Appropriate Use of College-Owned Software and Passwords*

Bucks County Community College does not condone the illegal duplication of software. Any duplication of licensed software, except for backup purposes authorized by Bucks County Community College, is a violation of the Federal Copyright Law. According to the U.S. Copyright Law, illegal reproduction of software can be subject to civil damages of as much as $150,000 and criminal penalties including fines and imprisonment.

Bucks County Community College licenses the use of computer software and related documentation from a variety of outside companies. The college does not own this software or its related documentation and, unless authorized by the software developer, does not have the right to reproduce it.

Bucks County Community College educates users about our compliance with the Federal Copyright Law in employee information sessions and in publications to students and staff, such as the Guide to Responsible Use of Electronic Communication at BCCC. If you have any questions about software copyright compliance, please contact the Director of Learning Resources.

Computer workstations are issued to faculty and staff with college licensed software installed. Other software can only be installed by college authorized staff after proper license information has been supplied to either Learning Resources or Information Network Services. The college will not tolerate any unauthorized copying of software. Any person working for Bucks County Community College found copying software for other than authorized backup purposes is subject to termination and/or prosecution.

Technicians who are given passwords to access administrative systems, servers, and functions are expected to follow college policies to protect the security of these passwords and the integrity of all systems and services. Technicians who share these passwords with unauthorized users or who alter system functions or services without authorization are subject to termination and/or prosecution.

* College Policy 1.21 adopted by Board of Trustees February 13, 2003