Computer Lab Use Guidelines

In order to promote a productive work environment, the following policies are in effect at all CSS computer facilities. Because security of the CSS computer labs is critical to the success of 24-hour access, you are responsible for secure and orderly use of the labs at all times.

Authorized Users
Only faculty, staff, and students currently enrolled in College of Engineering classes may use the equipment. If someone who does not have an engineering computer account is discovered using the facilities, s/he may be asked to leave the lab.

Computers Not Being Used
To set the screen lock on a Windows computer, press Ctrl + Alt + Del and select Lock Computer. The screen lock software automatically activates after 10 minutes of idle time. You can be logged in but away from a lab Windows computer for 30 minutes, after which you are logged out. You can activate the screen lock or let the 10 minutes elapse; in either case you remain logged in a total of 30 minutes with no activity. When you move the mouse of a screen locked computer, you’ll see a dialogue box in the middle of the screen and the length of time left before logout at the bottom left. Any user can log off a screen-locked computer, but we suggest that you do so only if the screen has been locked for at least 10 minutes.

On Linux workstations, from the K/Start Menu select Leave, then Lock.

CSS staff are authorized to logoff any computer left unattended for an extended amount of time.

Cleaning time
Custodial services have priority during their scheduled time and users are expected to leave the lab promptly at cleaning time. Please respect custodial staff requests to leave the lab during cleaning times. Review the lab cleaning schedule.

Complaints
Please submit any complaints to a CSS staff member, 1256 SC, or send a message to suggestion@engineering.uiowa.edu.

Food, drink, and smoking
No food, drink, or tobacco of any kind is allowed in the labs at any time. Please leave food and drink on the tables at the entrances to the labs. Users that are found with food or drink at a workstation may be penalized.

Games
Students who need to work on homework assignments have priority. People using game software may be asked to make that computer available to students waiting to do homework.

Hardware/software problems
Please report any problems you have with software or hardware to CSS staff, 1256 or 1253 SC, 335-5055. If equipment in the labs is broken, please don't attempt to fix it. Come to the CSS consulting office, 1253 SC, or send mail describing the problem and naming the computer involved to the consultant as soon as possible. Do not turn off the computers.

Noise
Keep the volume of computer speakers and other sound devices to a minimum. Avoid offensive language and loud speech.

Printing
If a printer is out of paper, report empty printer paper trays to a consultant, 335-5055, 1253 SC. If no consultant is on duty, send email. If possible, send your file to another printer. If no print options exist, you must wait until an CSS staff member restocks the paper.

Printing Reimbursement
Reimbursement is provided if the printer malfunctions. As soon as you notice a problem with your output from a laser printer, report it to the consulting office, 1253 SC. Repeated printing in spite of equipment problems will not be refunded.

Resource Use
Do not leave workstations running programs overnight without permission from CSS staff. If permission is not obtained, the staff is authorized to logoff the workstation.

24-hour access
The Elder and Hering computer labs are never locked, so if you have an Engineering computer account, you can use those labs 24 hours a day. The 1245 Henry Computer Classroom is locked after 9pm week nights and weekend morning and evenings. When the building or rooms are locked, you must use your access card to enter. If you need after hours access, get an access card in the CSS office, 1256 SC.

updated: 27 May 2006