Marquette Launches "Define the Line" Program to Stop Illegal Sharing, Downloading Released: Sept. 13, 2005 MILWAUKEE – Marquette University is participating in the launch of “Define the Line,” a national program aimed at discouraging illegal sharing and downloading of software. The program calls upon students, faculty and staff to ensure they are properly and legally sharing and downloading software and other digital copyrighted work including music and movies. "'Define the Line' helps Marquette take a proactive stance on illegal downloading before it is becomes a problem,” said Kathy Lang, Marquette University chief information officer. “It is especially important at a school like Marquette, where the computer system is an integral part of serving our students as well as employees. Define the Line will help our students as well as faculty and staff understand how illegal downloading has an impact on the lives of others. We feel it will set a standard.” According to a study* conducted by Ipsos Public Affairs, two-thirds of college and university students surveyed see nothing unethical about swapping or downloading digital copyrighted files (software, music and movies) without paying for them and more than half (52 percent) think it is also acceptable behavior in the workplace. The survey also reveals that 45 percent of students are using the campus networks for downloading activities, with 36 percent of them more likely to report increased downloading. Marquette is one of the first universities in the country to implement this program. “Define the Line” is designed to educate students about using commercial software legally, respecting copyrighted works online, and understanding the impact of software theft. The Business Software Alliance (BSA), an organization dedicated to promoting a safe and legal digital world, sponsored the program to raise awareness about these important issues with university students, faculty and staff. Marquette will implement this program through a variety of outreach efforts aimed at students, faculty and staff. "Education is critical in preparing a 21 st century workforce, and we believe ‘Define the Line' to be a valuable educational resource in emphasizing to students the importance of being good cyber citizens,” said Diane Smiroldo, vice president, public affairs of BSA. “We believe ‘Define the Line' will help the Marquette University population realize the seriousness of illegal downloading and educate them about   the importance of  respecting creative works online.” * Higher Education Unlicensed Software Experience – Student and Academics, conducted by Ipsos Public Affairs 2005. About BSA The Business Software Alliance ( www.bsa.org ) is the foremost organization dedicated to promoting a safe and legal digital world. BSA is the voice of the world's commercial software industry and its hardware partners before governments and in the international marketplace. Its members represent one of the fastest growing industries in the world. BSA programs foster technology innovation through education and policy initiatives that promote copyright protection, cyber security, trade and e-commerce. BSA members include Adobe, Apple, Autodesk, Avid, Bentley Systems, Borland, CNC Software/Mastercam, Internet Security Systems, Macromedia, McAfee, Microsoft, PTC, SolidWorks, Sybase, Symantec, The MathWorks, UGS and VERITAS Software. Office of Marketing and Communication Contacts Brigid O'Brien Miller Director of University Communication Phone: (414) 288-7445 Send e-mail Anne Broeker Sr. Media Relations Specialist Phone: (414) 288-0286 Send e-mail