University Notices

Vision: Florida State University aspires to be recognized as one of the top twenty public universities in the nation, with no fewer than one-third of its PhD programs ranked among the top fifteen such programs at public universities nationally. The faculty is committed to earning membership in the Association of American Universities.

Mission: Florida State University is a comprehensive, national, graduate-research university that puts research into action for the benefit of our students and society. Our extensive graduate programs and our law and medical schools enrich the graduate, professional and undergraduate experiences, making Florida State University a demanding and intellectually stimulating environment for students and faculty.

With an impressive breadth of programs, Florida State University has leading undergraduate, graduate and professional programs that consistently rank among the top twenty-five at the nation's public universities include those in Business, Chemistry, Creative Writing, Criminology, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Information Law, Meteorology, Oceanography, Physics, Political Science, Psychology, Public Policy, Sociology and Statistics. Our mission is to maximize the excellence in all our programs with special emphasis on programs that already earned national and international acclaim. Florida State University's arts programs—including Dance, Film and Music—rank among the finest in the world.

At the PhD level, notable research faculty provide a range of interdisciplinary offerings that transcend the traditional disciplines, including Neuroscience, Molecular Biophysics, Computational Science, Materials Science and research at the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory.

Florida State provides world-class opportunities for graduate and professional students to:

• Learn and conduct research with internationally recognized scholars;
• Conduct research in specialized interdisciplinary centers, such as the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, The Reading Research Center, the Institute of Molecular Biophysics and the School of Computational Science;
• Participate in other interdisciplinary work across campus, such as efforts that integrate economics, geography, climate forecasting, law and other environmental courses and programs; and
• Work with faculty to forge new relationships among professions, including medicine and information, the physical sciences and engineering, business and law, human sciences, nursing and social work.

Florida State provides extraordinary opportunities for undergraduate students to:

• Select from nationally ranked programs, ranging from the basic sciences to performing arts
• Live and learn in residence hall designed around academic programs
• Study abroad at the finest centers in the world
• Participate in an Honors Program, ranked among the best in the country
• Interact with a diverse faculty including outstanding minority and women scholars; and
• Study with some of the finest graduate and professional students and faculty in the nation.

Florida State University owes special allegiance to the citizens and taxpayers of the State of Florida. Florida State exists to:

• Educate students from diverse communities in Florida, the nation and the world in an environment that emphasizes research, inquiry, and excellence
• Identify, create, celebrate, and disseminate important knowledge
• Maximize the opportunities for its students
• Contribute to the economic development of the State of Florida and the nation
• Harness contributed dollars and contract and grant activity for the benefit of our students and society; and
• Generate research that will benefit the citizens of Florida, the nation and the world.

Goals: Our goal is to become recognized nationally and internationally for our teaching and research programs, including making significant progress towards the goal of being invited to become an AAU member institution.

• Enhance undergraduate education by recruiting, retaining and educating outstanding undergraduate students on a diverse campus.
• Promote excellence in undergraduate teaching by fostering a campus community of excellence.
• Ensure academic excellence by developing, retaining and rewarding talented and diverse faculty.
• Promote excellence in graduate education and research.
• Encourage the dissemination and transfer of knowledge by providing broad access to institutional resources and services to the community and to the State.
• Promote and foster learning by maintaining and expanding facilities and technology.

Note: The current mission statement was released as a part of the Board of Governor's Strategic Plan on June 9, 2005.

Values and Moral Standards at Florida State University

The moral norm, which guides conduct and informs policy at Florida State University, is responsible freedom. Freedom is an important experience that the University, one of the freest of institutions, provides for all of its citizens: faculty, students, administrators, and staff. Freedom is responsibly exercised when it is directed by ethical standards.

As the Florida public university most deeply rooted in the liberal arts tradition, Florida State University not only focuses on intellectual development, but as a community engaged in moral discourse, it also recognizes the need for the development of the whole person. The University maintains a comprehensive educational program ranging from classroom instruction to research and creative activities at the frontiers of human knowledge. These modes of searching for the truth are mutually enhancing and provide the context for the liberating experiences students gain from contact with ideas and individuals. Education based in the liberal arts provides an opportunity for students to learn to express themselves; to think critically both quantitatively and qualitatively; to gain an understanding of and respect for self and others; to understand the world by knowing more about its history, the role of science and technology, and social and cultural achievements; and to develop specialized talents for a vocation. This opportunity is provided with the conviction, as reflected in the University seal, that through such an educational experience one can come to a clearer understanding of the complex moral issues inherent in human life and can develop the knowledge and skills for effective and responsible participation in the world.

Florida State University shares a commitment to the dignity and worth of each person and is guided in its many endeavors by that underlying value. Through academic activity, community involvement, social interaction, cultural experience, recreational and physical activity, and religious involvement, students find many avenues in the University community for the development of the whole person.

The University shares this society's commitment to the rule of law and expects members of the community to abide by the laws of the city, state, and nation, as well as University rules and regulations.

The University aspires to excellence in its core activities of teaching, learning, research, creative expression, and public service and is committed to the integrity of the academic process. The Academic Honor Code is a specific manifestation of this commitment. Truthfulness in one's claims and representations and honesty in one's activities are essential in life and vocation, and the realization of truthfulness and honesty is an intrinsic part of the educational process.

The University is a place of both assent and dissent and is committed to academic freedom and civil dialogue. In a free and vigorous academic community an ongoing clash of ideas is to be expected and encouraged. The University has a special obligation to see that all have an opportunity to be heard.

Florida State University is committed to nondiscrimination in matters of race, creed, color, sex, national origin, age, and disability. This commitment applies in all areas with students, faculty, and other University personnel. It addresses recruiting, hiring, training, promotions, and applicable employment conditions. It is also relevant to those aspects of the University concerned with the choice of contractors, suppliers of goods and services, and with the use of University facilities. The University believes in equal opportunity practices that conform to both the spirit and the letter of all laws against discrimination.

A responsible student recognizes that freedom means the acknowledgment of responsibility to the following: to justice and public order; to fellow students' rights and interests; to the University, its rules, regulations, and accepted traditions; to parents, teachers, and all others whose support makes one's advanced education possible; to city, state, and national laws; to oneself; and to the opportunity for specialized training and continuing education toward the ends of personal fulfillment and social service. Students are urged to use their freedom in the University community to develop habits of responsibility that lead to the achievement of these personal and social values. Responsible student behavior requires observance of the Student Conduct Code, which is based on respect for the dignity and worth of each person and the requirements for successful community life.

Relations among all persons should be characterized by mutual respect and equality. Sexism, sexual harassment, and sexual coercion of any sort are wrong and constitute a violation of fundamental moral requirements and state law. Minimally responsible behavior requires that no one take sexual advantage of another.

The University enforces all laws relevant to alcohol and controlled substances and further strongly discourages the use of illegal substances at any time. The University disseminates and encourages the dissemination by others of information concerning the responsible use of alcohol.

The cultural, ethnic, and racial diversity of the University community provides an opportunity for learning about those different from oneself. The University expects each individual to make a special effort to ensure that all are treated with dignity and respect and accorded the full opportunities of the University. Racism, whether in assumptions, attitudes, acts, or policies, is incompatible with the concept of responsible freedom as espoused by Florida State University.

The University is a compassionate community. In its treatment of students, it recognizes the wisdom both of letting students experience the consequences of their actions and of providing the opportunity to learn and grow in ways that can overcome past difficulties. The University provides ongoing student support through the health center, counseling services, and the academic advising process.

The university experience is a time for adventure, fun, excitement, the making of new friends, and the discovery of new possibilities. There are numerous individual and organized opportunities for students to develop and to learn in the course of their university years to exercise newly acquired freedom deliberately and responsibly.

Matriculation to Florida State University, then, is a summons to the exercise of responsible freedom in a community of teaching, learning, and discovery.

University-wide policy requires all students to attend the first day of class meeting of all classes for which they are registered. Students who do not attend the first class meeting of a course for which they are registered will be dropped from the course by the academic department that offers the course. This policy applies to all levels of courses and to all campuses and study centers. It remains the student's responsibility to verify course drops and check that fees are adjusted. Please refer to 'Class Attendance' in the "Academic Regulations and Procedures" chapter in this Bulletin for additional information.

Florida State University (the University) is an equal employment opportunity employer and educational provider committed to a policy of non-discrimination on the basis of race, creed, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, veteran or marital status, or any other protected group status. This policy applies to faculty, staff, students, visitors, applicants, and contractors in a manner consistent with applicable federal and state laws, regulations, ordinances, orders and rules, and the University's policies, procedures and processes.

In pursuing its mission of excellence as a comprehensive, graduate-research university with a liberal-arts base, the University strives to create and maintain a harmonious, high-performance work and educational environment.

It is my expectation that all members of our community are provided equitable opportunities to succeed and enrich the strength, skill, and character of the University. It is also expected that all members of our community will help create a work and educational environment that promotes fairness, respect, trust, and is free from discrimination or harassment. Behavior that may be considered offensive, demeaning, or degrading to persons or groups will not be tolerated.

The University will continue to reinforce its commitment of non-discrimination to all groups protected by state and federal law. We will continue to monitor our methods of recruitment, retention and advancement of qualified faculty, staff and students and annually examine our affirmative action plan, as prescribed by federal guidelines, to measure whether our campus is reflective of the community we serve.

The University further recognizes that forms of discriminatory or harassing behavior may create an unwelcomed or hostile environment and lead to an uncomfortable situation. As a result, the University has established internal complaint procedures available to all who believe their experience on any of our campuses has been less than appropriate.

To facilitate or otherwise strive to ensure university-wide compliance, I have appointed Renisha Gibbs, Director, Human Resources/Office of Diversity and Equal Opportunity and Chief Diversity Officer to develop, administer, and coordinate university-wide initiatives and complaint investigations. This will be accomplished through collaboration with the Office of the Dean of the Faculties and all other divisions and departments.

Questions regarding the above may be directed to your supervisor or Renisha Gibbs at (850) 644-8082 or rgibbs@admin.fsu.edu.

Florida State University adheres to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) in prohibiting discrimination against any qualified person with a disability. Any student with a disability may voluntarily self-report the nature of the disability and identify needed accommodations to the Student Disability Resource Center, 108 Student Services Building. For matters related to employment and reasonable accommodations, contact the Florida State University Human Resources/Office of Diversity and Equal Opportunity, located at University Center, Bldg. A, Suite 6200, or call (850) 645-6519.

Students, employees, and applicants for admission or employment at Florida State University who have or who may become infected with HIV will not be excluded from enrollment or employment or restricted in their normal responsibilities and access to University services or facilities due to their HIV/AIDS status, unless individual medically based judgments establish that exclusion or restriction is necessary for the welfare of the individual or of other members of the University community. That is, the University will not discriminate against otherwise qualified HIV-infected applicants, students, or employees.

The Florida State University Committee on HIV/AIDS is responsible for monitoring developments with regard to HIV/AIDS, acting upon and administering the policies of the Florida Department of Education Division of Colleges and Universities and the University concerning HIV/AIDS and coordinating the University's efforts in educating the University community on the nature and prevention of the disease. In addition, the Florida State University Committee on HIV/AIDS meets as needed to consider special problems related to HIV/AIDS that require University action.

The University will be guided in its implementation of this policy by current authoritative medical information, applicable federal and state law, Florida Department of Education Division of Colleges and Universities' HIV/AIDS Policy, and the guidelines suggested by the Centers for Disease Control, the Public Health Service, the American College Health Association, and the Florida Department of Health.

Florida State University has designated HIV/AIDS counselors who are available to the University community. These counselors are: Celeste Paquette, M.D., Medical Director, Thagard Student Health Center, (850) 644-2026; James Hennessey, PhD, Student Counseling, (850) 644-2003; and Melvena Wilson, MPH, CHES, (850) 644-8871. Confidential HIV testing is available for students and staff at Thagard Student Health Center. Any interested individuals should call (850) 644-8871 to schedule an appointment.

1. Policy Statement: Sexual harassment is a form of discrimination based on a person's gender. Sexual harassment is contrary to the University's values and moral standards, which recognize the dignity and worth of each person, as well as a violation of federal and state laws and University rules and policies. Sexual harassment cannot and will not be tolerated by Florida State University, whether by faculty, students, or staff or by others while on property owned by or under the control of the University.
2. Office of Audit Services: The Office of Audit Services (OAS) is charged with receiving and investigating sexual harassment complaints as set forth in this policy and shall maintain the records pertaining thereto. Within the OAS, the Coordinator of Sexual Harassment Resolutions has primary responsibility for leading these investigations.
3. Definition: Sexual harassment is defined as unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature directed at an employee or student by another when:
   1. Submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of employment, academic status, receipt of University services, participation in University activities and programs, or affects the measure of a student's academic performance; or
   2. Submission to or rejection of such conduct is used as the basis for a decision affecting employment, academic status, receipt of services, participation in University activities and programs, or the measure of a student's academic performance; or
   3. Such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with employment opportunities, work or academic performance or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work or educational environment.
4. Examples of Sexual Harassment: Incidents of sexual harassment may involve persons of different or the same gender. They may involve persons having equal or unequal power, authority or influence. Though romantic and sexual relationships between persons of unequal power do not necessarily constitute sexual harassment, there is an inherent conflict of interest between making sexual overtures and exercising supervisory, educational, or other institutional authority. Decisions affecting an employee's job responsibilities, promotion, pay, benefits, or other terms or conditions of employment, or a student's grades, academic progress, evaluation, student status, recommendations, references, referrals, and opportunities for further study, employment or career advancement, must be made solely on the basis of merit.
   Examples of sexual harassment include, but are not limited to, the following, when they occur within the circumstances described in Section (3) above:
   1. Use of gender-based verbal or written language, including electronic communications offensive or degrading to a person of that gender, whether or not the content is sexual
   2. Inappropriate display of gender-based pictorial images offensive or degrading to a person of that gender, including but not limited to sexual posters, photographs, cartoons, drawings, or other displays of sexually suggestive objects or pictures
   3. Use of inappropriate gestures or body language of a sexual nature, including leering or staring at another
   4. Unwelcome requests or demands for sexual favors or unwelcome sexual advances
   5. Inappropriate nonconsensual touching of another's body, including but not limited to kissing, pinching, groping, fondling, or blocking normal movement
   6. Sexual battery. (Note: Some acts of sexual harassment may also constitute violations of criminal law, e.g., sexual battery, indecent exposure, sexual abuse, etc. In such instances, please refer to the FSU Sexual Battery Policy.)
5. Disciplinary and Other Actions: Sexual harassment is prohibited by Florida State University. The University will take appropriate action against any person found to be in violation of this policy.
   Note: A person who has sexually harassed another or retaliated against another may also be subject to civil or criminal liability under state or federal law.
   1. Disciplinary Actions. Any employee who has sexually harassed another employee or a student, retaliated against such person for bringing a complaint of sexual harassment, or otherwise violated this policy shall be guilty of misconduct and subject to disciplinary action up to and including dismissal, in accordance with applicable law, rules, policies, and/or collective bargaining agreements. In addition, any student who has sexually harassed another student or an employee, retaliated against such person for bringing a complaint of sexual harassment, or otherwise violated this policy may be subject to disciplinary action up to and including expulsion, pursuant to the Student Code of Conduct. The term "employee" includes all persons employed by the University including faculty and graduate teaching assistants.
   2. Other Actions. The University will take such corrective action against any non-students or non-employees found to have violated this policy, as may be appropriate under the circumstances.
6. Retaliation: Retaliation against one who in good faith brings a complaint of sexual harassment or who in good faith participates in the investigation of a sexual harassment complaint is prohibited and shall be a violation of this policy and shall constitute misconduct subject to disciplinary or other action as described in Section (5) above.
7. Filing of False Sexual Harassment Complaint: Knowingly filing a false sexual harassment complaint is prohibited and shall be a violation of this policy and shall constitute misconduct subject to disciplinary action as described in Section (5) above. A complaint that is investigated and deemed unsubstantiated is not necessarily a false complaint.
8. Reporting Required: Any student or employee who has witnessed what is perceived to be a violation of this policy should promptly report that conduct to the OAS, who then will proceed as appropriate. Any supervisor who has witnessed or becomes aware of the alleged occurrence of sexual harassment by, or who receives a complaint of sexual harassment involving a person within that supervisor's purview is required to take prompt corrective action as appropriate, and to report the matter, if possible, within two work days to the OAS. Failure of the supervisor to take appropriate corrective action or to report the incident shall be a violation of this policy and shall constitute misconduct subject to disciplinary action as described in Section (5) above.
   Note: For the purposes of this policy, the term "supervisor" shall be deemed to include vice presidents, deans, directors, department chairs, unit heads, supervisors, principal investigators, etc.; faculty when acting in a supervisory capacity or within the faculty-student role; and graduate research assistants, teaching assistants, lab technicians, residence hall coordinators, etc.
9. Complaint Procedure:
   1. Filing of Complaint. Any student or employee who believes that he or she is a victim of sexual harassment in violation of this policy is encouraged to promptly notify the alleged perpetrator (the "respondent") verbally or in writing that his or her conduct is unwelcome. Such action may cause the unwelcome conduct to cease as well as help to maintain an environment free from sexual harassment. Assistance and support is available from the Office of the Dean of the Faculties (for faculty), the Office of the Dean of Students (for students), or the Department of Human Resources (for non-faculty employees). Regardless of having given notice to the respondent, the student or employee (the "complainant") may initiate a complaint under this policy by promptly bringing the matter to the attention, preferably in writing by completing the complaint form, of any of the following:
      • The Office of Audit Services
      • The Office of the Dean of the Faculties
      • The Office of the Dean of Students
      • The Department of Human Resources
      • A student's school or college dean
      • An employee's immediate or next immediate supervisor.
      All complaints should be filed in a timely manner. Complaints filed for acts that occurred more than one year from the filing date of the complaint will generally not be investigated unless appropriate in the judgment of the OAS.
   2. Preparing a Complaint: The complainant should provide the following information to facilitate a prompt and thorough investigation:
      • The names, addresses, telephone numbers, administrative unit, and position or status of the complainant and the respondent, if known
      • Specific acts alleged, including dates, times, and locations
      • Names, addresses, and phone numbers of potential witnesses
      • The effect the alleged acts have had on the complainant
      • Actions the complainant may have taken to attempt to stop the harassment
      • Complainant's suggestion of proposed action to address or resolve the harassment
      • Other information the complainant believes is relevant.
   3. Transmitting a Complaint to the OAS: The complaint shall immediately be forwarded to the OAS. If the complaint is verbal, the person receiving the complaint shall make a written summary thereof on the complaint form and request the complainant to sign it.
   4. Reviewing a Complaint. The OAS will make an initial determination whether the alleged perpetrator is a student or employee. If the alleged perpetrator is identified as one who is not a student or employee, then the OAS will refer the matter to the Office of the General Counsel for appropriate action. If the OAS determines that the alleged perpetrator is a student or employee, the OAS will review the complaint to determine whether the acts complained of, as stated by the complainant, constitute a violation of this policy, and if not, the complainant will be so informed. If the OAS determines the alleged acts may constitute a violation of this policy, investigation will proceed as set forth in Section (10) below, unless the matter is satisfactorily resolved as in the following paragraph (e).
   5. Notifying the Respondent and Supervisor; Informally Resolving a Complaint; Withdrawing a Complaint: The OAS will notify the respondent and his or her appropriate supervisor of the allegations contained in the complaint. In an effort to informally resolve the complaint, the OAS will elicit from the complainant, proposed actions the complainant believes are necessary to address or resolve the alleged harassment. The OAS will discuss these proposed actions with the respondent and with appropriate levels of management. The respective parties will also have the opportunity to propose other means of resolution. Thus, if the matter can be resolved informally, or if the complainant chooses to withdraw the complaint, the complainant will sign a statement outlining the informal resolution and releasing the University from taking any further action. If the matter is not resolved at this stage, the complaint will be investigated as set forth in Section (10) below.
10. Investigation: The following procedures will govern all investigations of complaints alleging violations of this policy:
    1. The OAS will thoroughly investigate complaints alleging violations of this policy with the assistance, as needed, of the following: the Office of the Dean of the Faculties, the Department of Human Resources, and/or the respondent's supervisor(s), except in cases where the respondent is a student. If the respondent is a student, the OAS will forward a copy of the complaint and any associated materials to the Office of the Dean of Students, which will, if appropriate, adjudicate the matter under the Code of Student Conduct. The Dean of Students shall notify the OAS of the outcome.
    2. The investigation should include interviewing the complainant and witnesses suggested by the complainant who may have knowledge of the offending behavior. Employees and students shall fully cooperate in the investigation.
    3. The respondent will be given an opportunity to respond to the complaint verbally and in writing and may suggest additional witnesses.
    4. The investigation should also include interviewing such other witnesses as are deemed appropriate under the circumstances.
    5. The investigation should include a review of any files and records of previous sexual harassment complaints against the respondent and any other documents deemed relevant.
    6. All witnesses who provide relevant information should submit a written, signed statement attesting to their knowledge of the subject circumstances.
    7. Confidentiality of the investigation will be maintained to the extent allowed by law.
11. Report of OAS: The OAS will prepare a report setting forth its findings and a determination concerning violation of this policy. The report should be completed within 120 days following the filing of the complaint, where feasible, and will be submitted to the appropriate vice president of the respondent's unit or department.
12. Subsequent Action: The vice president will make a determination upon review of the OAS's report, consultation with the Dean of the Faculties or the Director of Human Resources, and consideration of any other relevant information, including aggravating or mitigating circumstances, whether disciplinary action is warranted under the circumstances. If the vice president determines that disciplinary action should be initiated, then, consistent with due process requirements, the respondent will be notified in accordance with applicable Florida Board of Education and University rules and policies and collective bargaining agreements, and appropriate disciplinary procedures as provided for therein will be followed. Regardless of whether formal disciplinary action is initiated, the University may take such informal corrective action as may be appropriate under the circumstances. The vice president will notify the OAS of the outcome. The OAS will notify the complainant of the results of the investigation and subsequent disciplinary or other corrective action taken, if any, to the extent allowed by law. The OAS will notify the respondent of the results of the investigation when no policy violation is found and no further action planned.
13. Distribution of Policy: Copies of this policy are available to all current and future employees and students at Florida State University in hard copy (policy brochures, student handbooks, the General and Graduate Bulletins, etc.), electronic format (http://www.auditservices.fsu.edu), and will be made available in alternative format upon request. Any person involved in the process under this policy needing accommodations for a disability should notify the OAS.
14. Applicability: This policy supersedes any and all prior University policies regarding complaints of alleged acts of sexual harassment.
15. Effective Date: The effective date of this policy is July 1, 1998 as amended December 31, 2002, and January 6, 2004.
16. Where to Go for Help: Any member of the university community may report sexual harassment to The Office of Audit Services, 407 Westcott Building, (850) 644-6031, or by calling the Florida State University Sexual Harassment Hotline, (850) 644-9013. Staff is also available in the following offices to assist victims of sexual harassment: A student victim may report to Dean of Students, 4322 University Center A, (850) 644-2428; a faculty victim may report to Dean of Faculties, 314 Westcott Building, (850) 644-6876; an A&P, USPS or OPS victim may report to Human Resources, 6219 University Center A, (850) 645-6519.

In accordance with Florida Statute 119.071 (5), students should be aware that Florida State University collects and uses social security numbers for the purpose of performing certain University duties and responsibilities as follows:

• Certain aspects of employment related to federal tax reporting, generation and reporting of I-9 documents, direct deposit, insurance policies, retirement benefits, state and federal reporting requirements;
• Identification and verification of student records, including admission, registration, financial aid, and academic records, as well as verification of identity in connection with the provision of the University's services;
• State and federal reporting of student data as required by law;
• Release to contracted vendors for the purposes of state and federal reporting or provision of contracted services for the faculty, staff, and students of the University;
• Release to commercial entities engaged in the performance of a commercial activity provided the social security numbers will be used only in the performance of a commercial activity and provided the commercial entities make a written request for the social security numbers conforming to the requirements of Section 119.071(5)(a)7b.(I)-(IV), Florida Statutes.

The University does not use social security numbers for student identification; instead the University assigns each student an FSU student identification number (FSUID).

Florida State University randomly and routinely photographs and makes videos on the main campus, branch campuses, and the international and departmental programs for educational and promotional purposes. These photographs and videos appear in official University publications and materials, which include but are not specifically limited to, General Bulletin (undergraduate and graduate), Registration Guide, Office of Admissions brochures, international program materials, departmental and college brochures, University Web sites, and other University information publications. For further information contact Media Relations at (850) 644-4030.

Downloading and distribution of copyrighted music, movie and other entertainment files from online distribution sites that offer these items free of charge is illegal, in direct violation of the federal Digital Millennium Copyright Act , the Florida State University Student Conduct Code, and the Florida State University Policy OP-H-6 "Use of University Information Technology Resources."

Illegal downloading and file sharing of copyrighted music, movies or other entertainment files is intellectual property/copyright infringement. Illegal downloading and file sharing activities maliciously expose the University's network, computing systems and personal computers to destructive computer malware (viruses, spyware, worms, trojan horses, rootkits, keystroke loggers, etc.), and denial of service attacks. Illegal downloading activity significantly increases the risk of exposure to personal identity theft and irreparable or costly damage to both university and personally owned computing devices.

The potential consequences of illegal downloading and file sharing are extremely serious. There are both civil and criminal penalties for illegal downloading and file sharing:

• In a civil suit, an infringer may be liable for a copyright owner's actual damages plus any profits made from the infringement. Alternatively, the copyright owner may avoid proving actual damage by electing a statutory damage recovery of up to $30,000 or, where the court determines that the infringement occurred willfully, up to $150,000. The actual amount will be based upon what the court in its discretion considers just. See 17 U.S.C. 504.
• Penalties to be applied in cases of criminal copyright infringement [i.e., violations of 17 U.S.C.  506(a)], are set forth at 18 U.S.C.  2319. Congress has increased these penalties substantially in recent years, and has broadened the scope of behaviors to which they can apply. Statutory penalties are found at 18 U.S.C.  2319. A defendant, convicted for the first time of violating 17 U.S.C. 506(a) by the unauthorized reproduction or distribution, during any 180-day period, of at least 10 copies or phonorecords, or 1 or more copyrighted works, with a retail value of more than $2,500 can be imprisoned for up to 5 years and fined up to $250,000, or both. 18 U.S.C.  2319(b), 3571(b)(3).
• Defendants who have previously been convicted of criminal copyright infringement under 18 U.S.C.  2319(b)(1) may be sentenced to a maximum of 10 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, or both. Finally, a defendant is guilty of a misdemeanor violation if he violated rights other than those of reproduction or distribution, or has reproduced or distributed less than the requisite number of copies, or if the retail value of the copies reproduced or distributed did not meet the statutory minimum, or if other elements of 17 U.S.C.  506(a) are not satisfied. Misdemeanants can be sentenced a maximum of one year and can be fined a maximum of $100,000. See 18 U.S.C. 2319(b)(3), 3571(b)(5).

Law firms representing the entertainment industry aggressively investigate instances of music and movie "pirating", and upon identifying the offenders, are increasingly invoking the applicable laws to reap financial settlements and awards totaling thousands of dollars.

The University is not legally empowered to protect, represent, advise or otherwise assist students who become subject to legal proceedings because of copyright infringement. Students who are sued, offered an out-of-court settlement, or cited for criminal copyright infringement must obtain their own legal representation.

In addition to civil and criminal penalties, violators will be subject to the University's disciplinary proceedings:

• Student Conduct Code (http://srr.fsu.edu/conduct/code.htm): A student found to be in violation of provision (5)(c)1 is subject to the sanctions defined in Section (9). Examples of sanctions that may be imposed for violations of the Student Conduct Code include reprimand, service hours, probation, suspension, and dismissal.
• Florida State University Policy OP-H-6 "Use of University Information Technology Resources" (http://www.vpfa.fsu.edu/policies/bmanual/itpolicy.html): A student found to be in violation of provision C.1.a (11) may lose University computer privileges as defined in paragraph F.2.

For more information, please visit Campus Downloading Frequently Asked Questions at http://campusdownloading.com/faq.htm.

It is the policy of Florida State University to uphold the highest standards of integrity in research and creative activity, and to protect the right of its employees to engage in research and creative activity. Detailed policies and procedures can be found in the Faculty Handbook.

This General Bulletin is not a contract, either expressed or implied, between the University and the student, but represents a flexible program of the current curriculum, educational plans, offerings and requirements that may be altered from time to time to carry out the administrative, academic, and procedural purposes and objectives of the University. The University specifically reserves the right to change, delete or add to any provision, offering, academic curriculum, program, or requirement at any time within the student's period of study at the University. The University further reserves the right to withdraw a student from the University for cause at any time. Students are on notice that admission to the University or registration for a given semester does not guarantee the availability of a course at any specific time. Likewise, admission to the University or registration for a given program of study within the University, or a department or college of the University, is not a guarantee of a degree or of certification in a program.

The official method of communication at Florida State University is your fsu.edu e-mail account. In order to stay informed and aware, you are required to set up and maintain your account and check it three times per week. If you choose to have your fsu.edu official account forwarded to another e-mail account, you are still held responsible for all information distributed by the University to your fsu.edu account. To obtain your fsu.edu email account, visit http://www.ucs.fsu.edu/getStarted.html.

Students are required to maintain their current local and permanent addresses with the university. Address updates may be done online at http://campus.fsu.edu or in person at the Office of the University Registrar, 3900 University Center A.