August 28, 2007
Public Computing Services PCS computer labs, like the Library or Athletic Complex, are facilities that are shared by the entire Hunter College community. It is important that each user treat the facilities, networks, shared systems, hardware and software with care and concern, and respect the needs of other students, staff and faculty.The following rules and regulations are designed to encourage full and equitable use, to provide both physical and electronic security for the systems and users, and prolong the life of PCS computer equipment.

Computer viruses are a concern to everyone. You will be asked to leave the facility if you propagate viruses. If the machine you are working on indicates there is a computer virus, alert the lab staff immediately. Computer games often propagate viruses.

Do not save your work on the hard disks in the labs. These disks are periodically erased.

Installing software on the server or desktop computers is not permitted.
Viewing of sexually harassing or obscene material, text, or images is not allowed.

Children are permitted to enter the PCS labs with a parent or a guardian as long as they do not disrupt or distract students from working in the labs. Strollers or small children should not prevent a student from working comfortably at a computer. Children are not allowed to touch computer equipment. Children and parents may be ask to leave the labs if it is determined by PCS staff that they are distracting or disrupting others.

Repeated offenses to this policy will result in loss of access to the PCS computer labs and further disciplinary procedures.

A valid Hunter College ID is required for admission to the labs.

College computing systems are to be used for academic purposes.

Commercial use of Hunter College computer systems is prohibited.

Food and drink are not allowed in the PCS labs. PCS is a smoke-free environment.

Shared systems such as those connected to the Internet or World Wide Web (WWW) provide special services and require special responsibilities. You are responsible for the safeguarding of your computer account on any such system. If you have an account that requires a password, you should change your password frequently and should not disclose it to anyone.

You may not share your account with any other users and you are responsible for any activity which is associated with your account.

You may not use such systems to transmit abusive,anonymous, unsolicited, obscene or fraudulent messages.

The College and University reserve the right to monitor and restrict access to these systems to protect individual users, both inside the  University and on the Internet/WWW generally.

Software copying or distribution is illegal and is not permitted. This deprives professionals in the computer field of their livelihood and increases the cost of software for everyone.

During times when the facility is very busy you may be asked to leave or logout to allow another student access, particularly if you are not engaged in academic work. If you are using an PCS computer for "online chatting", you may be asked to give up the computer to a student that is waiting.