MSC Computer Operations manages and is responsible for notebook computers, a video projector, and a digital camera; the MSC Student Services Island manages and is responsible for the cellular phones, camcorder, two-way radios and a 35 mm camera, and the Forsyth Center Galleries office manages and is responsible for the 27" TV/VCR combination unit on a rolling cart. These resources may be checked out for use in accordance with the following policy. The term "resource" is used in this policy to refer to all types of devices. The term "responsible area" is used in this policy to refer to MSC Computer Operations, MSC Student Services Island, or Forsyth Center Galleries. Where a policy item relates to only one type of available resource, the term "notebook computer," "video projector," "digital camera," "cellular phone," "camcorder," "two-way radios" or "35 mm camera" is used.
The resources are to be used only for MSC purposes in ways consistent with the user's organizational responsibilities. All resource requests must identify the specific purpose for which a resource will be used. This information is necessary for scheduling resources in such a way that organizational objectives are best achieved.
Reservations shall be taken on a first-come, first-serve basis, except as defined below under Priority. Reservations will be accepted a maximum of 30 days in advance of the desired checkout date. Resources to be used locally may be checked out for a maximum of 48 hours (Saturday and Sunday are counted as one day). Reservation requests should be submitted at least two business days in advance to ensure proper preparation for use of the requested resources. The responsible area must be notified as soon as possible of any cancellation in order to best serve the needs of other users. The resource must be returned for check in within this time period. In order to reserve equipment, the following procedures should be followed:
A request for resources that would conflict with an existing reservation will not be granted unless the staff in the responsible area is authorized in writing by the originally scheduled user to modify their existing reservation. The responsible area is not responsible for arbitration after a reservation has been made. Arbitration should be referred to the Senior Associate Director and will be made in accordance with organizational priorities.
"Please understand that the equipment may be under repair or reserved to someone else and therefore unavailable for the time requested. In such a situation, the committee or council area is responsible for locating rental equipment and paying any and all rental fees." [Addendum approved November 16, 1998, by the MSC Council]
MSC staff, council and committee members may request the available resources. All requests by students must first be approved by the appropriate advisor who will assume responsibility for the resource. The committee or area for which the resource is being used will be liable for up to $500 for repair or replacement of each resource in the case of damage or loss. Accessories (cables, carrying case, expansion cards, etc.) are considered a part of each resource. This liability will not apply in the event of theft if a police report is provided and the entrusted agent is determined to have not contributed to the loss through negligence or wrongdoing.
The following types of uses are considered priority purposes for cellular phones (in no particular order):
The following types of uses are considered priority purposes for the notebook computers (in no particular order):
In the case of notebook computers, when conflicting requests
are submitted that share the same priority, preference will be
given to the user, committee or council area that has least recently
used the resource (if the requests are submitted within the scheduling
"hold" period and at least 3 days in advance of the
requested date).
Requests to use notebook computers for priority purposes or other
resources may be made up to two (2) months in advance. The Computer
Operations supervisor may hold requests up to one week (but not
more than 24 hours within two weeks of the requested date of use)
to consider other requests submitted at approximately the same
time. Notification will be made in writing when a held request
is decided.
A "User's Operating Manual" is located in the carrying
case of each resource. It is important that the user review this
information prior to attempting to operate the resource.
Supplemental instructions can be provided with advance notice
of at least five days. Please make this request through the staff
of the responsible area.
All calls made on a GTE Mobilnet cellular phone are billed
according to the location and length of time of the call. The
charges range from $0.30 per minute for local service area calls
to $0.99 per minute for calls made outside of the service area.
A map depicting the local/non-local service areas is located in
the cellular phone carrying case.
All telephone calls made shall be logged in the cellular phone
log book by date, time, number called, person placing the call,
length of call, reason for the call, and correct billing account
for the call.
This log will be used to reconcile charges so that appropriate
accounts will be billed.
The available resources are property of the Memorial Student
Center at Texas A&M University. Accordingly, the Memorial
Student Center is responsible for adherence to applicable software
license restrictions. No software or system resources are to be
installed on the hard disks in the notebook computers without
prior approval from Computer Operations.
Any user files on a notebook computer must be removed by the user
before the computer is returned. MSC Computer Operations is not
responsible for the loss of any information on the computer.
MSC Computer Operations does not provide support apart from
its normal operating hours and staffing patterns unless prior
arrangements have been made. Since the MSC does not maintain its
own modem system for remote user access, each user should contact
their access service provider for assistance with dial-in access.
MSC Computer Operations may require a user to receive training
in the proper use and management of a resource prior to taking
custody of the resource. The user will be responsible for ensuring
that all procedural requirements including proper storage and
record keeping are fulfilled.
Any problems with the borrowed resources must be described in
writing at the time the computer is checked in to Computer Operations
personnel. Failure to comply with this requirement may result
in loss of the privilege of borrowing computing resources in the
future.
The MSC Student Programs Office is pleased to have these portable
Technology Resources available for use and appreciates your assistance
in helping to keep the resource operating at an optimal level
of effectiveness.