Recently Asked Questions (RAQs)

We are reviewing our copyright policies and procedures at our BOCES. We are specifically reviewing student work. We understand, recognize, and respect that students hold the copyright to works they create. Our student community includes, but is not limited to, students with exceptional learning needs, behavior concerns, and our Career and Technical Education High School. Sample items of student work may include, but not limited to, writing pieces, artwork, metal working projects, carpentry projects, cake decorating, and hair design. We often use student works to decorate the hallway/classroom, highlight best practices, promotional materials, social media postings, BOCES and Component District publications, general communication home, curriculum writing, plus many other examples.

We want to ensure we are legally and ethically using the student work correctly.

• Are we allowed to use the student work unless the parent/guardian submits an opt out request? The opt out request would be included in a parent packet sent home. This would be similar to our use of student images policy.
• If a parent/guardian permission form is required, is there a distinction between displaying student work in the hall/class versus district publications versus social media?

As always, THANK YOU for all the work and dedication you do on behalf of libraries and schools! It is appreciated.

When is it advisable for an author/creator to register a work with the copyright office?

I work in higher education. Students will sometimes ask for information on copyright protection for a thesis (written, not performance). Sometimes faculty will ask about protecting various devices of education such as a syllabus, exam or spreadsheet.

The Copyright Office used to promote the idea that works that are fixed do not necessarily need to be registered. When is registration a good idea? What does registration do for copyright holders?