PURPOSE

It is the goal of the Computer Lab to provide students with a comfortable academic atmosphere to perform their assignments, by using the most up-to-date technology possible and to encourage and assist students, faculty and staff to increase their computer knowledge and skills through classroom activities, training and individually paced learning.

CHAPTER ONE

OBU Computer Lab Facilities

The Computer Lab supports 4 different types of computers and has locations on the 3rd floor of Thurmond Hall and on the 2nd floor of Bailey Business Center.  The computers are available to all OBU students, faculty, staff, alumni, and immediate family of the above mentioned, regardless of department or major.

Lab Overview

Lab Name Room # Service/
Computers
# of
Systems
Printers/
Scanners
 A  Thurmond 308 IMAC OSX w/LCD  25 HP 8150 DN
 E  Thurmond 309 OPTIPLEX GX270 w/LCD
HP ScanJet G3010
Scanner
 22

 1
HP 8150 DN
 D  Thurmond 312 OPTIPLEX GX620 w/LCED
HP ScanJet 3500c
Scanner
 22

 1
HP 8150 DN
 F  Bailey 202 OPTIPLEX GX520 w/LCD  25 HP 8150 DN
 G  Bailey 203 OPTIPLEX GX620 w/LCD  25 HP 8150 DN
 H  Bailey 206 OPTIPLEX GX620 w/LCD
HP ScanJet G3010
Scanner
 40

 1
HP 8150 DN
   Thurmond 310 Color Printing - 10 pg limit/year free,
$.25/pg after
  HP Color
LaserJet 4500N
   Thurmond 313 Kodak EasyShare Z710 Digital
Camera
 2  

Color Printing Service

Color printing is available in the Thurmond labs.  Students are allotted 10 free pages per year, fees thereafter are $.25.  To get more color prints, pay for them at the Cashier’s Office in the basement of Thurmond Hall.  Take the receipt to the Computer Lab Supervisor for them to be added to your account.

Scanning Service

A scanner is available to students in both labs.  We have a scanner in both D & E labs in Thurmond Hall, rooms 309 and 311.  We also have one in the H lab in the Bailey Business Center, room 206.

Digital Camera Service

We have 2 Kodak EasyShare Digital cameras available for checkout.  First priority of these cameras is Academic purposes.  There is 32mb internal memory on the camera or you may use your own memory card.  Please remove all pictures before returning the camera.  The Computer Lab supervisor will remove all pictures at the return of the camera.  

CHAPTER TWO

Using the Computer Lab

Basic Lab Requirements

A VALIDATED OBU ID SHALL BE REQUIRED OF ALL PERSONS USING THE LAB OR REQUESTING ANY SERVICES FROM THE LAB, with the exception of those students entering the lab for a regularly scheduled class.  Students, faculty, or staff IDs shall be submitted to the Lab Assistant during the period of time that the user is in the lab.  Failure to provide the proper ID WITH A CURRENT VALIDATION STICKER shall prevent any person from having lab privileges.  It is not necessary for faculty, staff, and alumni to have validation stickers on their IDs.

Checking In and Out

In order to gain access to a computer, each user must check in at the front window of the lab.  The user will present a validated ID to the Lab Assistant.  The Lab Assistant will tell the User which labs are available for use.   Those attending a lab-scheduled class do not need to check in with the Lab Assistant.  ID’s will be returned to the user when he/she checks out of the lab.  PLEASE CHECK YOUR ID WHEN IT IS GIVEN BACK TO MAKE SURE IT IS THE CORRECT ID.

Steps for Faculty to Schedule a Lab as a Classroom

Faculty may reserve a lab for class through the Computer Lab Supervisor.  Reservations are subject to the following limitations:

·          Scheduling requests for lab use for the semester must be made prior to the beginning of the semester, and must go through the Dean, with a COPY sent to the Computer Lab Supervisor.

 

·          All software requirements for the class must be turned into the Computer Lab Supervisor prior to the end of the previous semester.

 

·          All reservations must be made in WRITING or EMAIL.

 

·          Scheduling is on a first-come first-serve basis.

 

·          Instructors should notify the Computer Lab Supervisor as soon as possible in the event that their class session in the lab has been canceled.  This is done because students using the lab are asked to leave 10 – 15 minutes prior to a scheduled class.

 

·          Class instructors, or someone appointed by the class instructor, will remain in the classroom during the scheduled lab time.  The instructor should not leave the lab assistant in charge of the class unless previous plans have been arranged with the
Computer Lab Supervisor.

 

·          Classes meeting in the Computer Lab may request a Lab Assistant.  These requests must be submitted to the Computer Lab Supervisor at least one week prior to the class.  The cost for the requested Lab Assistant will come from the budget of the
department making that request.

Computer Lab Conduct

Disruptive conduct will not be tolerated.  The purpose of the Computer Lab is to provide an atmosphere conducive to the learning process.  (This means you must use the same etiquette in the labs as you use in the library.)  Persons who abuse their lab privileges shall be asked to leave, by the Computer Lab Supervisor or the Lab Assistant on duty, and may have lab privileges suspended.

No tobacco (smoking OR chewing), food, drink, or empty glasses shall be permitted in the lab.

Radios, tape recorders, CD player, MP3s, IPods or music on the Computer System may not be played in the lab without the use of headphones.  Headphones are not provided so you must bring your own.

Persons who abuse any hardware in the lab shall be held financially responsible.  Fines shall be determined by the replacement value of the damaged items and shall be assessed by the Computer Lab Supervisor.

Game playing is not permitted in the Computer Lab, unless the game has been assigned by a professor as a part of class instruction.  We have Game Nites scheduled throughout the semester for games.  On Game Nites, you will be allowed to install your software on the systems in the labs using the network.  Friends can get together on those nights only to play games in the labs.

Pornography, “Hacking” and illegal downloading of software, music or movies are prohibited in the Computer Labs.

Any user who knowingly introduces a computer virus onto the network or lab systems will have lab privileges suspended pending review and may have lab privileges permanently revoked.

Visitors may sit with users that are working in the lab at the discretion of the Computer Lab Supervisor or the Lab Assistant on duty. 

The printing of banners is not permitted in the lab except by education majors who are completing course requirements or if permission has been given by the Computer Lab Supervisor or the Director of the Computer Center.

Failure to adhere to Computer Lab policies and procedures may result in permanent suspension of lab privileges. 

Security Measures

Please help us take care of our equipment.  There is a Lab Assistant on duty at all times.  If for any reason you suspect any ethically or physically abusive conduct, it should be reported to the Computer Lab Supervisor, a Lab Assistant, or call Security at extension 6000.

Lab Software

Computer software is governed by the United States copyright laws.  Users of the OBU Computer Lab are reminded that making copies of any copyrighted materials is UNLAWFUL and shall not be permitted.  If a user reproduces such material, that user may be liable for copyright infringement and will be subjected to having lab privileges revoked.

No unlawful copies of programs may be brought into the lab.

Thumb Drives or Data disks for the purpose of data storage shall be provided by the user.  There is also a network drive available, “P:” for the purpose of temporary storage of data.  The user should realize this drive is cleaned off periodically so the users should make arrangements to copy the file to a personal disk as soon as possible.  Users are not permitted to add software to the network or hard drives, or to create personal directories.  The network and hard drive are checked and cleaned off regularly.

No utilities may be brought into the Computer Lab.

Every effort is made to ensure that the lab software is free from virus infection.  Your cooperation in this matter is greatly appreciated.  If you suspect your disk is infected, please tell us before you use it.  We can assist you in identifying and/or removing the virus infection.  Any user who knowingly introduces a computer virus onto the network or lab software will have lab privileges suspended pending review and may have lab privileges permanently revoked.

Lab Hardware

Users of the OBU Computer Lab shall be required to check in with the Lab Assistant prior to using any lab hardware.  Users are required to provide proper OBU ID with a current validation sticker before using the labs.

Users are not permitted to tamper with any hardware in the lab.  Questions regarding the equipment should be directed to the Lab Assistant.  Any hardware malfunctions should be reported immediately to the Lab Assistant.

OBU equipment may not be used by businesses or in any for-profit venture.

Students using personal notebook or laptop computers are required to follow the same check-in procedure and conduct as other users (i.e. validated ID).

Lab Laser Printers

The purpose of the laser printers is to provide the OBU Computer Lab user with a technically advanced and professional method of printing.  We currently do not place any restrictions on printing or the use of these printers.  However, we keep a count on the printing in all OBU computer labs.   As before, printing is restricted to OBU students, faculty and staff.  If visitors need permission they need to contact the Computer lab Supervisor.

CHAPTER THREE

Priority

To insure that students, faculty, and staff of Oklahoma Baptist University have adequate and fair access to the computers, the following priorities have been established for the use of the computers:

1.        FIRST PRIORITY in the Bailey Business Center shall be given to Computer Science classes or Business classes that are directly computer-dependent by virtue of the course description.  In Thurmond Hall, FIRST PRIORITY shall be given to any classes
that are directly computer-dependent by virtue of course description.  Those classes shall meet on a regular basis in the Computer Lab and shall be scheduled to use the lab as soon as the course offerings are made available to the Computer Lab Supervisor.

2.        SECOND PRIORITY shall be given to classes whose instructor(s) desires to use the lab for computer-related topics.  Faculty members who desire to use a portion of the Computer Lab as a classroom should notify the Computer Lab Supervisor prior to the beginning of the semester.  If a class needs to meet on a short term basis, and it is not known about prior to the beginning of the semester, the Lab Supervisor should be notified at least a week in advance of the scheduled class period.

3.        THIRD PRIORITY shall be given to students enrolled in computer science courses and in courses which make assignments requiring use of the computer.

4.        FOURTH PRIORITY shall be given to students and members of OBU faculty or staff who are not currently enrolled in courses requiring the use of the computer.  This priority level includes students who wish to use the word processing programs for
writing papers, faculty who wish to prepare tests, or those persons who are using the computers for their personal work.

5.        FIFTH PRIORITY shall be given to alumni and family members of OBU faculty, staff, or students who provide the required identification card.  These alumni and family members shall check in just as the higher-priority users do.

The OBU Computer Lab is at no time open to users other than OBU students, faculty, staff, direct family members and alumni unless permission has been given by the Computer Lab Supervisor or Computer Center Director.

These priorities shall apply to use of all computers in the lab.  Persons in one of the lower-priority categories should be prepared to yield their terminal, upon request, to a user in a higher category.

CHAPTER FOUR

OBU Computer Lab Assistants

The OBU Computer Lab Assistants are directly responsible to and supervised by the Computer Lab Supervisor.  It is the responsibility of the Computer Lab Assistant to carry out the lab policies as they are designated in this handbook.  Any questions regarding policy should be directed to the Computer Lab Supervisor or the Computer Center Director.

The Lab Assistants (LAs) are student workers hired by the Computer Lab Supervisor to assist in serving the needs of OBU students, faculty, and staff.  During their shifts, LAs will assist you with any problems you may have with the operation of the computers.  Please understand that LAs ARE NOT TUTORS.  While they may answer questions regarding computer programs, they cannot help students complete class assignments.  Lab Assistants are required to have a working knowledge of basic Computers, but they are not required to be familiar with the upper level Computer Science courses or the wide range of software used by students in the lab.  Questions relating to upper level computer classes need to be directed toward Computer Science Faculty.

Users of the OBU Computer Lab should understand the work priorities of the Lab Assistant:

                1.     FIRST PRIORITY is to maintain a careful and accurate account of the software and hardware in use and the identification of the users.

                2.     SECOND PRIORITY is to make sure that all hardware is working properly, and, when possible, to repair any malfunctions that may occur.

                3.     THIRD PRIORITY is to assist users with problems that may occur with software they are using.

                4.     FOURTH PRIORITY is to complete tasks given to them by the Computer Lab Supervisor or the Computer Center Director.

The Lab Assistants also keep the labs supplied with paper and toner for the printers, report any broken equipment that needs repair, and keep the labs orderly.  The LAs are authorized to enforce the rules and policies of the Computer Lab and may instruct anyone violating the rules to leave the lab.  The LAs will be available and willing to help users after the first and second priority responsibilities have been completed.  Users who have difficulty getting assistance should report this to the Computer Lab Supervisor.

CHAPTER FIVE

Network Instructions

Following are the steps to log on in the labs:

                1.     Check in at the front window by presenting your validated OBU ID card. 

                2.     Locate the machine you want. 

                3.     Hit the “Ctrl”, “Alt” and “Delete” keys at the same time.

                4.     When the “OBU Computer Lab Policy” screen comes up, please read and understand the Policy before clicking the okay button.  Upon clicking “OK” you will be held liable for any misconduct associated with this login.

                5.     Your login name is your OBU ID number. (If you use the number pad to enter your ID#, make sure the “Num Lock” key is lit)

                6.     Your password will be your OBU ID number plus the last four digits of your social security number, or your social security number.

                7.     Users are required to provide a disk, CD or a removable USB drive for storage of their personal files.  All of these may be purchased at the bookstore or Wal-Mart & Kmart.  When saving
                        files make sure you indicate the proper drive to save to.

There is a network drive, “P:” available for temporary storage.  This drive is accessible by you and the OBU IS & S Department.  The “P:” drives are cleaned off periodically, so your data should be transferred to a personal disk or CD as soon as possible.

It is very important that you log out.  If you do not log out, you are responsible for the next person who sits down at the same computer system.  Therefore, if anything inappropriate is done and it is linked to your login, loss of privileges to the labs can occur.   Please follow these steps to log out:   

                1.     Exit properly from the software program you are currently using so that you are back to the windows options.

                2.     Click on the Start button in the lower right corner.

                3.     Select Shutdown

If you have any questions, please feel free to ask a Lab Assistant.

 CHAPTER SIX

General Information

Special Situations

From time to time, there have been situations arise on campus that have threatened computer equipment and software. 

Power Drops, Surges, and Failures

Computers require a steady flow of electricity free from fluctuations.  The most common problem is power drop or power failure.  When power fails, anything currently in memory of your computer is lost, but everything on your disk should be safe.  To avoid extra work, save your work to your disk every 15 to 30 minutes.

When the power fails, turn off your computer and any devices attached to it.  If you turn the surge protector off, it will turn off everything connected to your computer at the same time.  Take your disk out of the drive and do not attempt to turn the equipment on until the power is completely restored.

Severe Storms

Storms in Oklahoma can be very severe.  The most common problem during storms are power drops and power failures.  When the weather is bad, you should take extra precautions by saving more often.  If the power goes down during a storm, follow the procedures stated in the Power Drops, Surges, and Failures section of this manual.

Lightning is a major threat during a storm.  A strike on power lines or telephone lines can send a large amount of electricity down the line and into a building.  In the case of a major lightning storm, a Lab Assistant should unplug all equipment from the wall.

Tornados are another major threat in Oklahoma. If a tornado hits while you are in the Computer Lab, leave everything as is and follow the Lab Assistant to the hallway of the lowest level of the building Do NOT stop to turn off equipment.

Fire

It is rare that a computer catches on fire, however it could happen. If any hardware should catch fire, notify the Computer Lab Supervisor or a Lab Assistant immediately.  Do NOT use water to put it out.  You should use a class C fire extinguisher on any electrical fire. Many of the components inside a computer are made of plastic which will give off toxic gases when they burn.  Stay low and get out of the room as quickly as possible.

Call Security at 878-6000 for any on-campus emergency.  In the event that someone is hurt, call 911 first, then call security.

General Suggestions

The following is lists of suggestions to help you better use your computing resources.  This list is in no way complete or exhaustive, so please feel free to ask if you have any questions.

 1.       Follow these rules for protecting your cds or USB drives:

               A.     Back-up important files.  Keep back-ups stored separately from originals.

 

               B.      Do not place your cds/USB drives within one foot of a magnet.  Telephones, stereo speakers, electronic motors, and radios all contain magnets.

 

               C.      Do not allow a cds/USB drive to get too hot.  Keep them out of sunlight and never leave them in you car.

 

               D.     Do not let anything touch or scratch the surface of the disc including fingers, liquids, or keys.

 

               E.      Do not carry cds/USB drives unprotected in books or backpacks.  You may purchase plastic disc boxes for a very minimal amount.

 

               F.      If you loose your cd/USB drive, check with the lab assistant.  When the Lab Assistants find cds/USB drives, they are to explore it to find out who it belongs to and notify the person via email.  If there is not a name or document on the disc or USB drive, we will keep it for 1 month than it will be discarded.

 

2.       Plan ahead.  Computer labs get crowded just before papers and projects are due.  Keep these suggestions in mind to avoid the waiting list:

 

               A.     Lab use is light in the early evenings and on Friday and Sunday afternoons.

 

               B.      When coming to the lab, please remember that no one is admitted to the lab less than 15 minutes prior to closing and that no printing should begin less than 5 minutes prior to closing.

 

               C.      Do your work early to avoid the "end of the semester crunch."

 Suggestions for the Lab

If you have a suggestion or a complaint about the Computer Lab, please let us know about it.  We are looking for ways to better serve the University.  Please direct any response to:

OBU Computer Lab

OBU Box 61208

Shawnee, Oklahoma 74801

Thurmond (405)878-2049

Bailey (405)878-3262

or

Use our Suggestion Box,

located outside the Apple/Mac Lab


APPENDIX A

Phone Directory

Title / Name Office
Room #
Phone
Computer Lab Control Room - TH  Thurmond 310  878-2049
Computer Lab Control Room - BBC  Bailey 205  878-3262
Computer Center Director
   Gary Nickersoon
 Thurmond 319  878-2056
Microcomputer Systems Supervisor
   Andy Pope
 Thurmond 320  878-2080
Network Systems Supervisor
   Kevin Armstrong
 Thurmond 322  878-2386
Computer Lab Supervisor
   Becky Traxler
 Thurmond 313  878-2089


APPENDIX A

OBU Computer Lab Hours of Operation


 Thurmond Hall and Bailey Business Center
 Fall / Spring Semester
 
 Monday - Thursday 8:00 AM - 12:00 AM
 Friday 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
 Saturday 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM
 Sunday 2:00 PM - 12:00 AM
   
 Thurmond Hall Only
 J-Term / Summer Semester
 
 Monday - Thursday 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM
 Friday 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
 Saturday 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM
 Sunday 2:00 PM - 10:00 PM
   
 All OBU Offices  
 Monday - Friday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM


The Computer Labs observe OBU holidays, breaks, etc., and will not be open between semesters.

 

Note:  The times indicated are valid for most of the semester.  Hours may vary during holidays and school breaks.  Changes in hours will be posted and notices will be printed in the Chapel Bulletin, Our Day, and on the Computer Lab Website.