Durham College has adopted a policy on intellectual property — copyrights, trademarks and patents.

This is a very controversial issue across the college/university system as well as for individuals. Views in this local range from those that believe that only course outline is DC property while others readily hand over everything.

As discussed at both General Member’s meetings on Monday, February 9th, we would like your input into the application of this policy. This is being discussed at the next Union College Committee (UCC) meeting on February 20th therefore your feedback by February 19th is appreciated.

What are we prepared to suggest to management? We want your input on this policy, and how to treat intellectual property in general. We cannot overemphasize the importance of your contribution to the discussion as your UCC/Union representatives want to represent every member’s view with a goal of finding some common ground from which we can begin discussions with management.

To start the discussion, here are some points to be considered:

• How will this affect the interpretation of Article 13.01 in our Collective Agreement?
• Will the work wind up in other professor’s/colleges possession?
• The basic integrity of the work is at risk especially with many different PT/sessional/Partial Load teachers coming and going
• Are we willing to readily hand over our work with our FT complement being eroded on constant basis?
• Would you consent to videographing your lectures? Under specific circumstances?
• What course work? Tests? Answer keys to tests? Handouts? Powerpoints? Word Documents?

Please respond to Local President Debbie Rautins before February 19th by email at dcol26825@hotmail.com, or in writing to the union office B-233. The matter will be discussed at UCC on February 19th.

Note: you must be logged in as a member on this web site to see the file. Register as a member to see the file, or find it on the Outlook email Public Folders under "DC Policies and Procedures".