DVDs to a group of people in the lobby of the residence hall or in other “public” places is a violation of the copyright law. Showing a video in your room with your guests is considered “home use” – which is permitted.
As found in What Educators Should Know About Copyright (Helm, 1986, Phi Delta Kappa Educational Foundation), displays and performances of audiovisual works are prohibited in non-profit education institutions when:
1. They are used for entertainment, recreation, or even for their cultural or intellectual value but are unrelated to teaching activity (i.e., no grade is involved).
2. They are transmitted by radio or television (either closed or open circuit) from an outside location.
3. They are shown in an auditorium or stadium before an audience not confined to students, such as a sporting event, graduation ceremony, or community lecture or art series.
4. They involve an illegally acquired or duplicated copy of the work.
In general, do not show any video/DVD to groups of people at Meredith College without proper copyright permission. Often the showing of a video/DVD requires the purchase of a license. These start at $175 per showing. If you have questions about showing DVDs or videos, please contact Media Services at 760-8444 for clarification.
CamNet Responsible Computing Policy
The CamNet Responsible Computing Policy can be found in full text in the Student Handbook. The practice of unauthorized downloading and file sharing runs counter to the college’s commitment to integrity. Use of illegally copied software is a violation of federal law as detailed in the Digital Millenium Copyright Act (Title 17 United States Code). If a student, after receiving a warning, again violates copyright law, she will be referred to the Honor Council for further action.
Trademark Licensing Policy for Student Organizations
Trademarks are any mark, monument, logo, symbol, nickname, letter(s), word or derivative that can be associated with Meredith College and can be distinguished from those of other institutions or entities.
Officially recognized student organizations and may develop and/or purchase merchandise displaying the student organization’s name/logo and/or college trademarks for organization use or for fundraising activities under the following guidelines:
- Prior to purchase, the club must submit to the Office of Student Leadership and Service a Fundraiser and Service Registration Form (available on the website of the Office of Student Leadership and Service). This form must be completed regardless of whether the item is being sold or distributed at no cost to individuals.
- Student organizations are required to purchase from licensed vendors for all merchandise. A list of licensed vendors is available on the website of the Office of Marketing and Communications.
- Merchandise for resale, even as a fundraiser for charity, requires royalties to be paid by the manufacturer. Merchandise purchased for internal use (by organization members only) are exempt from royalties. The assessment of royalties will be managed through the Meredith College Office of Marketing and Communications.
Designs must adhere to the Meredith College Design Style Guide and all applicable copyright laws. The Meredith College Design Style Guide may be found at: http://www.meredith.edu/marketing/design.htm
Please consider the below timeline as a guide for the production of all imprinted merchandise intended for resale or internal use. Remember the earlier the better!
Four (4) and more weeks prior to in-hand deadline
- Design artwork, gather quotes from licensed vendors (see above)
- Complete Fundraiser and Service Registration Form
- Reserve space on campus for sales (if needed)
- Inform organization treasurer of sales dates, treasurer should coordinate financial transactions with the Office of Student Leadership and Service
At least three (3) weeks prior to in-hand deadline
- Decide the vendor with whom you will work, submit design ideas to vendor
- Vendor will develop electronic proof and upload it to Trademarx for final review by the Office of Marketing and Communications and the Office of Student Leadership and Service (review may take up to 5 business days)
- Sell merchandise and/or gather full order to submit to vendor
At least two (2) weeks prior to in-hand deadline
- Place final order with vendor
- Meredith College Office of Marketing and Communications will decide final approval of design and application of royalties
- Once the design is approved and order is placed, vendor may begin production of merchandise (typically at least 7-10 business days)
