Policies Governing the Use of Libraries

The University Libraries website contains Library Policies governing the use materials and facilities. Areas include the following:

  • Access Policy
  • After Hours Access
  • Borrowing Rules
  • Classroom Use Policies
  • Computer Use Policy
  • Copyright & Permissions Policy
  • Copyright Guide
  • Course Reserves for Students
  • Facility Use Policy
  • Food Policy
  • Government Documents
  • Guest User Guide
  • Interlibrary Loan Policy
  • Library Locker Policy
  • Plasma Screen Policy
  • Printing Policies
  • Reproduction Policy
  • Restricted Records Policy
  • Senior Thesis Carrel Policy
  • Services for People with Disabilities Policy
  • Spaces Occupied by Unattended Items
  • Use of Collections Policy

Policies Governing the Use of Information Technology Services

The ITS policies governing access to network services, repairs, email hardware and software, security, responsible use of networks and facilities, noncompliance and sanctions, and other areas are outlined online and are subject to change through established procedures. Areas include the following:

Policy on the Use of Campus Mail

Campus mail is not protected by U.S. Postal Service regulations. Items other than official University mail may be delayed or stopped if it appears they are in violation of the rules. Sealed material may be held until the originator can be contacted to open and verify the contents or to withdraw it from the mail system. If necessary, it may be opened by the director of mail services to determine the nature of the contents and/or the originator. If the originator cannot be identified, material will be held for one week. It will then be turned over to campus safety for further investigation or destroyed.

  • Services: In addition to the U.S. Mail, Colgate’s mail service distributes official University mail and notices to employees and students. Students may use the campus mail to exchange personal correspondence with other students or employees.
  • How to Use Campus Mail: All items placed in the campus mail for distribution must clearly identify the originator and the name and Colgate box number of the addressee.
  • Restrictions: The following materials will not be delivered via campus mail:
    • Advertising, solicitations, or promotional material for commercial or private activities or for personal gain
    • Bulk mailings of materials that do not identify the originator and are not addressed to the recipient by name and box number
    • Any type of material, correspondence, or literature that would be illegal for distribution through the U.S. Postal Service (e.g., chain letters)
  • Distribution: Student organizations needing to make a distribution of notices or other material must seek approval in advance from the director of the Office of Student Involvement (Coop) and must coordinate their needs with the supervisor of mail services. Large or other non-standard items (boxes of candy, “free sample” items, etc.) are of special concern due to the size limitations of mail boxes.

University Photography and Video Release Policy

Colgate University and the Office of University Communications are committed to the realities of the current Colgate student lifestyle — visualizing the mentorship and faculty/student interactions, the learning moments, the teaching moments, the camaraderie, the special bonds that develop amongst its community members. We celebrate our achievements through emphasizing the Colgate community as the source of institutional inspiration and innovation.

In order to respect and protect the privacy and interests of Colgate’s students on campus and at institutional activities, Colgate has implemented a photography/video release policy that governs the nature of photographs and multimedia, generated by the University, for intended use in any and/or all University publications including, but not limited to, the Colgate website (colgate.edu), newsletters, programs, brochures, institutional calendars, social media, or mass media outlets. This policy grants Colgate University permission to use the likeness of Colgate students captured in photograph(s)/video for any and all of its publications and in any and all other media, whether now known or hereafter existing, controlled by Colgate University, in perpetuity. Additionally, it asserts that no monetary or other claim against Colgate University for the use of the photograph(s)/video in the aforementioned outlets shall be made by Colgate students.

Each individual entering the Colgate community as a student is required to review this policy. Should questions arise regarding Colgate’s photography and video release policy due to religious and/or safety concerns, please contact the Office of University Communications at 315-228-7407.

The information contained in this publication applies to the academic years 2023–2024, but this handbook is not to be regarded as a contract between the student and the University. The University reserves the right to change requirements, policies, rules, and regulations without prior notice in accordance with established procedures.

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