student organizations are required to first obtain copyright permission from a film distribution company. This
legal requirement applies regardless of whether an admission fee is charged, whether the institution or
organization is commercial or non-profit, or whether a federal or state agency is involved.
There are several exceptions to this law:
1. Home viewing: A student may show a lawfully obtained (rented or purchased from a video
store) video to family members or a small group of friends in his/her own dorm
room/apartment/house.
2. Faculty members may show a film for educational purposes if: a) it is during face-to face teaching
activities, or b) it is shown in a classroom or similar place devoted to instruction. The audience is
limited so that only persons enrolled in or teaching the class (and necessary staff) may attend. In
addition, there should be an educational component such as a discussion or panel after the film.
Below are two ways through which you may obtain copyright permission:
1. Purchase a license from a Motion Picture Distributor. The major firm the Office of Student
Activities use is:
Swank Motion Pictures, Inc. / (800) 876-5577
Fees can range from $371 to $871; they are determined by such factors as the number of times
a particular movie is going to be shown, how old the movie is and so forth.
2. Contact the producer, copyright holder, or film distributor (usually a movie company like Warner
Bros). They can provide you with a written waiver to the copyright allowing you to show the
movie or film.
After obtaining permission mentioned above, you MUST bring a copy of your rental
agreement or other licensing documentation to Student Leadership and Involvement (Mattin
Center, 131) prior to your screening; or you may have the licensing company send this
documentation directly to Caroline Ouwerkerk at CarolineO@jhu.edu.
“Willful” infringement of the Federal Copyright Act is a federal crime carrying a maximum sentence of up to five years
in jail and/or a $250,000 fine. If you are uncertain about your responsibilities under the copyright law, contact
the Office of Student Activities for more information.
Senior Gifts
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Student groups often wish to honor graduating student leaders with small gifts to thank them for
their leadership of the group.
CSC groups are funded through the France-Merrick Endowment, which is specifically restricted to
funding direct service efforts in Baltimore City. Therefore, groups are unable to use money from
their CSC budget to pay for gifts for graduating or outgoing student leaders.
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