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Access Policy

All currently enrolled students and employees of the college are permitted to use the Otis Computer Center during posted Open-Access hours. The Computer Center includes all the open-access labs, computer classrooms and Library computers. Computer classrooms are designated for scheduled classes primarily but may be used for open-access outside of the class schedule. It is up to each faculty member whether to permit other students to use the computers in a classroom during class time. Students may use the Open-Access Lab for course work and assignments only during posted hours. Extended-access hours are provided during the last two weeks of each semester and will be posted outside of the Computer Center. Students may also obtain written approval for after-hours access to designated labs from their department and Academic Computing Services. Please refer the After-Hours Access Policy for more information. The open-access hours for each semester are posted on the Computer Center main doors or by calling the ACS office

Rules and Procedures

Individuals using the lab are expected to observe all of the rules of the Computer Center. Violating any of these rules can result in loss of extended hour privileges or exclusion from the Computer Center for the remainder of the term. Prohibited activities include but are not limited to:

- Copying or removing software from any of the computers.
- Installing unauthorized software on any computer.
- Changing the computer systems configuration.
- Connecting unapproved hardware devices to a computer.
- Disconnecting any of the lab equipment.
- Unauthorized duplication of licensed software.
- Excessive noise or loitering.
- Food or drink.
- Loading personal paper in printers.
- Using spray adhesive.
- Cutting on tabletops or counters.
- Unauthorized access to servers or network.

Students enrolled in computer classes have priority on the open-access computers and classrooms. Students who are not enrolled in computer classes may use the open-access computers only. Internet access is provided on all the computers in the labs, classrooms and Library. Please refer to the Responsible Use Policy for appropriate use.

Data Storage

Individuals are responsible for backing up and storing all personal data. The Computer Center provides access several types of removable media devices for data storage. Server-based volumes are also provided on the network for backup of class work. Students may also temporarily store data in the “Student Work Folder” on any computer's local hard drive. The network “Transfer” volume is for transferring data via the network only and may not be used for data storage. Any data located in the Transfer Volume may be deleted at any time without notice.

(Otis College and its employees are not responsible for maintaining or securing data lost on any of the college’s network server volumes or computer hard drives. Users are responsible for making backups of all work stored on the servers or computers.)