The North Coast College IT Department performs periodic audits of all hardware and software installed to ensure compliance with federal copyright and software installation laws. Violations of copyright laws through peer-to-peer file sharing have a minimum $250,000 penalty and an associated three (3) year jail sentence for the first offense. Unlicensed software or “borrowed software” has a minimum federal fine of $150,000 per infraction per machine. Unauthorized installation of software will result in disciplinary action up to and including either expulsion or cessation of employment from The North Coast College. Violators are also responsible for all penalties and costs associated with such violations as well as their own legal expenses.