Computer Lab Policies

Owned by Andrew Molloy
Last updated: Dec 18, 2024
3 min read

The School of Architecture offers 24-hour physical access to two computer labs in Rooms 004 and 014 of Slocum Hall, and online access to a RemoteLab over the Internet. The labs are open to all architecture students who have attended an SOA computing orientation and are currently registered for architecture classes. Access to the physical labs is restricted during specified class times, schedules of which are posted on the entrance doors.

Orientation

  • Attending a computing orientation is required to use the computer labs, network printers and access the school's network folders. It is also necessary to access the school’s pay-per-print system, which is used to pay for printing, 3D printing and CNC milling.

  • Students must be currently enrolled as an architecture major and currently registered for architecture classes. Upon completion of the orientation session, each student must fill out an access form (available at the orientation) and return it to Room 001. After turning in the form, you will receive a confirmation email when access is enabled (usually within 24 hours).

Food & Drink

  • Food and drink are forbidden in the computer labs and plot room at all times as they can damage computer equipment or lab furnishings. If we see you with food or drink (or empty drink or food containers) in the labs or plot room, your account may be disabled for a minimum of two days.

Model Building

  • The tables and floors in the labs are not to be used for cutting or scoring for any reason, as it damages the table and floor surfaces.

  • Model building of any type is prohibited in the labs.

Hours

  • During the school year (not including breaks), the labs are open 24/7. The School reserves the right to close the labs in the event of major problems and/or malfunctions. The labs may be closed periodically for maintenance.

  • During the summer, student accounts are disabled except for those enrolled in summer architecture courses. The labs are closed for two weeks leading up the start of the fall semester, in order to complete upgrades and install new software.

  • The labs may be reserved during the semester for classroom instruction, as posted on the lab room doors. Classroom teaching has priority over other uses of the labs, and students may be asked to vacate the lab during classroom teaching. If one lab is in use for classroom instruction, the other lab will be kept free for general use.

Auto-logoff

  • Due to the limited number of computers, students must logout if they leave the lab. Leaving one's personal belongings at a computer does not reserve the computer while one is away. Other students have the right to logoff unattended computers, and they are not responsible if unsaved work is lost. Unattended computers are auto-logged off after 25 minutes; unsaved work will be lost.

Computer Usage

  • The labs are for projects related to architecture course work only.

  • Only one computer may be logged into at a time.

Physical Space

  • All computers, monitors, computer peripherals, manuals and chairs are the property of the School of Architecture and belong in the computer lab at all times.

  • We don't permit you to bring in your own computer monitor, or disconnect or reconfigure the lab computers or peripherals.

  • Bikes and skateboards must be left outside the labs.

Pirated Software

  • Only architecture-related files may be stored on the school’s shared network folders (G drive).

  • If pirated software is found on shared folders, the person who uploaded it will lose access to architecture computing resources.