Podcasting Policies and Issues
Determination of space allocation and policy decisions
The iTunes University Steering Committee will oversee space allocation and make decisions (subject to CIO and ITU Executive Director approval) regarding the University’s podcasting facilities, support, and policies. The iTUSC is constituted by staff representatives from the Instructional Resource Center, GMU-TV, Classroom Technologies, the Server Support Group, the Support Center, and University Relations (appointed by their respective Director or Vice-President), the Director of the Center for Teaching and Learning, two faculty representatives from the Faculty Senate IT Policy Committee, and two faculty members selected by the Provost's Office from a list of faculty who use pod casting. Members serve 1-year terms but can be reappointed by their unit leader.
Determination of access levels and faculty control
Podcasts created and submitted within the University’s podcasting system will have a few options with regard can be made available to everyone (the general public included), anyone with a valid Mason ID, or a specific group of people with Mason IDs (students enrolled in a class, for instance).
Faculty, staff and student use
Faculty and staff will be granted access to podcasting resources in support of instructional, outreach and information-related activities relevant to the University’s mission. Students may create and distribute podcasts using Mason’s iTunes U resources only if it is part of a course assignment and they have the permission and oversight of an instructor or a student organization with administrative or academic unit sponsorship for public outreach (subject to unit approval before uploading podcasts). All podcasting activities associated with George Mason University must comply with University Policy #1301 on the responsible use of computing.
Terms of use
Individuals with a current, valid GMU ID may download, copy and/or transfer George Mason University podcasts to a computer or portable listening device for personal, non-commercial use. George Mason University podcasts made available to the general public are the intellectual property of the University or University faculty and staff (see Intellectual Property), and permission must be secured before such podcasts can be used for commercial or other purposes.
Expectations for support: Equipment and training
Faculty and staff needing equipment to record lectures or instructional materials should consult with teaching and learning professionals in the Instructional Resource Center to ensure effective use of the technology.
Starting Spring 2007, Classroom Technologies and Learning Support Services will provide a small fleet of audio recording kits, based on best practices, which may be checked out by faculty and staff; reservations should be made at least 48 hours in advance (availability is not guaranteed). Access to podcasts will be supported in designated labs and library spaces.
Learning Support Services will offer regular workshop sessions on creating, uploading and managing podcasts; walk-in support for podcasting will be available at the Instructional Resource Center.
Intellectual property
The University Copyright Policy details the ownership of materials that are developed by university employees. The Policy says, for example, that works developed by University staff within the scope of their employment are the property of the University whereas works developed by faculty may be wholly owned by the faculty member, partially owned by the faculty member, or wholly owned by the University depending on the circumstances. Check the web page for more information. If questions remain, they can be discussed with the director of the University's Technology Transfer Office.
Allowable content
George Mason University reserves the right to refuse or retract submitted podcasts if they violate copyright or other relevant regulations and statutes; such decisions will be made by the iTUSC in consultation with the CIO, the University Copyright Officer and the University Counsel. For more information, see University Policy #1104 on use and reproduction of copyrighted materials
Accessibility support
George Mason University is committed to providing equal access to employment and educational opportunities for persons with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 and 508 of the Rehabilitation Act. An iPod with speech support for users with visual impairments will be available. If you would like more information, or if you are experiencing difficulty accessing podcasting technology due to a disability, please contact the assistive technology initiative at 703-993-2143 or by email at kneuber@gmu.edu. For additional information regarding support for students and employees with disabilities please go to the Accessibility at Mason Web site.
Duration of materials online
As there are limited resources and storage space, podcasts will by default be taken off of the server at the conclusion of the following semester unless other arrangements are made.
Technical support structure
A technical subgroup of the iTUSC will be formed with representatives from the Instructional Resource Center, GMU-TV, Classroom Technologies, and the Server Support Group. This group will review technical specifications and provide recommendations for optimal configuration and an effective set of working procedures to handle technical issues.
Administrative oversight
The iTUSC will appoint a staff member who will serve a two-year term as the George Mason University iTunes University administrator, responsible for overseeing web site development, account setup, general communications with Apple, and faculty and staff trouble-shooting.