The Technology Center (TC) may only be used to do your West Valley College class assignments. You may not use the Tech Center to do any personal work. Personal work is defined as any work that is not required by a West Valley class in which you are currently registered.

Using the Lab

Students use the lab on a first-come first-serve basis. You must present your ID card at the window each time that you check into the lab. There is no time limit unless there are people waiting for a specific type of system. If a wait list occurs, there will be a one hour time limit. Printing, scanning, and plotting must be completed 15 minutes before closing. CD burning is not permitted during the hour prior to closing. All equipment is shut down at closing.

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What if I forget my student ID?

The Lab Assistant at the window will issue a temporary one-day pass. You are allowed one 1-day pass per semester. If you cannot find your student ID, please to the Admissions office to obtain a replacement.

Cards left in the Technology Center will be kept for one week and then turned over to the ID Center in the Admissions and Records office. Other items left in the Lab will be turned in to the Lost & Found at the Police Desk in the Campus Center.

May I reserve a computer?

No. The computer lab is an open lab. Any unused computer is available on a drop-in basis to the student next in turn.

How do I check in for each visit?

1. Come to the Technology Center with your ID Card (card must have the current semester's sticker).
2. Present the card at the window.
3. Tell the Assistant at the window the type of computer, equipment and/or software or you'd like to use, i.e. PC, MAC, Scanner, AutoCad, etc.

How do I get assistance?

The lab faculty and assistants are responsible for maintaining lab standards, safety, and security. You must follow any directions they may give you regarding lab procedures or emergencies.

Lab Faculty and Student Lab Assistants are available to assist you. Although they will try to assist with specific questions whenever possible, their role does not include tutoring or debugging programs. They will not necessarily be able to assist in all subjects. If you need additional help, please contact your instructor or Tutorial Services.

Due to recent budget cuts, we have very few lab assistants. Please be patient. If you need assistance, raise your hand and one of the Lab Assistants or the lab supervisor will try to assist you. Lab Assistants and supervisors are readily identifiable by their name badges and will provide general assistance with lab operations.

What if I wish to sit in a different seat?

If you wish to change seats for any reason, please come back to the check-in window to get officially changed. We need to know what seats are occupied in order to seat incoming students.

Do I need my own storage device?

Yes. You must provide your own usb storage device for storing your files. Your instructor will discuss with you what types of materials you will need for your course.

What if I get a virus?

You should check your disks for viruses each time that you use them. If you need help with this function, please ask for help.

What if computer, printer, or scanner doesn't work?

If any of the equipment does not appear to be operating properly, please notify one of the lab staff. Do not attempt to service the equipment yourself. Please try to give a little detail about the problem.

What should I do with used paper?

Please help with the campus-wide recycling program by placing discarded white computer paper into the large green bin in the corner or the white tub under the table between the printers.

Is my Lab time recorded?

Yes. When you check in and out at the counter your time is automatically recorded in the database for each of your sessions.

When you're ready to leave . . .

When you are finished please properly remove your storage device and turn off your computer. Look around your seat for any personal belongings. Proceed to the window to check out. Please check to be sure that the ID card that is returned to you is yours. Be sure to check out even if you have a temporary card.

Disciplinary Problems

Inappropriate behavior such as creating a disturbance or downloading software from the internet will be dealt with accordingly. You may be given a warning and/or we will add a note to your contract documenting the problem. Depending on the severity of the problem, you may be asked to leave for the day, or you may be referred to the Dean of Instructional Computing Technologies or the Dean of Student Services. This may result in suspending your lab privileges for the semester.

Internet Use Policy

The Technology Center abides by the Internet Use Policy adopted by West Valley-Mission Community College District. This Policy is also available in the WVC Catalog.

U.S. Copyright Law

Lab software and resource materials are copyrighted with all rights reserved. Under copyright laws, these items may not be copied, photocopied, reproduced, translated or reduced to any electronic medium or machine readable form, in whole or in part. Any violation, or attempted violation, of copyright laws will result in the immediate suspension of lab privileges, disciplinary action by the college and/or lawsuit.

Everything Else

Come to the Lab prepared to do your work by bringing your assignments, manual, textbook, etc. We do not have assignments or books to lend.

Please work in the lab in a way that will not be distracting to others. Any disruption in the Lab may result in lost lab privileges.

As a courtesy to others, please turn all pagers and cell phones off while in the lab.

Please be aware of signs posted within the lab stating policies or announcements.

The lab phone is not for student use. We do not accept incoming calls for students. Emergencies must be handled through the campus police.

Children and visitors are not allowed in the lab.

No games may be played on the computers. The only exceptions are those assigned by a West Valley College Instructor.

Food and beverages are not allowed in the lab. Smoking is prohibited in all areas of the West Valley campus except in parking lot areas that are at least twenty five (25) feet away from buildings and pathways.

Additional questions, suggestions or problems may be directed to the Lab Faculty Specialist on duty.

Except for emergencies, please enter and exit the Technology Center through the main entrance at the Check-in window.