questions on video tape recordings

I subscribed to this forum two days ago. I have two questions regarding video tape recordings used in context of a College in the United States. If these questions have benn asked and answered already, I apologize.

1. Students studying performing arts often get themselves recorded. Sometimes the student can't keep the recording because they are supposed to return it to the teacher, so the student wants a copy. Usually the student appears I refuse to participate in copying these tapes unless all elements are licenced, or I can get an opinion from a lawyer qualified to interpret fair use. I am concerned that I am being too conservative in this, and in fact, maybe it is perfectly okay for students to copy video or audio tapes of themselves and retain them for the purpose of evaluating their own performance(s).
2. If a teacher makes a off air video recording, using the Guidelines that have been developed (Katenmeier Guidelines), and wants to use the recording in class, observing the guidelines, but the teacher wants to cut out the commercials. Again, as a member of the support staff, I won't participate with doing that, but I am not sure why I am refusing providing the service. I can understand that a teacher won't want to show the commercials in class, as long as the guidelines are followed, and the tapes are erased on time, I don't see how cutting the commercials changes anything. Of course in the process of cutting the commercials, one would make a second copy, and that is where I am uncertain how to proceed without seeking permission and/or licenses.

I will appreciate opinions on these situations.

      David Crandall
      AV Programs Coordinator
      L.S.A. Media Services
      University of Michigan
      David.Crandall[_at_]um.cc.umich.edu