Lab Rules

The Learning Commons & Open Labs offer open-access computer labs, self-service stations, and makerspace services to support students' academic success. Users are expected to comply with all College policies, as well as applicable federal, state, and local laws when using these resources.

Save Your Work, South Texas College Computers log off after 15 minutes of inactivity, regularly back up your work to avoid data loss.
Users are responsible for treating all South Texas College equipment with care, including items checked out from the Learning Commons and Open Labs, and must ensure timely return by the designated due time; equipment is available while supplies last.
Maintain Cleanliness, keep your workspace clean and tidy. Dispose of any trash properly.
When visiting the Learning Commons and Open Labs, users are to conduct themselves in a professional manner. Avoid disruptive behavior that affects lab operations, including loud talking, abusive language, vandalism, theft, and other actions that endanger the safety or well-being of others.
Cell phone usage may pose a distraction to others, kindly silence your phone or take phone calls in other locations.
Users must present a South Texas College ID or community user card, when checking out items.
Dry snacks and Drinks with lids are allowed at some areas, follow posted signage when visiting Computer Labs.
The Learning Commons and Open Labs staff are not accountable for monitoring online content or for any lost items, including academic work, as individuals are solely responsible for the information they access and their belongings. Unattended items will be transferred to the college's Department of Public Safety.
Report Issues, by informing lab personnel of any technical problems.

Access

Access to the College District's technology resources, including the internet, shall be made available to students and employees primarily for instructional and administrative purposes and in accordance with administrative regulations.

Access to the College District's technology resources is a privilege, not a right.
Use of the College District's technology resources by students, employees, and members of the public shall not be considered private. Designated College District staff shall be authorized to monitor the College District's technology resources at any time to ensure appropriate use. CR-Technology Resources.
Users must log in using their college credentials.
- If a user does not know his/her college credentials, please see a lab employee for assistance.
- Users can also visit the My Password Assistant.
- Safeguard user credentials, do not share login information.
Device Compliance: Follow the Information Security Mobile Device Security Standard when connecting personal devices to College networks or systems.
Community users with a valid library Community User card may request computer login credentials from lab staff.
Internet access and specific types of hardware or software may sometimes be unavailable due to technical problems.
Log Off from your session when you are done to protect your privacy and prevent unauthorized use.

Acceptable Use of Technology & Information Resources

It is important that you read and understand this policy before using lab computers.

South Texas College's Acceptable Use Standard is designed to protect the College’s network and information resources against threats such as malware, cyberattacks, unauthorized access, and legal liability. Inappropriate use can compromise data integrity, network security, and College operations. This Standard aligns with the College’s values of openness, trust, and integrity and ensures compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and TASB Policies CR (Technology Resources) and CS (Information Security).

By accessing South Texas College information resources, users agree to comply with the College’s Acceptable Use Policy. Failure to comply with the computer use policy, lab rules, or Student Code of Conduct may result in disciplinary action.
South Texas College emphasizes responsible, ethical, and legal use of its information and technology resources. Users are expected to exercise good judgment, protect College assets, and contribute to a safe, secure, and productive learning environment.
The College District is not liable for users’ inappropriate use of technology resources, violations of copyright laws, users’ negligence, or costs incurred by users.
Users must adhere to software licensing terms for all software installed on College-owned systems.
The College District does not guarantee the availability, accuracy, appropriateness, or usability of information accessed through the Internet.
All computer usage must comply with the South Texas College Board Policy. Acceptable use includes, but is not limited to:
- Using technology resources primarily for educational and College-related purposes.
- Limited personal use is permitted if it:
  - Does not result in a tangible cost to the College District;
  - Does not unduly burden the College’s technology resources; and
  - Does not negatively affect an employee's work performance or a student’s learning experience.
Computers may not be used for personal profit, commercial ventures, political activities, or unauthorized college fundraising.
Respect the privacy of others; refrain from viewing, accessing, or interfering with another user's files or activities.
Posting personal information online is done at the user’s own risk.

Acceptable use, Prohibited Activities, User Responsibilities; Users must not:

Introduce viruses, malicious software, or attempt to breach system or network security.
Modify College hardware or software without authorization.
Send unsolicited or deceptive emails unrelated to College functions.
Post or print offensive, abusive, obscene, or threatening materials.
Encrypt communications in order to circumvent security monitoring.
Use Generative AI tools in violation of College policies, expose confidential information, or misrepresent official College communications. (Refer to the South Texas College Generative AI Portal for compliance guidelines.)

Minors/Children

Children under the age of 18 years (other than students enrolled in South Texas College classes) must be accompanied by a parent or guardian in the computer labs; however, they are not allowed to use the computers. The parent or accompanying adult is responsible for ensuring that children are not disruptive. Children are not to be left unattended.
High School students, including minors, who are enrolled in any South Texas College sponsored class or program and who have been issued valid South Texas College login credentials, have access to computers. South Texas College treats all college students as adults; therefore, it does not place age-based restrictions on user activities, nor does it filter web content. For further information on college policies relating to High School Students enrolled at South Texas College, please contact the Dual Credit Department.

Community Users

Community Users must have a valid Community User card from library staff to be able to use lab computers. Here you can learn how to obtain a Community User card.

Access to the College District's technology resources, including the internet, shall be made available to members of the public, in accordance with administrative regulations. Such use shall be permitted so long as the use:
- Does not result in a tangible cost to the College District and does not place an undue burden on its technology resources.
Community Users wanting to use computer equipment must log in with Community User credentials.
Some services, such as TexShare, Interlibrary Loan, circulation of reserve items, online tutoring, or checkout laptops/equipment are not available for Community Users.
For more information on Community User Guidelines see the Community User section.

Consequences of Unacceptable Actions

State and federal laws protect against the misuse of information resources, unauthorized access, and cybersecurity threats. South Texas College defines acceptable use to maintain operational security, legal compliance, and a professional digital environment. By accessing South Texas College information resources, users agree to adhere to the College’s Technology Resource standards. Failure to comply with the computer use policy, lab rules, or the Student Code of Conduct may result in the following consequences:

Loss of Access to college information technology resources, including computer labs and network services.
Disciplinary Measures as outlined in the Student Code of Conduct, which may include warnings, probation, or suspension.
Administrative Sanctions imposed by the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities or the IT Department.
Legal Action if the violation involves criminal or civil infractions.

Use of the College District's technology resources by students, employees, and members of the public shall not be considered private. Designated College District staff shall be authorized to monitor the College District's technology resources at any time to ensure appropriate use. CR-Technology Resources