Film Screening Policy
I. Scope
This policy applies to all undergraduate students enrolled at Goucher College.
II. Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to provide screening guidelines to undergraduate students.
III. Statements
Viewing videos, movies, or DVDs outside the parameters for face-to-face instruction is considered either private or public viewing. In accordance with the Copyright Law of the United States of America, Title 17, Chapter 1, Section 106, public viewing requires the purchase of a license. The rules apply whether admission is charged or not.
When showing a movie during a Registered Student Organization (RSO) event or program, Media that is streamed, purchased, rented, or checked out of the library are for private home/residence viewing purposes only. The purchase of any pre-recorded media does not give the owner the right to a public performance of that media whether admission is charged or not. Permission must be obtained from the copyright holder, or a public performance license must be purchased. If a student group would like to show a film in a public setting, the rights must be purchased. Students should check with the Office of Student Engagement at ose@goucher.edu for more information.
IV. Definitions
A. Private viewing: At a person’s private home or residence where the showing is for members of a family and/or a limited number of guests.
B. Public viewing: At a place open to the public where the performance is held, or a place where a substantial number of people who are not family members or friends is gathered. i.e., booking space on campus through Event Management System (EMS).
V. Procedures
In accordance with the Copyright Law of the United States of America, Title 17, Chapter 1, Goucher College has outlined the following guidelines for showing videos, movies and television recordings. After discussing with your student organization, contact the Office of Student Engagement at ose@goucher.edu with the following information:
- Club/organization
- Film title
- Date (s)
- Expected number of attendees
- Will you need to rent the film/movie? Or do you have a copy/access to it?
Staff from the Office of Student Engagement (OSE) will send a request to the film distributor/licensor company for pricing and or availability if your group needs to rent the film.
OSE will work with the Student Government Association (SGA) to complete payment by submitting an invoice to the Controller’s Officer.
VI. Resources
For a list of available media for public performances, please browse the Swank website or email OSE if unsure, to contact a campus representative.
VII. Responsible office
For more information or if you have questions about this policy, please contact the Office of Student Engagement at ose@goucher.edu.
VIII. History
Adopted: September 2023