May 15, 2024  
Faculty Handbook & Quality Faculty Plan 
    
Faculty Handbook & Quality Faculty Plan

Academic Policies, Procedures and Guidelines


Academic Freedom

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Copyright Policy

EICC recognizes and adheres to the U.S. and International copyright laws, software licenses, and intellectual property rights associated with both print and non-print materials. EICC forbids, under any circumstances, the unauthorized reproduction of software, use of illegally obtained software, or gathering or distribution of illegally obtained copyrighted digital materials. Using EICC equipment for any of these purposes is prohibited. EICC employees and students who violate this policy are subject to disciplinary action. Individuals who violate U.S. copyright law and software licensing agreements also may be subject to criminal or civil action by the owner of the copyright.

Distributing copyrighted songs, games, videos, movies, or other copyrighted files or materials without permission is a violation of the Federal copyright laws. Individuals who violate U.S. copyright law and software licensing agreements also may be subject to criminal or civil action by the owner of the copyright. EICC will cooperate with any criminal investigation regarding these matters. According to copyright laws, you do not need to be making a profit to be prosecuted for distributing copyrighted materials such as music, movies, games, and software files. In general, anyone found liable for civil copyright infringement may be ordered to pay either actual damages or “statutory” damages affixed at not less than $750 and not more than $30,000 per work infringed. For “willful” infringement, a court may award up to $150,000 per work infringed. A court can, in its discretion, also assess costs and attorneys’ fees. For more information, please contact www.copyright.gov especially their FAQ’s at https://www.copyright.gov/help/faq/.

FERPA

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a federal law that protects students. The law was passed by Congress in 1974 and grants students the following rights:

  • the right to inspect and review education records
  • the right to seek the amendment of education records
  • the right to consent to the disclosure of education records
  • the right to obtain a copy of the school’s FERPA policy
  • the right to file a complaint with the FERPA Office in Washington D.C.


Education records are official and confidential documents protected by FERPA. Education records, as defined by FERPA, include all records that are related to a student and maintained by Eastern Iowa Community Colleges (EICC). 

FERPA information can be found on the EICC website.

An additional FERPA handout for faculty and a FERPA manual can be found on EICConnect (EICConnect > Faculty/Staff Services > Registrars (Faculty/Staff)).