Restrict Course Content Use When Leaving Chico State

Quick Links: | Faculty Intellectual Property and Course Content | Enrollment and Access Policies | Administrative Access to Course Materials | Sharing Course Content with Others | Exceptions for Co-Ownership Content | Next Steps |

Faculty Intellectual Property and Course Content

Faculty intellectual property rights for course content are protected under the faculty collective bargaining agreement and Chico State policy. Course materials are not shared with others without a faculty member’s explicit written permission.

As you prepare to leave Chico State, understanding how your course content is accessed and managed can help ensure your materials remain protected.

For more information, refer to the following resources:

• EM 24-029: Policy for the Use of Digital Technologies in Teaching and Learning
• Faculty Collective Bargaining Agreement, Article 39
• CSU Copyright and Intellectual Property Portal

Enrollment and Access Policies

Canvas automatically stops processing enrollments for past courses 30 days after the term ends. After this point:

• Departments can no longer add or enroll individuals in the course.
• The course becomes read-only and typically cannot be edited.
• Access to view course content is limited to the roles and permissions established while the course was active.

Administrative Access to Course Materials

Faculty are strongly encouraged not to delete course content, even after leaving Chico State. Course materials may be required to address administrative needs such as grade appeals or other reviews where assignment instructions, assessments, or course context must be evaluated.

In these situations, a department chair or dean may be granted temporary access to the course. To protect faculty intellectual property, this access is provided through a role that does not allow copying or exporting course materials.

Sharing Course Content with Others

If you choose to share course materials with specific individuals or colleagues, Canvas's sharing features can be used. Refer to Sharing Content in Canvas for step-by-step guidance.

Any content shared using these features will remain accessible to the designated individuals, even after you separate from Chico State.

Exceptions for Co-Ownership Content

Some course content may be subject to different rules if it was created under a specific agreement with Chico State, such as co-ownership, work-for-hire, or grant-funded projects.

In these cases, the terms of the agreement may allow Chico State to continue using the content after your departure. If you are unsure whether your materials fall under this category, consult your department for clarification.

Next Steps

To ensure your course content is handled according to your preferences after leaving the university:

1. Review your Canvas course settings and confirm who has access to your content.
2. Communicate with your department if you have specific concerns about access or future use.
3. If applicable, remove or restrict shared content you no longer wish to make available.
4. Contact Learning Technology Services for assistance with managing course content.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your course materials are appropriately handled and your intellectual property rights are respected after you leave Chico State.

 Still need help? Faculty and staff can contact Academic Technology for guidance.
  
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