File Sharing Consequences

It is a violation of the Information Technology Acceptable Use Policy to share copyrighted material over WKU's network. Western Kentucky University does not actively monitor users or look for those sharing files. However, copyright owners and organizations representing them often scan the internet for users sharing movies, music, or software and in turn contact the University to stop the activity. Using file sharing programs such as LimeWire, FrostWire, Bittorent, Vuze and various others to share copyrighted material is the most common reason WKU receives these complaints.

If WKU receives a copyright complaint for your computer's Internet activity:

The first time:

• Your network access will be disabled.
• You will be required contact the ITS Service Desk.
• The ITS Service Desk will assist you to remove the copyrighted files and uninstall the file sharing program to ensure you receive no additional complaints.
• Once the infringing material and program have been removed, network access will be restored within 1 business day.

The second time:

• Your network access will be disabled and a hold will be placed on your student account.
• Your network connection will remain disabled for 1 month.
• You will be required to meet with the Judicial Affairs Director, Michael Crowe, Potter Hall 432.
• You will be required to pay a $50.00 network reconnection fee to the Office of the Assistant Vice President of Information Technology Services in JRH 244.

The third and any time following:

• Your network access will be disabled and a hold will be placed on your student account.
• Your network connection will remain disabled for 3 months.
• You will be required to meet with the Judicial Affairs Director, Michael Crowe, Potter Hall 432.
• You will be required to pay a $100.00 network reconnection fee to the Office of the Assistant Vice President of Information Technology Services in JRH 244.