The U of M has issued a revised set of copyright guidelines following a reported increase in the unauthorized sharing of course materials created by instructors.
In a campus-wide email circulated on June 18, Vice-Provost (Students) Laurie Schnarr stated the Copyright Office had received “numerous reports” of students distributing class content without permission. The materials in question include lecture slides, handouts and instructor-prepared notes.
“It’s important to understand that course materials created by an instructor or professor are copyrighted content,” Schnarr noted.
The new policy explicitly prohibits students from uploading or distributing such content on personal platforms or commercial sites such as Course Hero and Chegg, unless granted express authorization by the content creator.
Copyright infringement is a legal issue relating to a copyright owner’s right to determine how their work is reproduced, performed, or published subject to limitations under the Copyright Act. The Copyright Act offers remedies that copyright owners may pursue through Court if they believe a use of the work breaches copyright protection. Both civil and criminal penalties are possible outcomes of copyright infringement.
According to the email, violations of the updated policy may result in disciplinary action under the U of M’s Student Discipline Bylaw, Student Academic Misconduct Procedure, or Student Non-Academic Misconduct and Concerning Behaviour Procedure.
The policy update is part of a broader effort to reinforce academic integrity and promote respect for intellectual property within the learning environment. The Copyright Office encourages students to consult their website for guidance on what can be legally copied or shared.
Students who require help understanding their rights or navigating academic procedures are advised to contact Student Advocacy.
Schnarr concluded her message by encouraging students to uphold the university’s values of “respect, inclusivity and understanding,” and affirmed that honouring copyright is central to maintaining academic excellence.
To further support awareness and compliance, the university will host a series of copyright workshops throughout July and August. Topics include “Copyright and Generative AI” on July 10, “Copyright: What Faculty and Instructors Need to Know” on July 15 and July 23 and “Using Images” on Aug. 14. Students and staff are encouraged to register in advance via the UM Lib/lib-umanitoba.libcal.com/event/3901660.
