New Wireless Access Points
As some of you may
have noticed, there is a new wireless access point in
the NWC: OUWIFI. The university wireless network is
moving to this new access point which will require
users to register their wireless devices. This
includes laptops, smart phones and any other device
that hass wireless capabilities. This action is to
help OUIT control and manage thier resources. It is
also designed to cut down on the peer-to-peer sharing
of copyrighted materials. I am posting a copy of the
notice for those that have not seen it.
mjl
TO: All Students, Faculty, and Staff
To curb illegal downloading that could impact your access to University of Oklahoma networks, OU's Norman campus will align with other Big 12 universities, including Oklahoma State and Kansas State, in limiting use of peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing programs beginning October 25.
This change is part of a broader program that positions the University to:
* Comply with federal law (The Higher Education Opportunity Act)
* Mitigate risks of lawsuits and fines against students and/or the University
* Improve network performance and availability for legal uses - especially for wireless users
* Minimize escalating costs of investigating copyright charges
* Promote safe computing (illegal files can undermine network security and put your personal computer at risk)
Copyright owners have sent OU over 1,500 copyright violation notices since January. Each of these notices could potentially result in an expensive fine for the individual identified.
The University will address copyright infringement through education, technology-based deterrents, and promotion of legal alternatives.
EDUCATION
As of October 25, individuals on the OUWiFi wireless and Housing wired networks must register and complete a copyright tutorial and quiz prior to accessing the network. Registering once on either network will enable access to both networks for the remainder of the fall semester. In the coming months, OUWiFi will replace ANY as OU's primary wireless network.
Offenses are generated based on copyright violation notices sent to the University by the copyright owner. Following a first copyright violation, offenders must re-take the online quiz to gain network access. Consequences escalate with each subsequent violation. Repeat offenders will pay a reconnection fee and could face penalties for Student Code charges. The University of Oklahoma Student Code is available at http://studentconduct.ou.edu.
View a full list of copyright infringement consequences at: http://security.ou.edu/copyright_list.html.
DETERRENTS
Beginning October 25, P2P applications such as LimeWire, KaZaA, or Gnutella cannot connect through OU's Housing wired or OUWiFi wireless networks.
Our goal is to maintain an environment of academic freedom. The intent is not to block or monitor content, but instead to limit the illegal sharing of media files. Students, faculty, and staff can request academic exceptions to this policy with an academic sponsor. Additionally, BitTorrent will remain accessible on the Housing wired network for legitimate academic uses. However, each individual is responsible for complying with applicable copyright laws.
LEGAL ALTERNATIVES
We urge you to explore legal ways to download media. Check out free and legal music sites at http://security.ou.edu/copyright_list.html or follow us at http://twitter.com/legalfreaks. We are also promoting legal downloading on campus throughout October: http://security.ou.edu/tour_poster.pdf.
QUESTIONS?
Please e-mail your feedback or questions concerning these changes to itfeedback@ou.edu.
OU Student Conduct Office
OU Information Technology
mjl
TO: All Students, Faculty, and Staff
To curb illegal downloading that could impact your access to University of Oklahoma networks, OU's Norman campus will align with other Big 12 universities, including Oklahoma State and Kansas State, in limiting use of peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing programs beginning October 25.
This change is part of a broader program that positions the University to:
* Comply with federal law (The Higher Education Opportunity Act)
* Mitigate risks of lawsuits and fines against students and/or the University
* Improve network performance and availability for legal uses - especially for wireless users
* Minimize escalating costs of investigating copyright charges
* Promote safe computing (illegal files can undermine network security and put your personal computer at risk)
Copyright owners have sent OU over 1,500 copyright violation notices since January. Each of these notices could potentially result in an expensive fine for the individual identified.
The University will address copyright infringement through education, technology-based deterrents, and promotion of legal alternatives.
EDUCATION
As of October 25, individuals on the OUWiFi wireless and Housing wired networks must register and complete a copyright tutorial and quiz prior to accessing the network. Registering once on either network will enable access to both networks for the remainder of the fall semester. In the coming months, OUWiFi will replace ANY as OU's primary wireless network.
Offenses are generated based on copyright violation notices sent to the University by the copyright owner. Following a first copyright violation, offenders must re-take the online quiz to gain network access. Consequences escalate with each subsequent violation. Repeat offenders will pay a reconnection fee and could face penalties for Student Code charges. The University of Oklahoma Student Code is available at http://studentconduct.ou.edu.
View a full list of copyright infringement consequences at: http://security.ou.edu/copyright_list.html.
DETERRENTS
Beginning October 25, P2P applications such as LimeWire, KaZaA, or Gnutella cannot connect through OU's Housing wired or OUWiFi wireless networks.
Our goal is to maintain an environment of academic freedom. The intent is not to block or monitor content, but instead to limit the illegal sharing of media files. Students, faculty, and staff can request academic exceptions to this policy with an academic sponsor. Additionally, BitTorrent will remain accessible on the Housing wired network for legitimate academic uses. However, each individual is responsible for complying with applicable copyright laws.
LEGAL ALTERNATIVES
We urge you to explore legal ways to download media. Check out free and legal music sites at http://security.ou.edu/copyright_list.html or follow us at http://twitter.com/legalfreaks. We are also promoting legal downloading on campus throughout October: http://security.ou.edu/tour_poster.pdf.
QUESTIONS?
Please e-mail your feedback or questions concerning these changes to itfeedback@ou.edu.
OU Student Conduct Office
OU Information Technology