Computer Lab Guidelines

The following guidelines are intended to make the CAEN lab environment as comfortable and productive as possible for every College of Engineering student, faculty and staff member, while helping to maintain the high level of service that CAEN strives to provide. If you have any questions regarding these guidelines, please feel free to Contact CAEN.

Food and Drink:

• Eating and drinking are prohibited in all CAEN labs. Food and drinks can damage equipment. If CAEN personnel discover you with food or drink in a lab, you may be asked to remove it immediately. Failure to do so may result in loss of CAEN lab privileges.

Lab and Desktop Usage:

• If a lab is full, an open seat can be claimed on a first-come, first served basis.
• Do not log into multiple lab computer displays simultaneously.
• Courses using a lab for instructional purposes have priority over individual users. Individuals must log out of computers and make them available to students when the class session begins.
• Lab computers cannot be reserved for personal or research use. Leaving a note, sign, or flyer on a computer asking not to be logged out is against CAEN policy and does not guarantee use of the computer when you are not present in the lab
• If you do leave your work area, lock your display.  Use only a CAEN-supplied screen lock as this is the only permissible way to lock a desktop (e.g. in Windows press Ctrl-Alt-Delete and select "Lock Computer"; to unlock press Ctrl-Alt-Delete and re-enter your password).  If a computer has been locked for more than 15 minutes, then it may be reclaimed by another individual. The CAEN-supplied screen lock will always keep the computer locked, but after 15 minutes will display a logout button so it can be reclaimed.  Again, do not leave notes to dissuade users from reclaiming your work area.  If you need to leave a desktop unattended for more than 15 minutes, you should log out of the system completely, and log into another available computer when you return.
• The attachment of portable storage devices (e.g., memory cards, USB and Firewire drives) as well as removeable media (e.g., Blu-ray, DVD, CD) for the purpose of course-related work is permitted, however you must use them at your own risk.  CAEN will not assume responsibility for damage to these devices or loss of data due to their usage or any type of equipment malfunction.
• Never leave valuable personal belongings unattended. Always take them with you if you leave your work area.
• Clean your work area before you leave. Be sensitive and respectful to others who use the facilities, and to the amount of table space.
• Do not play network games, or engage in non-course related activity when other users are waiting to use a computer for course work.
• Talk quietly and respect requests from others that you stop talking while they work.
• Mobile and music devices should be used with headphones, and any sound generated from these devices should be inaudible to others.
• Preference for using the CAEN lab computers is given to individuals who show up in person to the CAEN lab and login directly to the computer's console display and use it interactively.  If you need to run background or unattended programs, you need to follow the policy on Background and Unattended Program on CAEN Lab Computers.

Network Security:

• Report to the CAEN Hotline (734-764-CAEN) anyone mishandling or moving equipment, or otherwise interfering with the valid operation of the lab.
• Do not authorize any person to use your CAEN account, email, or password.
• Do not authorize any person to use CAEN resources who does not already have access.
• Call the CAEN Hotline (734-764-CAEN) to report any accidental damage. Never leave damage unreported.
• Do not move equipment because it may break or trigger an alarm, and could be reported as stolen.  Do not unplug mice or keyboards.
• Make sure to lock your session if you step away from your computer.  Never leave your valuables unattended.
• Be sure to log out when you are finished, and verify you are logged out completely before leaving your work area.
• Notify by email security@umich.edu if you suspect any lab or network violations.

Printing:

• Do not take paper from the lab printers. Removing paper from CAEN printers is considered as an act of theft.
• The default setting for most laser jet printers is duplex. Do not change the settings on lab printers.
• Do not use your own paper or transparency in any lab printer (e.g. resume paper or transparency sheets). These may jam and/or damage the printer's inner components which are configured for a certain type of paper.
• Do not attempt to replace laser printer ink or toner cartridges. Lab inspectors visit 24-hour labs each day and printer supplies. Notify the CAEN Hotline (734-764-CAEN) if a printer has a problem or needs more paper.
• The U-M policy on printing, or viewing potentially objectionable material in labs, is that personal reading or viewing of material which is not illegal is permitted.  Discretion should be used and printed materials should be picked up immediately.  If the actions of another individual cause you to accidentally come in contact with materials that you find objectionable, you are encouraged to tell that individual that you do not wish to receive the materials and to stop.  If you need further assistance you can report the problem to CAEN (email security@umich.edu).  Be sure to include the computer name and the exact time and lab location if possible.  Additional information about the U-M policy covering this issue can be found within the U-M Standard Practice Guide section "601.16 Policy and Guidelines Regarding Electronic Access to Potentially Offensive Material" .