Risk Management

Copyright Compliance

The College's Copyright Policy

Gettysburg College is committed to complying with U.S. copyright law while supporting the teaching, research, and creative work of its community.

Prohibition. Unauthorized distribution of copyrighted material, including through peer-to-peer (P2P) file-sharing applications, violates federal law and College policy. Students, faculty, and staff may not use the College network to download, upload, or distribute copyrighted music, movies, software, or other content without authorization from the copyright holder or a valid legal basis such as fair use.

Civil and criminal penalties. Civil liability for copyright infringement may include actual damages and profits, or statutory damages of up to $150,000 per work infringed, plus attorneys' fees and costs. Willful infringement for commercial advantage or private financial gain may result in up to five years' imprisonment and fines of up to $250,000.

Institutional sanctions. In addition to federal penalties, violations may result in disciplinary action, including written warnings, mandatory educational programs, suspension or termination of network access, fines, suspension, dismissal, or termination of employment. The College may also refer matters to law enforcement.

Legal alternatives. Many legal options exist for obtaining music, movies, and other digital content, including subscription streaming services, digital music and video stores, and licensed library resources. For guidance, contact the Musselman Library Copyright Committee at library_copyright@gettysburg.edu or Information Technology.

The full Copyright Policy is available in the Institutional Policy Library. Questions about the policy may be directed to the Office of Risk Management.

Gettysburg College’s Designated DMCA Agent

The College’s designated agent to receive notifications of claimed infringement under 17 U.S.C. § 512(c)(2) is Tanya Keller, Director of Risk Management.

The College has registered the designated agent with the United States Copyright Office as required by 17 U.S.C. § 512(c)(2). The Office of Risk Management is responsible for maintaining current registration with the Copyright Office and will update the registration within thirty (30) days of any change in designated agent. Current registration information is available on the Copyright Office’s online directory at CopyrightDMCA Designated Agent Directory | U.S. Copyright Office.

Copyright holders should direct DMCA notices to the designated agent using the following contact information:

Tanya Keller
Email: tkeller@gettysburg.edu
Mailing Address: 300 N Washington St, Gettysburg, PA 17325
Phone: 717-337-6199