Unauthorized distribution of copyrighted materials (Copyright Infringement) which includes, but is not limited to, unauthorized peer-to-peer file sharing may also constitute grounds for termination. Furthermore, students who violate copyright will be subject to civil and criminal liabilities. 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.
• Since Gracelyn University is a fully online institution, it does not have its own information technology system for student use. However, students should be advised that any copyright violations, including peer-to-peer file sharing, that come to the knowledge of the administration may constitute grounds for termination.

In all cases involving student grievances, including academic dishonesty and breaches of the Gracelyn University Code of Conduct, the student charged or suspected shall, at a minimum, be accorded the following rights:

1. A prompt investigation of all charges conducted, insofar as possible, in a manner that prevents disclosure of the student’s identity to persons not involved in the offense or the grievance process.  Investigations may include informal review and discussion with an official of the school prior to bringing a charge, provided that such review does not compromise the rights of the student in the formal process.
2. Reasonable written notice of the facts and evidence underlying the rule violation.
3. Reasonable written notice of the procedure by which the accuracy of the charge will be determined.
4. Reasonable time within which to prepare a response to the charge prior to the implementation of any sanctions.