Policy Library

Computer software is a form of intellectual property and generally covered under the same provisions of copyright law for the protection against unauthorized copying, sharing or distribution. With few exceptions, most software is copyrighted.  Any software used on a University-owned computer must have a valid license. When the University licenses access to software for use by its students, staff, and faculty, it does not own the software and must still abide by any agreement that governs the software's use. It is the individual's responsibility to ensure licensing requirements have been met when accessing software. Suspected violations of copyright and other applicable laws will be reported to appropriate University authorities.

This policy applies to:

 (a) All software used for University administrative, academic, teaching, learning, clinical, and research activities, including software obtained through Canvas or other school, university or department software procurement;

 (b) All software that is purchased and licensed from third-party vendors, developers, or companies irrespective of the University entity or individual that makes the purchase;

 (c) The acquisition of software installed on local computers or servers by faculty, staff, departments, vendors and affiliates.

Authority to bind the University to contracts and agreements for software purchases or licensing is governed by Policy 630 Purchasing.  Only limited delegation of authority is granted to department end users to commit funds for the purchase of software as provided for in the policy.

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All non-transferable licensed software should be permanently deleted before any electronic device or media is disposed of or transferred within ISU. Departments and users are obligated to follow the terms and conditions relating to the disposal or return of the software. Special consideration should be given to software purchased with funds from research, commercial, or government contracts or grants.