Policies for the Information Commons

Authentication/Login

Only currently enrolled students, faculty, and staff of Utah State University may use the Information Commons workstations; users must log in for access to the computers. A Utah State University e-mail address is required to log into computers in the Information Commons.

Funding for hardware and software comes in part from student technology fees, thus currently enrolled students have first priority for use, while current faculty and staff may use available computers.

Kiosks are available near the front door of the Library for quick tasks like checking e-mail. Public PCs are located near the Information Desk because Merrill-Cazier Library wishes to accommodate guests as one aspect of our mission as a public, Land Grant university. These workstations are equipped with web browsers for access to Internet, including the library catalog, databases, and web-based e-mail, but no application software such as Microsoft Word. Software licenses purchased by the university generally restrict use to enrolled students and current employees.

Carry your ID!

Carry your Utah State University identification card at all times when you are on campus. Open Access Computing Facilities Policies apply in the Information Commons. Information Commons staff members reserve the right to request to see your i.d. at any time. Sharing your user account will result in denial of access to student computer labs, the campus network, and resources such as university email accounts.

Printing

Printouts in the Information Commons cost $0.05 per page. Each enrolled student begins each semester with a 35 page “free laser balance” in a campus-wide database. A valid USU i.d. card is required to obtain the free prints and to pay for subsequent printing.

Two printers are located at the Information desk. Students must swipe their i.d. card at printer stations to release jobs and charge the appropriate fees to their account. Only the USU i.d. may be used to pay for printouts.

Under no circumstances will the Information Commons staff accept any other form of payment besides the USU i.d. Page charges cannot be made to departmental or other university funds. Cash cannot be accepted. Unused portions of the free allotment are not credited to the user, not carried forward to subsequent semesters, and not transferable.

Visitors who do not have a USU i.d. card may print from public access workstations and collect and pay for printouts at the Check Out/Circulation desk.

Cell Phones

Cell phones must be taken to designated “Cell Phone Zones” to place or receive calls in order to reduce distraction to other students

Food & Drink Policy in the Information Commons

No open packages/containers of food or drinks may be consumed in the Information Commons. Water in sealed containers is allowed and must be stored away from computers and keyboards. Staff will ask people with food and drink to leave the area. (Visit the lovely café!)

Caution: Computers reset automatically!

Computers will log out and return to default settings after 15 minutes of inactivity. All unsaved files or software downloaded during the previous log-in session will be erased.

Appropriate Use of Computing Resources and the Student Code

The Utah State University Student Code spells out policies regarding many activities including computer use. Information Commons staff are authorized to deny lab access to any person who does not comply with policies and relevant regulations in the student code. Policy violations may also be referred to the Office of the Vice President for Student Services. Theft, failure to observe copyright laws, or tampering with computers or networks may lead to prosecution through law enforcement and University agencies.

Some Relevant University Policies and State & Federal Laws
Harassment and unsolicited communications:
USU Student Code, Article V, Sec 3. Para 22,25,26
Utah Criminal Code Section 76-8-705
USU Sexual Harassment Prevention Policy,
Utah's Antidiscrimination Act (Section 34-35-1 et seq.)
Section 703, Title 7 of the U.S. Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Unauthorized access, alteration, or disclosure of another user's files:
USU Student Code, Article V, Sec 3. Para 23a
Utah Criminal Code Section 76-6-703

Disruption of computing service to others:
USU Student Code, Article V, Sec 3. Para 23d&f
Utah Criminal Code Section 76-6-703(4).

Software licensing violations, plagiarism, invasion of privacy:
EDUCOM Code, Using Software: A Guide to Ethical and Legal Use of Software for Members of the Academic Community

Electronic Chain Letters:
Utah Criminal Code Section 76-6a Pyramid Schemes
U.S. Postal Service Chain Letter Policy