Lab Rules

The Learning Commons & Open Labs provide computer and Internet access to students, faculty, staff and community users as an extension of our commitment to meeting the information needs of South Texas College. All computer use must adhere to the college's Acceptable Use of Information Resources policy.

Although computers should primarily be used for educational purposes, limited personal use is allowed. South Texas College students with classwork and research needs have priority access to Open Labs computers. Computers may not be used for commercial activities.
Users must log in using their college credentials or community user credentials.
- If a student or employee does not know his/her college credentials, please see a lab employee for assistance.
- Community users with a valid library Community User card may request computer login credentials from lab staff. Here you can learn how to obtain a Community User card.
The use of cell phones is not permitted in the open labs. We ask for students to assist us in maintaining a productive and professional learning environment.
Patrons should respect the privacy of other users, and should refrain from attempting to view or read material being used by others.
Computer users must present a South Texas College ID or community user card, if requested.
Internet access and specific types of hardware or software may sometimes be unavailable due to technical problems.

Acceptable Use of Information Resources

It is important that you read and understand this policy before using lab computers.

All computer usage must comply with South Texas College’s Acceptable Use of Information Resources policy. This includes, but is not limited to, the following activities:

Computers are not to be used for any fraudulent or unlawful purpose, including any activities prohibited under applicable federal, state, or local laws. This includes any activity that is a violation of copyright or other intellectual property laws.
Do not attempt to circumvent or breach workstation, network or host security within the Open Labs, the college, or at other Internet sites, or to otherwise compromise the operation of, or access to these systems resources.
Do not participate in any of the following prohibited activities:
- Accessing restricted information or resources.
- Introducing viruses or other harmful or malicious software.
- Modifying computer hardware and/or software.
- Encrypting communications to avoid security review.
Do not display or print graphic materials that may be objectionable or offensive. Posting messages or accessing materials that are abusive, obscene, sexually-oriented, threatening, harassing, damaging to another reputation, or illegal is prohibited.

User Responsibilities

Users are responsible for not engaging in disruptive behavior. This includes activities such as:

Any behavior that endangers the safety and health of others
Violation of any college policy or local state, or federal law
Vandalism or deliberate destruction of lab materials
Theft of lab materials or the personal property or other patrons or staff members
Deliberate disruption of lab procedures
Loud talking, laughing, or abusive language that could disturb other patrons

Users are responsible for their computer account and any activities which are performed under their username.

All computer usage must comply with South Texas College’s Acceptable Use of Information Resources policy. Please carefully read and make sure you understand this policy before using lab computers.
Do not provide your username and password to any other individual. It is the user’s responsibility to log off of their account at the end of each session.
Lab users, not Open Labs or its staff, are responsible for the Internet information they select and/or access. The Internet accommodates a highly diverse population of users and creators, and the Open Labs has no control over the content, quality, or accuracy; therefore, it is the individual user's responsibility to use this resource wisely.
Posting personal information is done at the risk of the user.

Users are responsible for their personal belongings.

The Open Labs will not be held responsible for unattended items.
Unattended items will be transferred to the college's Department of Public Safety to ensure safety and security of the items.
Users will need to contact the Department of Public Safety to retrieve their items.

Consequences of Unacceptable Actions

Users who do not comply with the college's computer use policy, lab rules, and the Student Code of Conduct are subject to the following:

Suspension of access to computers and the Internet.
Revocation of user account.
Other disciplinary or legal action, in accordance with South Texas College policy or procedure and applicable civil and/or criminal law.

Be aware that computer screens may be monitored remotely by lab staff who can lock workstations that are being used in an unacceptable manner.

Minors

Children under the age of 18 years (other than students enrolled in South Texas College classes) must be accompanied by a parent or guardian in the computer labs; however, they are not allowed to use the computers. The parent or accompanying adult is responsible for ensuring that children are not disruptive.
High School students, including minors, who are enrolled in any South Texas College sponsored class or program and who have been issued valid South Texas College login credentials, have access to computers. South Texas College treats all college students as adults; therefore, it does not place age-based restrictions on user activities, nor does it filter web content. For further information on college policies relating to High School Students enrolled at South Texas College, please contact the Dual Credit Department.

Community Users

Community users must have a valid Community User card from library staff to be able to use lab computers. Here you can learn how to obtain a Community User card.