Public Film Viewing Policy

Public Film Viewing Policy

Any showing of a movie on campus must adhere to guidelines established by the Federal Copyright Act (Title 17 of the United States Code). Movies shown in any campus facility (with the exception of an individual’s residence hall room) are subject to the “public showing” provisions of this act. If you wish to show a movie, you must obtain and purchase public performance rights prior to viewing. Public performance rights may be purchased through various movie licensing agencies. Please contact the Office of Student Engagement or the University Center Administration Office for more information about obtaining a movie license. Students, faculty, or staff members will not be permitted to show a movie on campus in an open public space without the movie license. Per the Federal Copyright Act, there are two exceptions to this requirement outlined below:

• Movies owned by Wolfgram Memorial Library are exempt. You MUST show the copy owned by Wolfgram Memorial Library to meet the obligation of the Federal Copyright Act. You may not show a personal copy even if the movie is a part of Wolfgram’s collection.
• Face-to-face teaching activities conducted by faculty members are exempt. Specific requirements must be met for this exemption to qualify (see Section 110 of the Federal Copyright Act). All six of the following criteria must be met to qualify:
  1. Copies of the viewing must be legitimate, original copies.
  2. The viewing must be part of a systematic course of instruction and not for entertainment, recreation, or cultural value. The course does not need to be for-credit, but must be recognized as an academic course by the institution and have students registered for the course.
  3. Broadcasting of the film from outside sources is prohibited. The viewing must be in the same location as the viewers of the film.
  4. The viewing must be held in a location deemed for academic instruction. Cafeterias, residence hall lounges, student  union meeting rooms, and other similar locations do not qualify.
  5. The viewing must be part of the educational mission of the institution.
  6. Attendance to the viewing is limited to the instructor, students, and guest lecturers. Only those registered for the course may attend. The instructor may not charge a fee for the viewing.