CS :: Academic Support - Bellevue Community College

Effective Date: 7/10/2003 â Date Last Modified: 10/28/2008

Policy Contact: Dean, Information Resources

POLICY

Bellevue Community College (BCC) provides students access to sophisticated computing technology resources in numerous labs and computer classrooms across campus. Because the student population on campus is very dynamic and diverse, it is imperative that careful articulation of the policies, expectations, and standards for use of these resources be provided to them, and to the BCC staff and faculty who support those students in their educational endeavors. This policy is intended to meet that imperative, and to provide all campus users with guidelines for responsible and appropriate use of these campus computing and technology resources.

Applicability

This policy applies to all BCC employees, students and/or non-employees who may be authorized to use any BCC Computer Labs, as defined by this policy. Individuals will be notified in writing of these policies before being granted permission to use the lab resources.

This policy supplements BCC Policy #4400 – “Acceptable Use of State Resources”, policy # 5150 – “Acceptable Use of the BCC Network and Data Management Systems”, and policy # 5000 – “Acceptable Use of BCC Computers.” All of the tenets of those policies, and any other relevant BCC policies, procedures, and/or standards apply to the use of the assets defined in this policy. BCC users will also apply this policy when using a technology resource provided in a BCC computer lab to navigate through networks or computing systems beyond the local system.

Authority

The primary responsibility for all aspects of the operation of computer labs on campus rests with the Director of Computing Services. The Director has the authority to interpret this policy, all BCC IT security policies and standards, and any directives from the state or the college administration regarding student computing, the physical and virtual facilities used to support campus computing, and the Student network.

The Computing Services Director, and/or an authorized designee, may post in any computer lab those signs, posters, and announcements necessary to provide the users of that lab with the information required to properly use the lab resources, and/or to comply with the responsibilities and expectations of BCC policies. These postings may be made through traditional print means, or by electronic means, and may include policies, procedures, and excerpts of policies, usage requirements and/or any other information deemed appropriate by the Director.

BCC, through its administrative representatives, reserves the right to determine, at any time, what constitutes appropriate use of BCC technology resources and the BCC network resources, access and/or any computing services provided by BCC.

Goals

The goals of the BCC Computer Labs Policy are to:

Provide a computer lab environment across campus that is supportive of learning.
Help assure the integrity and reliability of the BCC internal networks, hosts on those networks, and any computing resource connected to them.
Ensure the security and privacy of the BCC computer systems and networks.
Establish appropriate guidelines for the use of BCC-owned technology.

Use of BCC Computer Labs

The primary purpose of the BCC computer labs is to provide computing technology resources for students and to facilitate the exchange of information related to, and in furtherance of, the education, research, public service, and administrative missions of the college.

The use of BCC computer labs will be consistent with all BCC policies and with the purposes and objectives of BCC and the Community and Technical College system (see Washington State Executive Order 91-10, Sec. III [A] and RCW 42.52).

Permission

It is not the intent of this policy to limit academic freedom in any way, but to provide an appropriate avenue for the proper exercise of those freedoms.

Authorized users of BCC Computer Labs may:

Use BCC-owned computers, programs and data at the individual’s authorized access level.
Use BCC-provided networking, including access to the Internet.
Use computing and networking facilities and resources in a manner that is consistent with the mission and educational purpose of BCC.

Prohibitions

Using BCC technology resources for uses and/or communications that are specifically prohibited in Policy #4400 – “Acceptable Use of State Resources”, or which violate any other BCC policy and/or state and federal rule or law is strictly forbidden.

Those specifically prohibited uses of any BCC technology resource include:

Subverting, attempting to subvert, or assisting others to subvert or breach the security of any BCC network or technology resource, or to facilitate unauthorized access.
Use of any BCC technology resource to create, disseminate or execute self-replicating or destructive programs (e.g., viruses, worms, Trojan horses).
Participating in activities involving disclosure or masquerading as defined in this policy.
Viewing, copying, altering or destroying data, software, documentation, or data communications belonging to BCC, or to another individual, without permission.
Individuals allowing another individual (authorized or not to use the BCC technology resource) to use their login account password.
Using BCC computing resources for personal or private financial gain without written authorization.

Access to Computing Labs

BCC computer labs are open for computer use only by authorized faculty, staff, and currently enrolled BCC students. Non-student adult visitors may be allowed in monitored labs, including the Open Lab, to assist or tutor currently enrolled students provided they do not personally use or attempt to use the computer resources. In the event of a non-student visitor violating any provisions of this policy or the Computer Labs Procedures, the lab manager for the specific lab may call the Public Safety office for assistance in removing the individual from the lab. Non-student visitors will not be allowed into any unmonitored lab.

Faculty and staff may only use BCC computer labs in furtherance of their support of the learning objectives of BCC students. BCC computer labs will not be used to perform duties or tasks normally performed in the employee’s office environment.

All authorized lab users must agree to and abide by all BCC policies, including BCC Policy #4400 – “Acceptable Use of State Resources”, policy # 5150 – “Acceptable Use of the BCC Network and Data Management Systems”, and policy # 5000 – “Acceptable Use of BCC Computers.” Access to any BCC computing lab is controlled by login and password-secured accounts managed through the BCC student network. The procedures to obtain permission to use the computer lab resources and the Student network are described in the BCC procedures document, 5300P - “Computer Labs Procedures”.

Permission and privileges for authorized lab users to utilize these student computing facilities may be withdrawn for any violation of BCC IT security policies, standards and procedures. The process provided to adjudicate the loss of these privileges is described in the BCC procedures document 5300P - “Computer Labs Procedures”.

Student Network

All computer labs, computer classrooms, and electronic classrooms at BCC are connected to the Student network. Student accounts regularly provide access to the resources available on this network, but the accounts normally assigned to BCC staff and faculty provide access to the BCC Administrative network only. Login names and passwords used to access the Administrative network will not function on the Student network.

This means any non-student wishing to use the computers in any electronic classroom, computer lab or computer classroom must have a student network login account created for them by Computing Services, following the processes described in the BCC procedures document, 5300P - “Computer Labs Procedures”.

Labs and Classrooms

BCC provides four different types of computing facilities for use in supporting student learning on campus. These policies apply equally in all these facilities, unless exceptions are otherwise specifically stated. These facilities are: electronic classrooms, computer classrooms, specialized computer labs, and open computer labs.

· Electronic Classrooms

Electronic classrooms on campus provide multimedia capabilities for instruction from a single, centralized instructor station. These rooms are scheduled for use in the same manner as any other classroom at BCC following standard BCC policies and procedures. Requests for installation of software on any computing resource in an electronic classroom will follow the process described in the BCC procedures document, 5300P - “Computer Labs Procedures”.

· Computer Classrooms

BCC has available computer labs for use by instructors wishing to provide hands-on technical instruction in a classroom environment. These labs are only available for use during those times that have been specifically scheduled. The processes for scheduling the use of available computer classrooms and for requesting installation of software on any computing resource in a lab are described in the BCC procedures document, 5300P - “Computer Labs Procedures”.

· Specialized Labs

BCC has a number of computer labs dedicated to specific programs on campus and equipped with specialized hardware and software devoted to supporting the program’s unique educational mission. These labs support such varying disciplines as Physics, Music, Math and Writing, and are often assigned to students as a part of their regular class work. These labs are staffed by faculty and/or lab assistants who provide additional tutorial assistance within the program’s specialty.

Use of these labs may be restricted to users taking the specific classes supported by the facility, and/or to users who have paid a separate, specialized lab fee. Anyone interested in using a specialized lab resource should contact the specific lab for hours of operation and the requirements for use. A current list of specialized labs is available on the academic support website at: http://ac.bellevuecollege.edu.

· Open Labs

All computers in a BCC open lab will have a standard software image containing the general productivity software used on campus. Most of the campus specialized software applications will be installed in the lab unless, or until, it compromises the system. Because of the expense of licensing software, there may be limited copies of most specialized software available. Information concerning what specific software is installed on which specific machines in an open lab will be made available at the front counter of that lab.

Lab Assistants

Computing Services is responsible for hiring, training, and supervising most lab assistants. The primary exception is those lab assistants in specialized labs: this hiring may be done either by the division primarily using that resource or by Computing Services in consultation with the division. Lab assistants in the open labs are available to provide users with assistance in using the hardware and software, but are not tutors, and are specifically prohibited from working on student assignments. In specialized labs, assistants may perform tutorial functions, as well as technical support functions.

Security Rights

BCC users are granted standard security privileges, or access, to the computing equipment in BCC computer labs sufficient to accomplish their educational goals. Additional security privileges, if needed, can be requested from Computing Services; individual decisions to elevate security rights will be made by a network system administrator. The business impact of the request will be considered and will be balanced against the potential risk and threat to the student network, using the BCC IT Security Standard addressing Security Privileges as a guideline.

Sensitive Materials

All BCC computer labs are considered shared public places. Users should be aware that some materials accessed on the Internet may be considered controversial, offensive, inappropriate or inaccurate. BCC asks users, out of consideration for others, to take care not to display, or broadcast in any BCC-shared public place, any images, sounds, or messages that could create an atmosphere of discomfort, harassment or intimidation for others, and to refrain from transmitting such images, sounds or messages to others using BCC computing resources. Viewing materials which create a hostile work environment will not be permitted. Violations of this prohibition may result in action as described in the “Investigations” and “Sanctions” sections of the BCC procedures document, 5300P - “Computer Labs Procedures”.

In some situations, the display or broadcast of such materials is necessary to further a legitimate educational purpose. In these cases, BCC asks that users be sensitive to the public nature of shared facilities and make arrangements to access these materials in a private environment.

General Lab Rules

· Prohibited Uses

Computing labs will only be used for legitimate academic purposes. Food, drink, smoking, bicycles, and pets (appropriate guide-animals are exceptions) are not permitted.

· Noise

All BCC computer labs are intended to be quiet work and study environments, similar to a library. Users are encouraged to:

· Avoid excessive noise, keeping the level of conversational noise at a minimum.

· Turn off or set cell phones and pagers to vibrate.

· Take cell phone conversations outside the lab.

· Use headphones any time music is played, either from the computer or from personally-owned devices.

Violations of this prohibition may result in action as described in the “Investigations” and “Sanctions” sections of the BCC procedures document, 5300P - “Computer Labs Procedures”.

· Children in Labs

BCC Computer Labs are learning resources whose primary audience is adults. Children under the age of 16 will not be allowed in any BCC computer lab unless specific written authorization has been granted by the Director of Computing Services. The primary exception to this is when they are registered for an event or class. Violations of this prohibition may result in action as described in the “Investigations” and “Sanctions” sections of the BCC procedures document, 5300P - “Computer Labs Procedures”.

· Operating Hours

Lab hours will be posted in each lab. All users shall complete their work, including obtaining any printouts, before closing time. Users are not permitted to stay in the computer lab areas after closing time. Refusal to comply may result in action as described in the “Investigations” and “Sanctions” sections of the BCC procedures document, 5300P - “Computer Labs Procedures”.

· Printing

Printers are provided in most BCC computer labs as a privilege for student use only; faculty should never print in a lab. Because printing costs are the single highest expense in maintaining the BCC computing resources, users should exercise discretion in the use of printers in computing labs. Most programs have print preview functions which should be used prior to printing any final document. Print usage on the student network will be actively monitored for abuse. Those users identified as printing excessively will be notified and asked to comply with this policy. Refusal to comply may result in action as described in the “Investigations” and “Sanctions” sections of the BCC procedures document, 5300P - “Computer Labs Procedures”.

· Data Storage

Users may not store any files on the hard drives of any lab computers without specific permission from Computing Services. Faculty may, for a class in which the ability to store files locally is a part of the classroom curriculum, negotiate blanket permission to do this for students enrolled in their class. Users are encouraged to save often and to make frequent backups of their storage media.

· Bumping

All computers in an open lab are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Users accessing software available on another open computer may be asked by lab assistants to vacate a computer with specialized software required by another user and to move to another computer which provides the software they need. Furthermore, any student using any lab computer for non-educational purposes may be bumped by a lab assistant to allow a student needing the computer for educational purposes access. Refusal to comply may result in action as described in the “Investigations” and “Sanctions” sections of the BCC procedures document, 5300P - “Computer Labs Procedures”.

· Lost/stolen Property

BCC cannot be responsible for lost or stolen items left in any lab. Items left in the Open Lab will be sent to the public safety office. Users should label all media with their name for easy identification, if misplaced.

· Aggressive Behavior

Aggressive behavior will not be tolerated in any BCC Computer Lab. If necessary, lab assistants will report incidents that cannot be resolved in a quiet, orderly manner to the lab manager and/or to the Public Safety office, if needed. Refusal to comply may result in action as described in the “Investigations” and “Sanctions” sections of the BCC procedures document, 5300P - “Computer Labs Procedures”. Problems will be escalated to the Associate Dean of Student Success for resolution.

· Clean workspaces

For safety reasons, it is important that computer lab users make an effort to keep aisles clear of books and backpacks. Additionally, coats or backpacks should not be placed on computers or on tables which have been provided as workspaces in the labs. Any materials brought into a computer lab should be taken out when the user leaves. After classes held in computer labs, instructors will clean any whiteboard, ensure that students have cleaned their workspaces, and clean up any printing area.

· Equipment in Labs

No equipment in any classroom lab may be moved within the classroom or removed from a lab without permission of the Director of Computing Services. This includes all computer hardware, including monitors, mice and keyboards and peripheral devices, such as surge protectors or printers. No user should disconnect any technology resources from any computer or network connection, nor move any tables upon which computing equipment rests without prior approval. All damaged equipment discovered in any lab should be reported to a lab assistant, if present, or by the instructor to Computing Services, in the case of unattended labs.

· Unattended Workstation Security

Users logged into a computing resource in any BCC lab who physically leave the workstation they are using will electronically lock the computer, if possible. Under no circumstances will users leave a computer unattended for more than 15 minutes. Users should never leave their workstation unattended without first saving any data upon which they are working.

If a computer in the Open Lab is left unattended for more than 15 minutes, lab assistants may log the user off the computer to make it available for other users. Any personal effects in the area of the computer will be moved behind the counter for safekeeping until the owner returns.

· Hacking

Unauthorized access to accounts, files or data held on BCC computing systems, or the use of BCC computing systems and networks to access any other system without authority is a violation of these policies and potentially a criminal offense. Such unauthorized access is prohibited, and will be dealt with as described in the “Investigations” and “Sanctions” sections of the BCC procedures document, 5300P - “Computer Labs Procedures”.

RESPONSIBLITIES

All users of the BCC computer labs have a responsibility to know, understand, and comply with this policy, to understand their responsibilities, and to meet all the expectations of this and all other BCC IT Security policies and standards. These responsibilities include assumption of any civil and/or criminal liability which may arise from their individual use or misuse of BCC technology resources.

Bellevue Community College and its representatives also have responsibilities under this policy. These include the responsibilities for the logging and monitoring of the network and computing systems, and for the monitoring of electronic messaging systems as enumerated in BCC policy # 4400 – “Acceptable Use of State Resources”. Additional specific responsibilities include:

Policy Maintenance

· Computing Services (CS)

o The responsibility for maintenance and administration of this policy rests with the Director of Computing Services. CS has primary responsibility for the computer labs, electronic classrooms, and all issues related to student technology use at BCC. CS is responsible for drafting any updates and changes to the policies and procedures, with input from other information resources units, as needed.

· Information Resources (IR)

o An additional responsibility for maintenance and administration of this policy rests with the Dean of Information Resources. IR is responsible for reviewing and approving any updates and changes to the policies and procedures. IR may also distribute the policy for campus review and will submit it for final approval by the College President. Once the policy has been approved, IR will announce the new or revised policy to the campus providing a brief description of the policy and its implications for employees and other affected individuals or groups.

· Human Resources (HR)

o The Vice President of Human Resources is responsible for reviewing any updates and changes to this policy and procedures in light of current policies, providing input on the policy and its implications for employees and other affected individuals or groups.

PROCEDURES

The procedures in place to implement this policy are articulated in the separate document: “5300P Computer Labs Procedures.”

DEFINITIONS

All terms defined in BCC policy # 4400 – “Acceptable Use of State Resources” are applicable in this policy. In addition, the following are defined:

Software

· Unless otherwise stated, “software” refers to and includes all freeware, shareware, and third-party products, as well as commercially acquired products.

BCC Network

· This includes the Administrative and Student local area networks (LAN), the wide area networks (WAN) supporting sites separated from the main BCC campus, internet connectivity, networked infrastructure devices such as hubs, switches and servers, CTC-Net, and all other computers, networks and electronic messaging systems operated for the benefit of BCC employees and students.

BCC Technology Resources

· Includes, but is not limited to, BCC-owned desktop, laptop or mainframe computer hardware or software; software licenses; workstations; data systems; personal digital assistants; electronic messaging systems; E-mail systems; pagers; telephones—both wired and cellular; SCAN services; voice mail systems; fax machines; BCC network resources, whether wire-based or wireless; internet connections, accounts or access; and documentation photocopiers authorized by BCC to be used by employees, students and/or other campus users.

Disclosure

· This occurs when an unauthorized user gains access to information. Disclosure often occurs when messages are forwarded to unauthorized users.

Masquerading

· This is when a user presents him/herself to the system as another user. This may be done in order to gain unauthorized access to information or resources, to disseminate (mis)information in another’s name, or to block or deny a system from operating correctly.

Unauthorized Access

· Includes gaining access to accounts, resources, messages or files to which one is not granted privilege by the owner or sender.

RELEVANT LAWS AND OTHER RESOURCES

Revised Code of Washington
Washington Administrative Code

Washington State Department of Information Resources IT Security Policy
Washington State Ethics Board Rules

BCC Student Code

BCC Policy # 4400: “Acceptable Use of State Resources”

BCC Policy # 5000: “Acceptable Use of BCC Computers”

BCC Policy # 5100: “Software Licensing Compliance”

BCC Policy # 5150: “Acceptable Use of the BCC Network and BCC Data Management Systems”

BCC Policy # 5250: “Information Technology (IT) Security”

BCC Policy # 5350: “Use of BCC Computer Facilities by Outside Groups”