11. What is Xavier University's Filesharing Policy?

Respect for intellectual labor and creativity is vital to academic discourse and enterprise. This principle applies to works of all authors, inventors, trademark owners, and publishers in all media. It encompasses respect for the right to acknowledgment, rights of privacy and publicity, and right to determine the form, manner, and terms of publication and distribution of one's work. Because electronic information is volatile and easily reproduced, respect for the work and personal expression of others is especially critical in computer and network environments.

Xavier's Policy on the Acceptable Use of University Equipment and Network Systems (which applies to all Xavier faculty, staff and students) explicitly states that all copyrighted information that is stored, transmitted or maintained using Xavier's equipment or networks must conform with applicable copyright and other laws. Using unauthorized filesharing applications or illegally downloading or sharing files, including, without limitation, movies, music, applications and other software, is prohibited. Additionally, University policy forbids activity that threatens the security of the Xavier University network and computing environment.

Illegal filesharing is also explicitly prohibited in Xavier's Student Handbook: "Downloading music, video, or other protected electronic media without documented permission from the licensed agency" is a violation in the section Respect for University Values: Honesty and Integrity (Xavier Student Handbook, 2009-2010, p. 20).

University policy covering use of the Xavier network extends to any computers connected to the Xavier network, whether on-campus or off-campus, and any computer use using a Xavier User ID and password.