About Lab Policy
Table of Contents
Introduction
The Comprehensive Lab Usage Policy serves as a supplement to policies and procedures outlined in the Wesleyan University Computer Usage Policy and the Wesleyan Student Handbook. The items articulated herein expand and explicate issues relating specifically to faculty, student, and staff use of the Academic Computing Labs.
Mission Statement
The Academic Computing Labs strive to provide the computer resources necessary for the varied academic pursuits of the Wesleyan community.
Priority Use
In general, priority use of Academic Computing Lab computers is given to those using academic applications. Because many classes now employ email and Web research as integral curricular components, priority is given to usage categories rather than specific applications.
Overarching priority is granted to servicing by ITS staff and student consultants.
Pre-reserved classes
Top priority is automatically conferred to faculty conducting pre-reserved classes in designated learning centers. This privilege automatically extends for ten minutes before and after the reserved time. While faculty members reserve the entire Learning Center, they can, at their discretion, allow students other than those their class to use open computers. If you need to reserve a computing lab (ST or PAC lab ) for classes or workshop you can request it by email to hflores@wesleyan.edu.
Machine-specific applications
Certain machines have applications or peripheral hardware not available on other lab machines. Individuals intending to use these unique applications or peripherals, including scanners, slide scanners, dedicated printers, projection equipment, CD burners, video capture cards, and sound editing equipment, receive second-level priority.
Instructional applications
Instructional applications are defined as applications that are used in class assignments that are found only in the lab affiliated with the classes academic division. They are further defined as those applications found in the Instructional Applications folder on lab computers. Because of the limited access to these applications and their integral role in classes employing Information Technology, third-level priority is conferred to users of these applications.
Academic uses of applications
All non-instructional applications used for academic purposes receive fourth-level priority. These include academic uses of Web Browsers and email.
Use of applications for nonacademic, non-recreation purposes receives fifth-level priority. Such uses include work on resumes and cover letters; job research; and work done for WSA-sanctioned extracurricular activities, faculty, and/or staff.
Recreational uses of applications
Recreational uses of applications receive lowest priority. These include nonacademic uses of Web Browsers and email.
Etiquette
Users of the Academic Computing Labs are expected to abide by all strictures and regulations contained in the Wesleyan University Blue Book. In addition, the following regulations are to be observed by all users of the Academic Computing Labs.
Respect for the lab and lab computers
Users of the Academic Computing Labs must remember that these are public facilities. As such, users are required to preserve the cleanliness of the labs.
Users may not install applications that interfere with the functionality of standard applications.
User may not, under any circumstances, delete applications or icons from lab computers or reconfigure lab computers.
Users, while not forbidden from installing non-interfering programs on computers for their personal use, are required to uninstall these programs when they leave the lab.
Recognizing that a zero-tolerance food policy is unenforceable and impractical, users of the Academic Computing Labs are asked to refrain from bringing into labs foods that stain or crumble. Users are similarly required to drink only from beverage containers with a permanent top while in the lab. Consultants have full discretion to confiscate food and drink that can, in their opinion, damage computers or the lab.
Respect for consultants and other users
Users are expected to respect the working environment of other users. Music should be kept to a personally audible level. Talking should be kept to a minimum and at a volume that does not distract other users from their work. The labs are not a social space!
Time restrictions
Because the labs are open to the entire Wesleyan community it is essential that each machine be used to its full potential at all times. This means that "camping out" at a machine while writing a paper and then leaving for a meal or to go to the library is unacceptable. If a machine is left unattended by a user for more than fifteen minutes, consultants or other users are allowed and expected to move the user's belongings to the side and use the machine.
Procedures
Reserving labs
Faculty can reserve PAC Lab, ST Lab, and CFA Lab for any duration during the normal hours of operation for the learning center. Reservations should be directed to the Manager of Academic Computing Labs via email. This email should include the date, time, and duration of the reservation request as well as the course number, the number of students participating in the lab, and the software that is to be used.
Faculty may also request to reserve HAS Lab, Olin Lab, and Keck Lab. The availability of these labs will be determined at the discretion of the Manager of Academic Computing Labs.
Upon reserving the learning center, faculty should expect preliminary confirmation of their reservation via email and final confirmation via campus mail within three business days after the request was placed.
Faculty intending to reserve a learning center who have not previously taught in that learning center should contact the Manager of Academic Computing Labs for a personal tutorial.
Faculty intending to use nonstandard software on lab machines should notify the Manager of Academic Computing Labs as far in advance as possible, preferably before the start of the semester, in order that the software may be properly installed and tested before classes begin.
Requesting addition of software to lab computers
Requests for the addition of software to Lab Computers should be directed to the faculty member's Academic Computing Lab Manager. Requests should be made as far in advance as possible, preferably before the start of the semester in which the applications are to be used, in order that the applications may be properly installed and tested. New software purchases should be directed to the faculty member's Academic Computing Manager. Requested software must not duplicate existing applications.
Comments, suggestions, and complaints
All comments, suggestions, and complaints should be sent directly to the Manager of Academic Computing Labs at the e-mail address labmanager@wesleyan.edu. Further contact information will be posted in each of the labs.