Tried to log onto OU’s Wi-Fi network lately, only to be greeted by a registration process? Welcome to the second semester of OU IT’s newest network.

As of October 2009, OU Wi-Fi has been the official wireless network for all members of the university. This new network is to improve wireless security and performance, according to an e-mail OU IT sent out to students, faculty, and staff in January.

OU Internet users must register each of their devices with the network. Once a semester for students and once a year for faculty and staff, OU IT requires regular re-registration to ensure that all information is up-to-date and current, OU IT spokesman Nicholas Key said in an e-mail.

This registration process entails providing contact information as well as computer specifications, reading information regarding illegal downloading, and taking a copyright quiz.

“Students have to take the quiz so they are aware of the consequences of misusing the university’s Internet,” chemistry sophomore Pedro Sebastian Vera said.

Misuse of the Internet includes violating copyrights by illegally downloading music via peer-to-peer sharing. OU is required by the Higher Education Opportunity Act to educate students about both state and federal copyright laws, Key said.

In 2008 and 2009, OU received over 1,500 copyright complaints each year. However, since the copyright quiz has been implemented and students are aware of the laws and consequences of breaking the laws, copyright complaints have decreased, Key said. So far in 2010, OU has only received 160 copyright complaints.

Some students were discouraged by the copyright quiz.

“The quiz puts into perspective that you can get caught for downloading copyrighted material such as music,” Vera said.

Chemistry professor Mark Morvant said he realizes the importance of reviewing this copyright information on an annual basis, especially in regards to learning what sorts of information can be shared with a class or posted on a class website.

While some find the copyright quiz relevant, University College freshman Dillon Kang said he didn’t read the copyright material and went straight to the quiz.

“I already knew most of the stuff,” Kang said.

It is not suggested for those taking the quiz to skip through that information because of the copyright infringement three strike policy.

While there is a three strike policy, OU doesn’t monitor the Internet activity of any individual, Key said.

Instead, the Recording Industry Association of America and other watchdog organizations use investigative techniques and the contact the submitters of copyright violation notices.

Punishment for violations

First Violation: The infringing machine is blocked from the OU network. Network access will not be restored to the machine until the owner of the machine reviews the copyright tutorial and retakes the quiz.

Second Violation: The machine is again blocked from the OU network and students must again review the copyright material and retake the quiz. Additionally, the student will be charged a minimum $50 fee by the Office of Student Conduct and will charged with a Student Code violation by the Office of Student Conduct.

Third Violation: Consequences of a third violation are similar to those of a second violation, except the fee increases from $50 to a minimum of $200.

For further details regarding OU’s copyright policy, click here.