Policies & Procedures

Computer Lab Policies

To help ensure the smooth operation of the labs please follow the policies and procedures listed below.

• Eating, drinking and the use of tobacco are not allowed at any time.
• Connection of personal equipment to our network is prohibited.
• Removal of documentation, software, or equipment from the labs is prohibited.
• Software in the labs is subject to copyright licensing agreements. Copying or removing software from the labs is considered theft and is a violation of U.S. copyright laws.
• Please leave the station ready for the next patron. Leave the monitor on the login screen, pick up all your papers and push in your chair.
• Abuse of computing resources is considered a serious offense that may result in disciplinary action by the University and loss of computing privileges. Responsible use of computing resources includes:
1. Using hardware and software properly.
2. Respecting the privacy of other users; do not try to access any files that belong to another user.
3. Respecting other users who want to be in a quiet environment that is free of interruptions. (i.e.: no cell phone use in the labs)
4. Backing up your own data and protecting your own information. 

Lab Reservations for Classes

Instructors may reserve equipment for hands-on instruction in academic classes. For policy and procedures on reserving a lab for your class, refer to the Scheduling & Reservations section of this site. Lab reservations may be made by calling 243-HELP (x4357) (follow the voice-mail prompts) or e-mailing ITLabRequest@Umontana.edu.

Adaptive Hardware and Software

Adaptive equipment for students with disabilities is provided in all IT labs and the access center in Mansfield Library 209 (ask for a key at the library circulation desk, Griz Card required).

Lost and Found Items

Griz Cards are returned to the Griz Card Office in the University Center . Keys, wallets and other valuables will be taken to Campus Security so that they may be picked after office hours. All other items left in a IT lab and recovered by a IT staff member are hand delivered to the IT Central's Front Counter in Social Science 120.

Reminders

Remember to bring your own labeled storage media with you for storing any files you want to keep. It is wise to make a backup copy of any important files. Permanent file storage is not provided in the labs and files left on the computers are done so at your own risk. Temporary, unsecured storage is provided on our Work directory which is mapped as the W: drive on all lab machines. The Work directory and lab computers are cleaned out periodically throughout the semester.

In some labs the software is stored on the network server and only a certain number of copies can be used at one time. If you try to run a program and it is not available, then the maximum number of users has already been reached. Wait a short time and try again. Not all software provided in the labs is supported by IT. Supported software indicates that IT staff maintain the software and that questions may be directed to the IT Central consultants. WordPerfect, Windows, and Microsoft Office are some of the supported programs offered. Some software has been installed at the request of instructors, and questions regarding that software must be directed to the instructor.

Where to Get Help

The lab monitors are responsible for maintaining a quiet work environment, lab security, and reporting problems with equipment; monitors are sometimes able to help you with general problems, but they are not expected to be consultants. If the monitor cannot help you, contact IT Central in Social Science 120 (phone 243-HELP). The consulting hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday (schedules are subject to change).

When you come in for consulting please bring a record of any error messages you have received and a record of the steps you have already taken to solve the problem. Please remember that not all software in the labs is supported by the IT Central staff.