Yuba College values academic freedom and supports faculty and staff in creating scholarly, creative, and technology-based works. Key points about copyright and ownership:

• Ownership: Faculty and staff generally own works they create outside their District employment.
• Shared/District Ownership: The District may hold or share ownership if the work is commissioned or produced with significant District resources.
• Royalties: Copyright owners keep royalty rights unless ownership is shared, in which case profits are divided by agreement.
• Permissions: The District must obtain written permission from the creator before redistributing instructional activities for commercial purposes.

Yuba College grants access to computers and networks to support learning, teaching, and District operations. Users are expected to follow legal and ethical standards and use resources responsibly. Key points include:

• Appropriate Use
  • Use technology for education, research, communication, and District-related work.
  • Incidental personal use is allowed if it doesn’t interfere with operations or job duties.
• Copyright & Licensing
  • Respect software licenses and copyright laws.
  • Do not copy or share software or digital content without proper authorization.
• Integrity & Security
  • Do not damage or modify equipment, disrupt others, or gain unauthorized access.
  • No sharing of passwords or use of unauthorized programs.
  • Report system defects or security issues promptly.
• Responsible Communication
  • Do not send harassing, obscene, fraudulent, or defamatory messages.
  • Personal, political, or commercial use is restricted or prohibited.
  • Users must identify themselves—no anonymous or misleading accounts.
• Privacy & Monitoring
  • Users have no expectation of privacy on District systems.
  • Information may be monitored, retrieved, disclosed under public records law, or used in litigation.
• Consequences
  • Violations may lead to loss of access, disciplinary action, suspension/expulsion, or legal action.

Yuba College requires all students, staff, and faculty to follow U.S. copyright law and fair use guidelines. Copyright protects creative works and balances access to information with the rights of the creator.

Key Points on Copyright:

• Ownership: Copyright covers books, music, art, film, software, web content, and more (including digital formats).
• Permissions: Copying, distributing, or posting materials requires permission from the copyright holder unless fair use applies.
• Fair Use Factors: Purpose (educational vs. commercial), nature (factual vs. creative), amount used, and market effect.
• Distance Learning/Online Courses: Limited portions of works may be used under the TEACH Act and fair use if access is restricted to enrolled students.
• Music, Software, and Media: Strict rules apply to sheet music, recordings, and computer software—duplication is limited and must follow licensing.
• When in Doubt: Ask your instructor or administrator before using or copying copyrighted material.

Classroom Recording:

• Instructor lectures may be protected intellectual property and cannot be recorded or shared without consent.
• Unauthorized use of recording devices is prohibited, except when approved as a DSPS accommodation.
• Recordings are for personal study only and cannot be redistributed, published, or used against faculty or peers.
• Students with disabilities must have recording accommodations approved through DSPS and included in their Academic Accommodation Plan (AAP).