10.08 University of Northern Iowa Policy on Distributed Learning and Intellectual
Property Rights
Purpose:
This policy details University of Northern Iowa (UNI) procedures regarding
the creation, ownership, storage and use of copyrights of web-based courses.
This policy is designed to encourage the development of quality distributed
and/or distance learning materials. In spelling out clear rights and responsibilities,
this document will allow freedom in the development and distribution of
web-based courses. Further, it will recognize that ownership and intellectual
property rights for distributed learning materials are held by the content
developer while acknowledging that creation of intellectual properties
and exclusive ownership of these materials are to benefit both the content
developer and the University that supports the development of intellectual
properties.
In doing so, this policy does not preclude the adaptation of future
policies and guidelines to respond to changes in technologies, cultural
trends and preferences. Policy Statement:
A. Faculty own the copyright to all supplementary digital materials
they develop to accompany traditional site-based courses or textbooks.
B. Faculty who develop an on-line course while employed at the University
own the copyright with the following conditions.
1. The University of Northern Iowa reserves the right to continue
offering the course if the faculty member leaves the University. The
University may make, maintain and use copies of all materials. In addition,
UNI also reserves the right to offer the course using other faculty
should the faculty member decide not to teach it or be unable to teach
sufficient sections while still employed at UNI. In that event, the
faculty member who originally developed the material may negotiate continued
property interest, even if another faculty is teaching the course.
2. On-line courses developed at UNI may not be offered at another
institution while the faculty member is still employed at UNI without
the recommendation of the Dean and the express written approval of the
Provost.
3. An on-line course, that is commercialized, relying substantially
on University resources, shall be subject to a negotiated contract (and
possibly licensing) prior to commercialization of the course. Please
see UNI’s Policies and Procedures on Copyrights and Patents (www.uni.edu/pres/policies/1003.html)
C. Please also see the definitions of work for hire included in the
UNI Intellectual Properties Policy.
Appendix: Definitions of Terminology
In order to employ a reasonable and successful policy for intellectual
property rights of web-based courses, the following definitions are recognized.
Commercialization – includes marketing, distribution, licensing,
and management by for-profit vendors
Online/Web-based – refers to courses that are available to students
predominately over the web.
Development – is the creation of online course syllabi, course
outlines, lecture notes, bibliographies, texts, tests, and other activities
that support teaching activities. The person(s) who perform(s) these tasks
is (are) called “Content developer.”
Faculty – anyone currently employed on a faculty appointment (full
or part-time).
Office of Intellectual Properties, 11/05/01
Faculty Senate, 03/11/02
Provost’s Office, 04/02/02
President’s Cabinet, approved 04/28/03 | 
