Computer Lab Rules & Usage Policy
By using services at the ITS Computer Lab (“the lab”), you agree to all ITS Computer Lab rules and usage policies, as well as the Student Conduct Code, the Use and Management of Information Technology Resource Policy (E2.210), and Hamilton Library Use and Conduct Policy. Any person found in violation of these rules and/or policies may be asked to leave the premises, and may be refused future usage of Computer Lab services. Such persons may be subject to the sanctions of suspension, prosecution, forfeiture, warning and restitution, as well as criminal penalties and civil fines, and may be accountable to University and civil authorities (city, state, or federal).
General Usage Policies
- Food and beverages are NOT permitted in the ITS Computer Lab with the exception of water in a resealable, leak-proof bottle or container.
- Computer Lab use is intended only for educational purposes or official University business. Commercial/political use of the lab equipment is strictly prohibited. You may be asked to leave the lab immediately if:
- You are using a station for non-educational purposes (ex: pornography, games, social media, etc.)
- You are using a computer in a manner which violates the student conduct code.
- The Computer Lab is designated as a collaborative space, however, please keep loud conversations and disruptive behavior to a minimum. If disrupting others, you may be asked to leave the lab.
- Cell phone use is permitted in the Computer Lab, however, please silence ringers and keep cell phone conversations as quiet as possible. If disrupting others, you may be asked to leave the lab.
- Due to the limited number of stations, patrons may only use a single station at a time. If you leave the lab area, you are giving up your station and may have to wait in line if there is a waiting list when you return. Stations CANNOT be reserved. No exceptions.
- DO NOT relocate chairs or furniture to or from the Computer Lab.
- Personal belongings such as bags, skateboards, etc., should be kept underneath the desk you are using and should be kept clear of any access aisles OR areas where they would present a hazard to other lab patrons, staff, or equipment.
- DO NOT leave personal belongings unattended. Computer Lab staff are not responsible for patrons’ personal belongings and any unattended items found will be handed over to the library's lost and found.
Device Usage Policies
- DO NOT move the Computer Lab equipment or disconnect any cables from equipment.
- DO NOT change any of the computer settings or install any software.
- Patrons seated at a Computer Lab Bring-Your-Own-Device (BYOD) station may plug their personal devices (laptops, tablets, smartphones) into the station’s dock or monitor using the provided USB-C cable. Please do not disconnect the provided USB-C cable from any BYOD station.
- If seated at a Computer Lab workstation, please save any personal data to cloud storage (such as your Google@UH account) or local USB storage (such as a flash drive). Data stored on Computer Lab workstations is deleted after use or if the computer is left idle.
- If seated at a Computer Lab workstation, please remember to RESTART the computer when you are finished or if you will be leaving your computer unattended to ensure your data is not retained.
Copying or distributing software and other digital material without the permission of the copyright owner is illegal. Any person found to be illegally copying or distributing software or other digital material using Computer Lab devices may be asked to leave the premises and may be refused future usage of Computer Lab services. Such persons may be subject to the sanctions of suspension, prosecution, forfeiture, warning and restitution, as well as criminal penalties and civil fines, and may be accountable to University and civil authorities (city, state, or federal). Please refer to our copyright policies.
Computer Lab Procedures
Checking In
You do not need to check in with a lab monitor. To use a computer in any of the ITS computer labs, simply go to any available computer and login with your UH Username and Password. You must have a current active UH student, faculty, or staff affiliation to be able to authenticate with the lab computers. If you do not have a valid UH Username, have forgotten your password, or are having problems logging into a computer, please see an ITS lab monitor for assistance.
If you are in a special program (such as SCVP, SEED, HELP, etc.) or class that is authorized to use one of our labs, you may login to the computers with your VIA (Visitor Internet Access) login and password. Consult with your department or program for information regarding VIA access.
Waiting List
In all ITS Computer Labs, users who wish to use a computer will need to sign the waiting list if no computers are available. Once a user logs out of the machine, the lab monitor will instruct the next person in line to sit at the computer and login. If you are not present when a computer becomes available, you will lose your spot on the waiting list and will need to sign in again.
Time Limit
There is no time limit on the use of computers as long as there are no people waiting. A time limit of two hours per session will be enforced when there are people waiting. Anyone who is using a computer for more than two hours per session may be asked by an ITS lab monitor to give up the computer to the next person on the waiting list.
Saving Your Work
You must bring in USB media if you are planning to save your work. All documents saved to the computer will be removed, upon reboot/log off.
The ITS Computer Labs will not be responsible for loss of data, damage, loss of personal items, or personal injury. It is your responsibility to maintain periodic backups of your data.
Announcements
Important announcements and general information may be posted near the service counter areas.