VUmix :: Vanderbilt University's music service

In an effort to promote legal methods of music and digital media distribution, Vanderbilt presents

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Vanderbilt providing a music downloading services to its students?
Vanderbilt is concerned that some of its students don't understand that downloading music over computer networks without purchasing copyright permission is both unethical and against the law. The University believes it has a responsibility to do something to change that. Vanderbilt will continue to educate students on this issue and will continue to enforce its strong policies against copyright infringement. At the same time, the University wants to provide legal alternatives to illegal downloading. VUmix offerings are directly aimed at helping students to understand the issue and providing them with an alternative.

Is Vanderbilt the first higher education institution to implement a service like this?
No, other institutions of higher education have joined Vanderbilt in implementing such a service for its students.

How does providing Ruckus, Fresh Tracks, Napster, and Joost educate students about copyright?
By making these music and digital media services available for free or at a very low cost to our students, Vanderbilt has provided a convenient way for students to obtain digital content legally. It is hoped that this initiative will curb the problem of illegal sharing of copyrighted files, while teaching students the concept of copyright and the importance of using legal means to obtain music and digital media. This initiative is just a part of Vanderbilt's effort to educate the academic community about copyright and other related information and resources; see the Digital Life website for more information.

Does Vanderbilt monitor what I'm listening to, watching, or downloading?
Vanderbilt does not monitor, keep records of, or have an interest in students' music collections, media viewed, or downloads, other than to encourage and support legal methods of acquisition.

Who is eligible to use the service?
All Vanderbilt students - undergraduate, graduate and professional - will be able to subscribe to either music service. Vanderbilt faculty and staff will also be eligible to access the services.

Does the network support streaming?
Streaming is a key feature of these services and is necessary for their success.

Could the university network systems shut down because of the high demand for digital content? How will you deal with this?
The University is taking a number of precautions to minimize the impact so that it does not disrupt normal network service. We do expect network use to be considerably higher early in the semester. However, because of the design of the University's network, it can handle the traffic without problems.

How will the University and the industry deal with students who continue to download music illegally
Vanderbilt has set a nationwide example in enforcing copyright laws as it pertains to network computing. Enforcement of these laws and University policy on network usage will continue at least as strongly as it has in the past.

Will the IT Fee be increased to cover this service?
No. There will be no increase in the fee as a result of this service.

Are alumni eligible?
Alumni are not yet included in this service offering.

As a Vanderbilt staff member will I be able to use the music services to listen to music while I'm at work?
As long as your department or school doesn't have specific rules restricting the use of this service, knock yourself out. Make sure you check with your local support provider before you subscribe or install any software to a Vanderbilt-owned computer.

Where can I get help / additional questions answered?
Send an email to: freshtrackshelp@vanderbilt.edu