TMA Policies

ETHICAL CONDUCT POLICY FOR THEATRE AND MEDIA ARTS STUDENTS

CHEATING AND PLAGIARISM

Any student in a TMA major/minor or participating in a TMA class or project found in violation of the University Honor Code, with regard to cheating and plagiarism, will receive a zero for the assignment involved, may receive an E in the course and may be referred to the Honor Code Office. Execution of this policy will be at the instructor’s discretion. In addition, the offending student’s case will be reviewed by the department chair and/or associate chair. If the offense is sufficiently serious, the student may be removed from her/his major – no matter how close to graduation the student may be. A second violation of academic honesty, whether done concurrently or subsequently, will automatically result in dismissal from the major. Any theatre or pre-media arts student found cheating might be denied the opportunity to apply to a theatre or media arts program. This decision rests with the department chair. A student found by the instructor to be in violation of this cheating and plagiarism policy has the right to appeal this decision. This process follows the TMA Grievance Policy.

UNPROFESSIONAL BEHAVIOR

Students who demonstrate consistently unprofessional behavior in class may also be dropped from her/his major or not allowed to apply in the first place. Examples of unprofessional behavior include, but are not limited to, the following.

• Excessive absences
• Disruptive behavior
• Sleeping in class
• Chronic tardiness
• Reading non-course material during class
• Playing computer games during class
• Checking e-mail during class
• Checking social media during class
• Damaging property belonging to the university or others
• Using cell phone or text-messaging during class
• Regularly leaving class early without making arrangements with the instructor
• Intentionally spreading false information about a student or faculty member

CRUELTY AND ABUSE

More serious matters such as digital, verbal or physical stalking, cruelty or abuse of other students or a faculty member are unacceptable and will be reviewed and may be reported through academic channels to the Honor Code Office and university law enforcement.

POLICY ENFORCEMENT

If an instructor feels he/she has a student in violation of this policy, the following procedure should be observed:

• First Warning: This will come from the instructor. A meeting between the instructor and the student will be conducted to resolve the issues of unprofessional behavior. If the violation is excessive enough, the department may be involved immediately.
• Second Warning: This will come from the department (either the chair or associate chair assigned to theatre or media arts). At this time, the student will be reviewed for removal from the department.

Both sides of the case will be presented to the department chair and/or the associate chair assigned to theatre or media arts. A decision will follow. A letter explaining the decision must be signed by those involved and will be placed in the student’s file. Severe cases may warrant immediate action through the Honor Code Office and university law enforcement and forfeit the warning process. If the student wishes to appeal the decision at any point of the process, he/she should follow the procedures outlined in the TMA Grievance Policy.

THEATRE AND MEDIA ARTS GRIEVANCE POLICY

There may be occasions when a student believes her/his academic work or conduct has been unfairly or inadequately evaluated by the faculty. Usually such differences of opinion can be amicably resolved informally between the student and teacher. Students are strongly encouraged to talk to their instructors first. Faculty hold regular office hours and want to engage with the learning of their students. However, if differences cannot be resolved, the following procedures are intended to encourage satisfactory resolution of academic grievances with a minimum of formal procedure.

1. The student should initially address the grievance in writing to the faculty member responsible, requesting review and resolution. If the faculty member is unavailable or the student has a valid reason to believe the matter will not be dealt with fairly or that retribution may result, the student may submit the grievance directly to the applicable department chair. (The faculty member or department chair shall have the right to consult others regarding the matter as reasonably necessary and with due regard to the student’s right to privacy under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act. (FERPA: http://registrar.byu.edu/registrar/records/ferpa.php)
2. If the grievance is addressed to the faculty member, and it is not resolved satisfactorily, the student may submit a written request and all supporting material for review for further review to the department chair.
3. The department chair will meet with all parties in order to seek resolution as a group. If this is not possible to resolve the issue, the chair will make a decision, which shall be given in writing to both the student and the faculty member within 30 days after receiving the student’s request.
4. If the matter is still unresolved, the student may submit a written request for formal review to the applicable dean of the college, following the department chair’s written decision.
5. If a formal review is requested, the applicable dean may review the grievance.

Notes

1. Academic evaluations which are subject to this policy include grading, restrictions, limiting participation in university academic programs, dismissal from the university or a university program for academic reasons, actions arising from incidents of academic dishonesty, the withholding, and/or revocation of a diploma for academic reasons, and the withholding of or special notation on transcripts for academic reasons. Evaluations relating to admissions to the university, ecclesiastical endorsements, discipline administered by the Honor Code Office, or petitions are not covered by this policy. Persons who believe they have been unlawfully discriminated against or sexually harassed should contact the Equal Opportunity Office.
2. For purposes of this policy, “faculty” means any teacher or other individual authorized by the university to academically evaluate students, or who has a legitimate need to know regarding the processing and disposition of an academic grievance.

BYU’S COPYRIGHT POLICY

The University Copyright Management Office is the university’s primary resource on fair use and other copyright issues related to university publications and library collections and services, digital reformatting, in-licensing, distance education, and course packet creation. This office develops and advises the university community regarding copyright policy, coordinates with the University Office of General Counsel regarding related legal issues and assists the Creative Works Office, Center for Instructional Design, and university personnel in their efforts to create, protect and market instructional courseware and similar products. The Copyright Management Office has a web site addressing relevant copyright issues at http://copyright.byu.edu. You should also be aware of oncampus screening of material produced in a MAL facility.

STUDENT OWNERSHIP OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

Students (a “student” is a person enrolled in BYU courses for credit) who independently develop intellectual property arising out of their participation in programs of study at the university will retain the ownership rights to such property when the intellectual property does not result from their employment at BYU and/or where there is no written agreement to the contrary. Students employed by the university will be treated in the same manner as similarly situated university personnel. However, any student not employed by the university, but either (i) engaging in research or development of intellectual property under the supervision and direction of a faculty member in connection with a program or activity subject to this policy or (ii) using substantial university resources in connection with a research program or activity agrees to grant and hereby does grant to the university, as a condition of being allowed to participate in the project and/or use university resources, a non-exclusive, perpetual, royalty-free, paid-up, irrevocable license to exploit, use, and sublicense the resulting intellectual property. Faculty using students, whether volunteer, non-employed, or employed, in their scholarly work projects should have the students sign a “Student Assignment of Ownership and Nondisclosure Agreement” form, available from Intellectual Property Services.

If in the event that either the Student or the Department would like to distribute a student’s project with the purpose of gaining revenue, the two parties will meet to discuss how revenue is distributed or shared.

MONETIZING STUDENT WORK

In some cases, students may want to distribute/monetize their work through publishers, online streaming, DVD sales, screenings/performances, etc. If any BYU resources were used in the creation of the work (equipment, grant money, other faculty/student time, etc.), prior to initiating any negotiations, students must contact the BYU Creative Works office and work out an agreement with the University. See STUDENT OWNERSHIP OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY policy below.

FILMING AND PHOTOGRAPHY ON CAMPUS POLICY

23 March 2015

As a private university, Brigham Young University retains the right to determine access onto campus property. The university also retains the right to determine how campus property is used for filming and photography. This policy outlines who may or may not film or photograph on campus.

COMMERCIAL FILMMAKERS AND PHOTOGRAPHERS

The university does not allow people or businesses to film or photograph on campus and use that media for promotional, marketing, commercial, advocacy, or similar purposes. This prohibition includes individuals whose work on YouTube or other digital platforms is aimed at generating income through advertising, music sales, lead generation, or other means.

POLITICAL, DOCUMENTARY, AND ADVOCACY WORK

Consistent with the university’s Political Neutrality Policy, political candidates may not use photographs or video taken on campus for campaign purposes. Groups or individuals may not film or photograph for documentaries or advocacy campaigns on campus property without university approval, which may be requested from University Communications.

PERSONAL USE

To fulfill its mission, the university seeks to maintain an environment where students and employees are safe and respected. Individuals, including visitors to campus, may take video and photographs for personal use that are unobtrusive, are in keeping with other campus policies, and do not interrupt campus programs, classes, or activities. Videos that do not meet this standard are prohibited and may be referred to university police for investigation.

STUDENT WORK

BYU students may film or take photographs on campus as part of an academic project if they obtain approval from their professor or another university academic advisor. Faculty members or other academic advisors who approve student plans to film or photograph on campus are to ensure that the activity complies with this and other university policies.

JOURNALISTS

News organizations are generally permitted to film and take photographs in open areas of the campus. Journalists should contact University Communications beforehand as some events and venues have photography restrictions. News reporters and photographers should have media credentials to identify themselves and are expected to follow journalistic codes of conduct and ethics.

DEPARTMENTS AND EMPLOYEES

On-campus filming and photography done on behalf of a university unit should be approved through the respective dean or director. Film and photography crews should also carry credentials that include the department name and contact information. Shoots that require special accommodations because of the location or the activity should be coordinated with building supervisors in advance. Film and photography crews should be aware of and adhere to the university’s Risk Management and Safety Policy.

TITLE IX SEXUAL HARASSMENT POLICY

New Title IX Syllabus Statement (September 2017)

PREVENTING & RESPONDING TO SEXUAL MISCONDUCT

In accordance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Brigham Young University prohibits unlawful sex discrimination against any participant in its education programs or activities. The university also prohibits sexual harassment—including sexual violence—committed by or against students, university employees, and visitors to campus. As outlined in university policy, sexual harassment, dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking are considered forms of “Sexual Misconduct” prohibited by the university.

University policy requires all university employees in a teaching, managerial, or supervisory role to report all incidents of Sexual Misconduct that come to their attention in any way, including but not limited to face-to-face conversations, a written class assignment or paper, class discussion, email, text, or social media post. Incidents of Sexual Misconduct should be reported to the Title IX Coordinator at t9coordinator@byu.edu or (801) 422-8692. Reports may also be submitted through EthicsPoint at https://titleix.byu.edu/report or 1-888-238-1062 (24-hours a day).

BYU offers confidential resources for those affected by Sexual Misconduct, including the university’s Victim Advocate, as well as a number of non-confidential resources and services that may be helpful. Additional information about Title IX, the university’s Sexual Misconduct Policy, reporting requirements, and resources can be found at http://titleix.byu.edu or by contacting the university’s Title IX Coordinator.

BYU Theatre Production Policy (TMA 260)

Brigham Young University’s Theatre and Media Arts Department will now enforce the following policy for all students who will participate or who are currently participating in any production produced through our department, effective immediately:

BEFORE enrolling for any TMA 260 production credit, consider all activities that you are or will be involved in, and prepare to allow for required rehearsals and performances. Do not enroll if you have conflicts that will cause you to be absent from rehearsals, trainings, or performances.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR ENROLLMENT

- Read and become familiar with the Theatre Production Policy.

- Meet with your faculty advisor. Your faculty advisor will help you determine which semester and show will work best with your schedule. Be sure to discuss any conflicts as well as future academic plans with your advisor.

o All faculty have been advised that the department will not pre-approve conflicts during technical rehearsal, or for the run of the show, starting with makeup training and going until closing night.

- Once you have determined the section/production that will work best for you have two options.

o 1. Send an email to the TMA secretaries at tma_secretary@byu.edu and communicate which section/production you would like enroll in. Be sure to CC your faculty mentor, so that they can sign off on the add.

o 2. Take a signed note to the TMA secretaries at tma_secretary@byu.edu and communicate which section/production you would like enroll in.

- Please note that all sections of TMA 260 have limited enrollment and spaces will be filled on a first-come first-served basis. Completion of all enrollment steps is not a guarantee of placement in the course.

Once you have been enrolled for a production, the following rules apply:

Student who are enrolled in any TMA 260 production must be available for the entirety of all technical rehearsal, technical trainings, and performances.

COMMUNICATION

· You must keep the production team in the loop at all times.

· Your stage manager is the point of contact for daily issues, questions about the schedule, and emergent issues. The only person who can approve absences or tardies is the production manager.

· DO NOT ASK STUDENT ASSISTANT DIRECTORS, STAGE MANAGERS, DESIGNERS, DIRECTOR, PROFESSORS, OR SWINGS if you can miss parts of the established rehearsal schedule. They will refer you back to the production manager.

UNEXCUSED ABSENCES

· If you have a conflict arise that has not been pre-approved, and you choose to miss rehearsal for that conflict (parties, family trips, callbacks for other productions, job interviews, health appointments, etc.), you will receive an unexcused absence.

· An unexcused absence will result in a failing grade.

TARDIES

· A tardy is when you arrive later than 5 minutes, without communicating with the stage manager about why you are running late. 3 tardies are equal to 1 unexcused absence.

· If you are running late, you must communicate with your stage manager. If you communicate, you will not be marked tardy.

SICKNESS and EMERGENCIES

· If you are sick or have an emergency, you will need to let the stage manager and the production manager know.

· Sickness (especially illness with fever and a cough) is an excused absence and these missed rehearsals will be negotiated on an individual basis.

· If you have an emergency (sickness, hospitalization, family trauma), these are also excused and will be negotiated on an individual basis.

FAIL or WITHDRAW CONSEQUENCES

· Students that fail or receive a W on their transcript for any section of TMA 260 for anything other than an emergent issue will be placed on warning with the TMA department.

· The TMA department will not consider said student for participation in any production (acting role, directing/ design assignment, etc.) until the TMA 260 course is completed with a passing grade.