Balsam Computer Lab Policies

The computer lab in the Balsam building is for the use of students who are currently enrolled at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College (AB Tech).  All persons using the lab will be expected to observe the following regulations to ensure that the computer environment is maintained efficiently and professionally. Proper use of the lab is your responsibility.

Internet Access. In addition to software needed to complete course work, AB Tech is pleased to provide Internet access for school related work. With access to computers and people all over the world comes the availability of materials that may not be considered to be of educational value in the context of the school setting and may be considered controversial or offensive. AB Tech does not allow the use of such materials. Students are given the privilege of Internet access, along with its responsible use.

• No food, gum, or drinks are allowed in the lab.

• Students must be familiar with both computers and software. No classroom instruction will be provided.

• No using inappropriate language – no vulgarities or abusive language.

• No children, friends, etc., are allowed in the lab. The lab is for current AB Tech students who are working on College assignments. Children may not be left unattended nor may they be with you in the lab.

• Lab users are expected to exhibit proper housekeeping habits. Please leave the work area clean. Let the lab tutor know when equipment is not operating properly.

• Students are to supply their own storage media (floppy disks or USB drives). Students are to bring only the storage media they use in their courses (e.g., data file storage). Do not bring or install unauthorized software in the lab.

• Using equipment and supplies purchased with state funds to generate personal income is illegal. Absolutely no use of the lab equipment to produce documents for monetary profit is allowed.

• No downloading or saving files to the computer hard drives is allowed.

• No illegal copying of software or software copyright abuses will be allowed. The College software policy will be enforced.

• AB Tech has the capability and reserves the right to observe and document your use of the college computers.

• Students may not make any changes to computer configurations unless instructed to do so by an instructor. This includes changing the desktop settings and backgrounds, changing screen savers, and adding items to the desktop.

• Peer tutor are also AB Tech students. They have had several computer courses; however, they may not be able to assist you with your particular class assignment or software problems. Please be courteous to them. They will try their best to answer your questions accurately.

• The lab hours are tentative. The posted hours are usually correct; however, because of College functions, staff absences, etc., they may be modified without notice. The most current lab schedule is posted @ http://www.abtech.edu/bh/labs.htm. When the College is closed for students for any reason, the lab will not be open. Any time the peer tutor or a staff member states the lab is closing, all participants will leave immediately. No exceptions.

• The lab is open to assist you in your studies. Any violations of our policies may result in your loss of lab privileges or others’ loss of lab time because of software or hardware damages. Failure to follow the above policies may result in the revocation of all lab privileges, college disciplinary action (as specified in the Code of Student Conduct in the Student Handbook), and civil or criminal prosecution.

Please help keep our computer lab effective and efficient.