The entire text of the BCC Computer Labs Policy follows. If desired, use the links below to jump to the identified section.

PURPOSE

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.  

This policy supplements the BCC Acceptable Use of State Resources Policy, the Acceptable Use of the BCC Network and Data Management Systems Policy, and the Acceptable Use of BCC Computers Policy.  All of the tenets of those policies, and any other applicable BCC policies, procedures, and/or standards apply to the use of the assets defined in this policy.  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. 

SCOPE

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.

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.

 POLICY

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 student computing, and the Academic 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. 

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).  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.

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.

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.

Using BCC Technology Resources for uses and/or communications that are specifically prohibited in the BCC Acceptable Use of State Resources Policy, 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 only to authorized faculty, staff, and currently enrolled BCC students.  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 lab users must agree to and abide by all BCC policies, including the Acceptable Use of State Resources Policy, the Acceptable Use of the BCC Network and Data Management Systems Policy, and the Acceptable Use of BCC Computers Policy.

Access to any BCC computing lab is controlled by login and password-secured accounts managed through the BCC Academic Network.  The procedures to obtain permission to use the computer lab resources and the Academic Network are described under “Procedures” below.

Permission and privileges 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 under “Procedures” below.

Academic Network

All computer labs, computer classrooms, and electronic classrooms at BCC are connected to the Academic 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 Academic (or student) network. 

This means any non-student wishing to use the computers in any electronic classroom, computer lab or computer classroom must have an Academic network login account created for them by Computing Services, following the processes described in the “Procedures” section below.

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 “Procedures” section below.

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 “Procedures” section below.

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 Web site at: http://ac.bcc.ctc.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 the Academic network System Administrator.  The business impact of the request will be considered and will be balanced against the potential risk and threat to the Academic Network, using the BCC IT Security Standard on 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 below.

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 below.

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 below.

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 below.

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 Academic 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 below. 

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 below. 

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 Public Safety, if needed.  Refusal to comply may result in action as described in the “Investigations” and “Sanctions” sections below. Problems will be escalated to the Dean of Student Services 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 offence.  Such unauthorized access is prohibited, and will be dealt with as described in the “Investigations” and “Sanctions” sections below.

RESPONSIBILITIES

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 the BCC Acceptable Use of State Resources.  Additional specific responsibilities include:

Policy Maintenance

Computing Services (CS)

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)

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)

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

These procedures apply to all BCC employees, students and non-employees who may be authorized to use the BCC Computing Labs. Compliance with these procedures will assure the integrity and reliability of these resources.

 Account Management

Creation of accounts for the Academic Network and for the computer labs at BCC are handled differently than are those accounts for the Administrative network.  However, the creation and use of these accounts are consistent with the practices and policies in place on the Administrative Network.

Student Permission for Use

Network

Only students enrolled for the current quarter will be authorized to use any BCC Academic Network resource, including computers. Student accounts will not have sufficient privileges to access the Administrative networking domain or Administrative computers.  Security measures on the Academic Network will ensure this separation is maintained. Therefore, a formal written request and approval process for creating student accounts is not required. 

The specific procedure for creation of student user login/e-mail accounts for use on the Academic network will be at the discretion of the Academic network System Administrator, with the approval of the Director of Computing Services. 

• Accounts may be requested by students and, when possible, processed, strictly by electronic means.
• Computing Services and the Academic network System Administrator will take all due care to ensure that only authorized, registered students are allowed to create user accounts for the Academic network.
• Student users must be notified of, and are expected to abide by, all expectations, responsibilities and guidelines of this policy, any other applicable BCC policies, standards, procedures, and applicable state and federal laws and rules.
• A student account may not be created on the Academic network until the Academic Network System Administrator has verified the student has read and agreed with this policy.
  • This notification and confirmation may be in electronic format and may be done with the use of a Web-based form requiring electronic acknowledgement by the student when requesting an account (using the information contained in the BCC Acceptable Use Policy Agreement Form).
  •  Login Banners that must be acknowledged before use of Academic network or computing resources, containing the same textual information, may also be used.
• Student users will be notified of the BCC IT Security Standard on Password Management, and will be expected to comply with its Password Security section.  In addition, they will be strongly encouraged, but not required, to comply with the Password Selection section of the same standard.
• Accounts and passwords of students not registered for the subsequent quarters will expire and will be disabled at the end of the last day of the quarter during Fall, Winter and Spring quarters.
• At the end of the last day of Summer quarter, all student user accounts and passwords will expire and be disabled.

Computing Services will maintain an electronically accessible copy of this policy and any related procedures and standards on the Academic Support Web site (http://ac.bcc.ctc.edu) and a printed copy in the Open Lab in N250 on the main campus.

 Non-network

Some computers provided for student use may not be attached to the BCC network.  These may either be set up with a generic login account, or may require the use of an appropriate student login account, depending on a security analysis of the purpose of the computer.  If individual login accounts are required to access these resources in order to protect these resources from misuse and/or accidental damage, the same procedures as that for requesting network login accounts will be followed, despite their lack of actual network connectivity.

 Employee and Non-Employee Permission for Use

Network

Before using any BCC Academic network resource, including computer labs, BCC employees and non-employees must have signed the BCC Acceptable Use Policy Agreement Form, as described in the Procedures section of the Acceptable Use of the BCC Network and BCC Data Management Systems policy. 

Once this has been done, the user may request an account on the Academic Network in person at the Computing Services office, or by submitting a request via the Web at http://tac.bcc.ctc.edu.

Non-network

Some BCC-owned computers in labs or classrooms may not be attached to the BCC network. However, to protect these resources from misuse and/or accidental damage, these resources will be configured by IR technical support personnel, or an authorized designee, to require the use of login accounts.  The same procedures for requesting network login accounts will be followed for this type of resource despite their lack of actual network connectivity.

 Additional Accounts

Students

Temporary login accounts may be created by the Academic Network System Administrator for use during the first week of any quarter in a specific classroom to allow student users a few days to acquire their personal accounts.  These accounts will be limited to the specific room, but may be used concurrently on as many computers as are in the room. Blank passwords will not be allowed for these accounts.

 Instructors

A single, generic local instructor login account and password may be created to provide faculty access to the computers in podiums in the electronic classrooms and labs across campus.  This account will have local standard user access privileges only.

Software Installation and Access

System administration, installation, upgrading and removal of software (including plug-ins and system patches), and repair of all BCC lab computers will be done by authorized BCC IR technical support personnel, or authorized designees authorized. Users authorized to use the BCC Computing Labs will not install any software applications, upgrades, patches or add-on software to any lab computer. Violation of this prohibition will result in loss of computer lab privileges.

Software installed in computer labs and electronic classrooms at BCC will be compliant with all policies and procedures regarding software installations detailed in the BCC IT Security Standard on Software Management, and with the BCC Software Licensing Compliance Policy.

In addition:

• BCC will not allow illegal copying of software.  Any software use in BCC computing labs which does not adhere to the BCC Software Licensing Compliance Policy is strictly prohibited and is grounds for disciplinary action and/or criminal prosecution.  For employees, violations will be treated in accordance with Human Resources policies and procedures; for student violations the disciplinary policies and procedures established by the Dean of Student Services will be followed.
• Computers in computing labs have been configured in accordance with the academic needs of the students using the specific facility.  Tampering with the files on any fixed or network drive, or any malicious mischief with any hardware or software, is grounds for disciplinary action.
• Any programs, files or documents downloaded from the Internet may not be stored or run on computer lab machines.
• Personally-owned program disks are not allowed in any lab.  Lab assistants may ask any user to present any disks for verification that they are indeed data disks.

Some software which operates from CD-ROM without requiring installation may not be pre-installed on Open Lab computers, but may instead be available for checkout from the counter area.  This software may not be used on any computers except those in the Open Lab.  Users checking out such software are required to leave their student ID cards as collateral until they return the software.  Users will not attempt to install this software on any lab system. 

Installation Requests

BCC will provide a standard package of software applications in each computer lab.  Generally this will include at least a word processing program, a database program, a spreadsheet program, and software with which to access the Internet, if such access is available in the lab.  Some specialized labs may not include this generic software.

Instructors wishing to make additional software applications available to their students for educational purposes, either in the Open Lab, in electronic classrooms, or in computer classrooms, may request such installation.

• Such requests may only be made by BCC faculty or staff. 
• Generally, software installations for labs must be requested to CS at least one quarter in advance of the required use, in order to provide BCC technical support personnel the opportunity to test the software for functionality and for compatibility with the installed software base on the computers for which it is intended.
• Sufficient notice prior to expected use is required for software installations in electronic classrooms.

Instructors may request that a specific number of copies of any application be made available for student use in the Open Lab. The Open Lab will maintain a minimum number of installations of copies of all software applications installed in any other classroom or lab on campus, provided a sufficient number of licenses are available.

• Shareware software will not be installed in BCC Labs and/or a classroom unless the appropriate number of licenses is purchased in compliance with the manufacturer’s licensing agreement and the BCC IT Security Standard on Software Management. 
• Demonstration and/or trial software may be installed in a lab or classroom podium for the purpose of demonstration only, if such installation is compliant with the software licensing agreement.  Demonstration software may not be installed on the student computers in a lab; such use would constitute a hands-on, production use of the software.
• Students are not permitted to install software on any BCC-owned computer on campus unless such installations are a pre-authorized part of curriculum.

Divisions are responsible for funding the initial purchase of any software installed in any BCC computing lab.  Computing Services will provide funding for any subsequent upgrades from revenues from Student Technology Fees.

Lab Scheduling

• To schedule a lab for use as a full-time classroom during the quarter, instructors should contact their division secretaries.  Division secretaries may consult with Computing Services to resolve instructor technical needs.
• To schedule a lab for use during the quarter on a part-time or one-time basis, instructors or their representatives should contact Computing Services, by calling the Help Desk, or in person.  Labs available for periodic use are scheduled on a first-come, first served basis, so instructors should make such requests in as timely a manner as possible.  If an instructor needs software installed for their scheduled time in these labs, a request should be made in accordance with the “Installation Requests” section of this policy.  

Lab Rentals

BCC allows outside entities to take advantage of the excellent resources available in its computer labs by renting available facilities when those resources are not in use by the college.  The policies, standards and procedures related to the rental of BCC computing facilities are described in the BCC Computer Facilities Rental Policy.

Connection of Personal Computer/Telecommunications Equipment

BCC users may connect personal workstations to the BCC Network for short-term use in BCC computer labs.  The processes, procedures and requirements enumerated in the BCC IT Security Standard on Connecting Non-BCC Computer/Telecommunications Equipment to BCC Networks must be fulfilled before this type of connection may be made.

In addition, wireless connectivity is available in some BCC computer labs.  The processes, procedures and requirements for making such connections to the BCC Network are spelled out in the BCC IT Security Standard on Wireless Network Configuration.  BCC technical support personnel will provide information only and will not support or configure non-BCC equipment.

Reporting Problems in Labs

Technical problems in a computer lab staffed by a BCC employee, such as the Open Lab or specialized labs, should be reported to attending staff, who will ensure the problem report is passed on to the appropriate BCC technical support personnel.  In un-staffed electronic classrooms or computer classrooms being used by a class, any technical problems with computers should be reported to the instructor responsible for the lab.  Instructors should report technical problems to Computing Services at http://tac.bcc.ctc.edu.  Students do not have this access.

Power Outages/Backups/Saving

Computers cannot work without electrical power.  Though every precaution has been taken to reinforce the BCC power grid supporting the computer labs, occasionally the campus suffers power outages without warning.  If a computer loses power, any data that is not saved will be lost.  Therefore, it behooves each user using the resources available in the BCC computer labs to save their work frequently.  It cannot be assumed that the computer or the software being used is automatically saving data.  It is better to save every 10 minutes and risk losing 10 minutes work at most, than it is to save every 2 hours.

In addition, magnetic digital storage media, such as floppy disks, zip disks and even hard drives, sometimes inexplicably lose data.  This can be a catastrophic experience if a user has not sufficiently made backup copies of their data. In addition to frequently saving their work, Computing Services encourages computer lab users to make backup copies of any important personal data.

Physical Security

The entrances to campus labs, offices and classrooms will be accessible to authorized staff via key twenty-four hours a day, 365 days a year.

• All computer classrooms and labs will be locked when not in use.
• The primary means of access control to computer labs and classrooms is through the use of traditional metal keys that are individually assigned to authorized BCC employees.  Campus Operations should be contacted if a user needs to be permanently assigned a key to a room; issuance of such keys will follow the BCC College Keys Policy.  If a user needs to check a key out for short-term use, the key may be acquired through Campus Operations or their designee.
• Coded key-pads may also be used to limit access to certain computer classrooms and labs.  Key code records will be maintained by Campus Operations.
• All use of BCC computer labs must be supervised by authorized lab staff, teaching assistants and/or faculty.  Instructors scheduling the use of a lab must be present at all times while their classes are using the facilities.
  • Exception:  As described in the section entitled “Labs and Classrooms” above, certain specialized labs are designated for the use of students enrolled in specific courses and curriculum.  Some of these labs, located in the NWCET building, house computers with very specialized software installed.  Because these classrooms are in the same building as the Open Lab, unsupervised access to these labs is available under the following circumstances:
    • A list of classrooms available use, the programs supported, and currently authorized students is available each quarter at the desk in the Open Lab (N250).
    • Students must be currently enrolled in the program the particular classroom/lab supports.  For instance, the Media students can use the Media labs and students in an IT related program can use the IT labs.
    • The classroom/lab may only be used when it is not in use by a scheduled class and only during Open Lab business hours.
    • An authorized student desiring to use an N-building classroom/lab must sign-in at the desk in the Open Lab and leave their current BCC Student Identification Card.  The labs cannot be used without a valid BCC Student ID card.  An electronic method of sign-in may be used.
    • Open Lab personnel will unlock the room and let the student in the classroom/lab, locking the door afterward.  It is strictly against this policy for any student to allow any other student into the classroom/lab; all access will be processed through the Open Lab.
    • When finished using the classroom, the student will return to the Open Lab to sign out and retrieve any student ID.

 Logging and Monitoring

All individuals using the computer systems and network in the BCC computer labs, classrooms and electronic classrooms are subject to having their activities monitored and recorded.  In the course of monitoring individuals who are improperly using this system, or in the course of system maintenance, the activities of authorized users may also be monitored. Use of the systems will be considered express consent by the individual to such monitoring.  If such monitoring reveals possible evidence of inappropriate activity, system personnel may provide the evidence to BCC management and law enforcement officials.

BCC Information Resources (IR) personnel authorized by the BCC IT Security Administrator or his/her designee will actively scan the BCC Network and all BCC-owned computers to ensure compliance with this policy.

Investigations

BCC reserves the right to act when an individual misuses any BCC technology resource.  Any complaint, either from inside or outside BCC, arising from a user’s activities in a BCC Computer Lab may be cause for immediate suspension of computing privileges pending an investigation.

Because all BCC computer labs are networked through the BCC Academic Network, the System Administrator for the BCC Academic network, or any other individual authorized by the Dean of Information Resources, is allowed to inspect, copy, remove, or otherwise alter any data, file, or system resource which may undermine the authorized use of any BCC computer lab, the Academic network, or the Administrative Network, and may exercise any other rights necessary to protect BCC computing facilities.

BCC accepts no liability for interference with, or loss of, any files, programs or data belonging to any user resulting from efforts to maintain the privacy and security of its computing facilities.

If the purpose is related to an investigation of a suspected illegal act or violation of BCC Policy, the System Administrator, or his/her designee, may gather the specific materials with or without notification to the user.

• Materials so accessed may either be copied or removed from BCC systems.
• Copies of all materials related to the investigation will be retained by the System Administrator.
• Any individual’s network use privileges on the Academic network may be suspended or reduced immediately upon the discovery of a possible violation of this policy.  Every attempt will be made to notify the individual immediately of this suspension, unless to do so would jeopardize any on-going investigation.  These privileges may be temporarily restored at the discretion of the Director of Computing Services pending resolution of the situation.
• Such suspected violations will be confidentially reported to the appropriate administrators.
• Appropriate disciplinary action will take place under the direction of the Dean of Student Services in situations where a violation is confirmed.
• If the student is cleared of any wrong-doing at the conclusion of the investigation, his/her privileges will be restored and he/she will be given the opportunity to change their password, if desired.

Sanctions

The policies which have been put into place to govern the use of BCC Computing Labs are serious matters. Those users who violate this policy, who misuse or abuse any computing or network facility, or who commit any prohibited act described in the BCC Student Code may have their login accounts closed and access to the systems immediately terminated.  Among others, prohibited acts likely to occur in a computer lab include:

• Entering any locked or otherwise closed college facility without permission.
• Intentional or negligent damage to any college facility or other public or private real or personal property.
•  Failure to comply with the directions of college officials acting in the performance of their duties.
• Engaging in disorderly or abusive behavior which interferes with the rights of others, or which obstructs or disrupts teaching, research, or administrative functions.

Such violations may result in the individual being asked to leave the computing facility and/or an immediate response from Public Safety.  These violations will be dealt with in the same manner as violations of other College policies, and may result in disciplinary review as described in the BCC Student Code.  In such a review, the full range of disciplinary sanctions is available, including:

• Permanent loss of computer use privileges;
• Disciplinary action – any disciplinary action will be taken in accordance with appropriate procedures as established by the Vice President of Human Resources (for employees) or the Dean of Student Services (for students);
• Dismissal from the college; and/or
• Legal action. 

Some violations of this policy may also constitute a state, local or federal criminal offense.