Computer and Internet Use Policy
The primary purpose of the Chattahoochee Technical College Library public workstations is to assist CTC Students, Staff, and Faculty (CTC Patrons) with their school, work, or research projects. Any patron using the workstation for other purposes may be asked to relinquish it to CTC patrons needing to perform research or other class-related activity, if no other workstations are available.
The Library supports the principles of free access to information as codified in the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States of America, the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights and an interpretation of it on Access to Electronic Information, Services, and Networks.
The Library does not attempt to censor the access of adults to information beyond the scope of the college’s Computer Use & Internet Use policies. See the Student Code of Conduct page in the College Catalog for more information.
We ask that patrons respect the sensibilities of others and not display graphic or offensive images or content in such a manner as may be considered harassing or which interferes with the rights of others to not view such material.
Members of the general public are welcome to use library computers provided there are computers available. They may be denied computer access or asked to relinquish their computer if CTC students are waiting. There may also be a time limit on computer use for members of the general public.
Failure to adhere to these guidelines could result in being asked to leave the library, suspension of library privileges, or other discipline as appropriate.
Student Computer Use and Student Email
Intellectual Property Rights
The College encourages the development of intellectual property designed to improve the productivity of the College and/or to enhance the learning environment. Intellectual property is defined as intellectual and/or creative works that can be copyrighted or patented, such as literary, dramatic, musical or artistic works, computer software, multimedia presentations, videos, inventions, etc. Students shall have exclusive property rights to intellectual property products developed on their time without the use of College resources.
Ownership resides with the student if the following criteria are met:
1. The work is the result of an individual initiative and is not requested by the College (i.e., it is not a class assignment).
2. The work does not involve substantial use of college facilities, time, and is not derivative of any other college-owned copyright.
NOTE: Students may not use college equipment or resources for works for hire.
With regard to student works, ownership resides with the college if the following criteria are met:
Although the student may not personally profit from college-owned property which he or she developed, the student may include it as representative in a personal portfolio.
Disclaimer: In the event that further interpretation of this policy is needed, please contact the Vice President of Academic Affairs or the Vice President of Administrative Services.
Unauthorized Distribution of Copyrighted Materials is Against Federal Law
The unauthorized copying and distributing of copyrighted materials, including, but not limited to peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing, is a violation of United States copyright law and may result in civil and criminal liability and prosecution.
Summary of Civil and Criminal Penalties for Violation of Federal Copyright Laws
Copyright infringement is the act of exercising, without permission or legal authority, one or more of the exclusive rights granted to the copyright owner under section 106 of the Copyright Act (Title 17 of the United States Code). These rights include the right to reproduce or distribute a copyrighted work. In the file-sharing context, downloading or uploading substantial parts of a copyrighted work without authority constitutes an infringement.
Penalties for copyright infringement include civil and criminal penalties. 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 details, see Title 17, United States Code, Sections 504, 505.
Willful copyright infringement can also result in criminal penalties, including imprisonment of up to five years and fines of up to $250,000 per offense.
For more information, please see the website of the U.S. Copyright Office.
Unauthorized Distribution of Copyrighted Materials is Prohibited by TCSG Policy
TCSG State Board Policy II.C.4 prohibits the unauthorized distribution of copyrighted materials via TCSG systems or networks. Maximum penalties under Georgia Law are a $50,000 fine and 15 years of imprisonment, plus civil liability in addition to the potential federal penalties listed above.
Legal Alternatives for Downloading or Otherwise Acquiring Copyrighted Materials
For legal sources of online content (for downloading copyrighted materials), please visit the article “Legal Sources of Online Content” by Educause.
Chattahoochee Tech honored graduates from the state’s largest technical college at two commencement ceremonies held Thursday, May 12, at the Clarence Brown Conference Center in Cartersville. There were 517 graduates,
Chattahoochee Technical College honored its outstanding alumni, volunteer, and benefactor of the year at the 2022 Spark Workforce awards event held Thursday, May 5, at the Earl and Rachel Smith
Chattahoochee Technical College hosted high school students and industry representatives from Bartow County for an event celebrating Manufacturers Appreciation Week on Friday, April 29, at the college’s North Metro Campus.