Copyright
The SDCCD Copyright Guidelines are meant to assist all San Diego Community College District (SDCCD) employees and students in making informed decisions regarding copyright as it applies to scholarly and educational activities. They fulfill the implementation requirement of SDCCD Board Policy 5750, are intended for general information only, and should not be considered a substitute for legal advice. It is the responsibility of all faculty, staff, students, and anyone using the facilities or resources of the SDCCD to read, to understand, and to follow these guidelines.
SDCCD Copyright Guidelines (pdf)
SDCCD Board Policy on Use of Copyrighted Material (pdf)
F.A.Q.
Can I make photocopies of this article for my class?
Instructors can make one copy per student in their class. However, the copies must meet the tests of brevity, spontaneity, and cumulative effect, and each copy must include a notice of copyright.
Brevity - Examples: A complete poem of less than 250 words, or an excerpt from a longer poem of not more than 250 words. A complete article, story or essay of less than 2,500 words. An excerpt of prose not more than 10% of the work. One chart, graph, diagram, drawing cartoon or picture per book or per periodical issue.
Spontaneity - The copying is at the instance and inspiration of the individual instructor, and the decision to use the work and the moment of its use are so close in time that it would be unreasonable to expect a timely reply to a request for permission.
Cumulative Effect - With the exceptions of newspapers, or current news of other periodicals, the copying is only for one course. Each course is limited to one instance from the same author or three instances from the same collective work on periodical volume during one semester. Cannot provide more than nine instances of photocopying for the entire class per semester.
Can I link to an article from a library database in Canvas?
Yes. If the college has access to an article through the library databases, linking to it through your Canvas course is always good practice.
Can I link to a website in Canvas?
Yes. Linking to a website that is open for all to see is considered an "implied license." However, if the website has some sort of method for you to accept their terms of use (usually by click an 'accept' button), then by clicking 'accept' you are required to follow their licensing terms for the website.
Are my student's presentations, assignments, etc. copyrighted?
Yes, they are. Before reusing student work as an example, you should always ask for permission from your students.
What Are the Consequences of Not Getting Copyright Permission?
The Copyright Act provides for the copyright owner to recover damages for unauthorized use of the owner's works. These damages may include the profits resulting from the infringement, or statutory damages ranging from $750 to $300,000 per willful infringement, as well as legal fees.
What Are the Consequences for Students Who Violate Copyright Laws?
AP 3100.3 outlines the expectations for honesty and integrity in the pursuit of students’ academic goals, as well as the consequences for cheating and plagiarism, which include violation of copyright laws.
Adapted from NOVA Libraries
Resources
See also Additional Resources (p. 19) in the Guidelines