MSC Computer Lab Policy

MSC Computer Operations
Memorial Student Center
Texas A&M University

MSC Computer Operations manages a Computer Lab for the MSC Student Programs Office in the Memorial Student Center room 221F. Because of the high demand for use of these resources, the following policy is necessary to maximize resource utilization and to maintain the availability and suitability of these resources for all users.

Purpose

The MSC Computer Lab is to be used only in ways consistent with the MSC mission. Priority is given to MSC members who need the resources to fulfill MSC organizational responsibilities. The Computer Lab resources have been purchased with funds generated by the MSC Student Programs Office. Therefore the lab is distinct from Open Access Labs maintained by the CIS which are open to other students and organizations.

Responsibilities

Use of the MSC Computer Lab is a privilege extended to MSC staff and students. All users of the Computer Lab are responsible for compliance with the terms of this policy. Violation of such terms may result in suspension of lab use privileges if a warning has been previously issued to the individual.

• Use of the lab must be accordance with the lab purpose as stated above and must not violate Texas A&M University Regulations.
• If no machine is available at the time it is needed, students should make an appropriate entry in the Inadequacy Log. This log is also used in assessing lab resource needs.
• The glassed area is a staff office and is not part of the generally accessible lab. Use of resources in this area must first be approved by MSC Computer Operations personnel for each occassion.
• No committee or Council area may use more than one computer simultaneously if at least one other computer does not remain open and available for other users.
• No more than three (3) copies of a document may be printed on the laser printers in the lab. Photocopiers in the SPO may be used for additional copies.
• Preliminary copies must be printed on draft (used) paper unless none is available. A proof copy should be printed of all materials before printing a final copy on clean paper.
• Any paper used on both sides or otherwise unusable for draft printing should be placed in the recycle bin.
• All diskettes, USB drives and CDs being brought into the lab must first be checked for viruses before being used.
• No food is permitted in the lab. Drinks are only permitted in containers with closed tops that are kept on the floor or otherwise away from keyboards and monitors. Under no circumstances may they be placed on the same desktop as keyboards.
• Software (including public domain "plug-ins") may only be installed by MSC Computer Operations personnel. If you need software other than what has been provided, please submit a request in writing to MSC Computer Operations for consideration.
• Priority is given to applications not available on other lab computers. Users needing to use scanners have priority on computers with these peripherals.
• As a shared environment, users and guests must respect the needs of others.
• Any user who has not previously learned proper procedures for unjamming or otherwise maintaining printers are to request assistance from lab personnel rather than open the printer.
• Users are to clean up the area around the computer as they leave. This includes making sure diskettes are removed from the floppy drive and any unwanted paper is placed in the recycle bin.

After Hours Use

The MSC Computer Lab hours match the Student Programs Office hours of operation. During these hours, the lab is open for use and has staff available to provide assistance. After normal hours of operation, permission must be obtained by the appropriate advisor who assumes responsibility for the lab and its resources. MSC Computer Operations does not issue a lab key. Instead, each advisor is responsible for admitting students using their key which can be used to gain access to the lab.

Special Sessions

Occassionally the Computer Lab may be used for training sessions or other special uses. These sessions may be scheduled up to six months in advance. All use of the lab for special sessions must first be approved by MSC Computer Operations. Requests to use the lab facilities for special sessions to be attended primarily by non-MSC members during normal hours of operation must also be recommended by the MSC Council Services and Facilities and approved by the MSC Council.

If a special session is conducted during normal hours of operation, other MSC staff and students are welcome to use resources not being used by the special session provided they are not disruptive. The person hosting the special session has the authority to ask anyone in the lab to leave the lab if they become disruptive of the session.

MSC Computer Operations is pleased to have the lab available as a resource for use and appreciates your assistance in helping to keep it operating at an optimal level of effectiveness for all users.