Classroom Computer Labs Policy
Summary: We have several instructional labs
available for instructional use. To schedule a lab, use the online request
form. Please read the policy below for information about the labs and scheduling.
Quick Index
Lab Goals
The purpose of the NACS Computer Labs is to provide computing
resources (computers, software, network access, etc.) for UCI campus educational
activities, with priority being given to providing support for those classes
that are listed in the quarterly UCI "Schedule of Classes".
Note: Due to the high demand for the labs
during the regular school calendar, NACS is no longer able to schedule non-UCI
class use of the labs during the academic calendar. Such use is still available
during other times, e.g., quarter breaks and weekends. This situation will be
reviewed each quarter.
- In addition to scheduled classes, labs are for educational, drop-in use
, and student-directed activities.
- Labs are resource to develop new uses of computer-based educational activities.
- Lab are for use by variety of disciplines.
- Lab equipment and software environments serve as models for other campus
instructional labs.
- To facilitate the development of departmental and school-wide labs for continuing,
large-scale use of instructional computing.
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Locations
Our Instructional Labs are located in the Multipurpose Science &
Technology Building (MSTB) and ArtsTEC.
- MSTB Lab A (MSTB 210) - 46 PC Pentium III Computers.
- MSTB Lab B (MSTB 226) - 46 PC Pentium III Computers.
- MSTB Lab (Both) - MSTB Lab A and B are available separated by a moveable
partition and are available as one large lab for classes needing 90+ seats.
- ArtsTEC - 24 G4 Macintosh Computers
Access and Hours
The MST, Building, is open during the following hours when school is in session:
- 7:00 AM - 6 PM, Monday through Friday
These labs will generally be locked and alarmed outside of those hours. Exceptions
are made during peak use periods (beginning and end of quarters).
- Scheduled Classes: Normally only students enrolled in the class that has
reserved a lab may use the facility during the period of reservation. Other
students may enter at the discretion of the instructor.
- "Drop-In" Use: The NACS Classroom Computing labs may be used
for "drop-in" use by students, etc., when a reserved class is not
scheduled or in session. Schedules of reserved classes and maintenance periods
are posted outside of each lab's door.
Please check the schedule for the week:
- Posted outside the door of each lab,
to see when classes are in session.
- Online Version - Select "Current
Schedule" next to the lab you are interested in.
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Reserving/Scheduling
NACS Classroom Computer Labs
Scheduling for Class Time
Scheduling is only available for the actual time the class meets as stated
in the Schedule of Classes. If your students need more time for homework and
TA guidance, they may utilize the drop in hours after 6:00 PM or when other
classes are not scheduled.
Maximum Hours for Scheduling
The maximum number of hours that can be reserved across all NACS scheduled
labs is 20 hours per week per class, or the equivalent of 2 hours/student per
week, whichever is less. Thus, a class with 50 students will be allowed to reserve
a maximum of 4 hours/ week (using 25 computer seats per lab).
Blocks of time for reserved use may only be scheduled between the hours of
8 AM through 6 PM, Monday - Friday, to allow drop-in use in the evenings.
Making Reservations
Many instructors have have found a short introduction to the lab facilities
beneficial to their efficient use of the lab. For that reason, instructors and/or
their TAs are encouraged to have completed a brief orientation on the
features of the NACS Labs before using the lab. ( See section below: "Guidelines for Instructors").
As the reservation is made, NACS personnel will advise the reservation-maker
to advise the instructors to contact the pertinent NACS lab manager to
discuss any software or systems issues that may arise with this classes use
of the lab.
The labs may be reserved via a web form. For
information about fees, see the section on "Fee
Schedule for Reserved Use".
All requests for reservations must be confirmed by NACS to be considered
valid.
Reservations for instructional use can be made up to 2 quarters in advance
of the actual class. All reservations for a quarter must be made by the
Monday of the 2nd week of that current quarter.
Lab Cancellation Policy
NACS recognizes the inevitability of class dates and times changing, and will
make every attempt to accommodate your group. The Lab scheduling coordinator
must be notified of cancellations at least 5 working days before the session
meets or you will be recharged for the full amount originally agreed upon.
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Lab Costs for Scheduled Use
- No Fee - Classes Listed in Quarterly UCI "Schedule of Classes" and
UCI Summer Sessions Classes
- $40 per hour - Classes/Events Not Listed in Quarterly UCI "Schedule
of Classes"
- $25 Administrative Fee - a fee of $25 will be assessed
to cover NACS administrative costs for "too frequent" (more than
two changes) changing of reservations .
Software
Installation Policy
Valid Licenses Required
We will install only software that has a proper
and valid license. There are no exceptions to this rule. 'Demo' or 'evaluation'
copies will not be available in these labs.
2 Week Lead Time for Installation
To provide adequate lead time for software
test/installation, instructors should notify NACS of all software needs at
time of reservation. All software installation requires a minimum lead time
of two weeks.
Software
Installation Fees
Charges will include cost of license and maintenance for all software outside
of "standard" NACS Classroom Lab software
configuration.
A fee of $60 /hour will be charged for any software installation(s). All requests
for software should be made at reservation time. Due to high demand for lab
services, software requests made just before to during the scheduled quarter
are subject to significant delays in installation.
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Guidelines
for Instructors
Instructor Orientation
We recommend that new instructors complete a brief orientation ( which
may be done via phone or by visiting the labs) on the features of the NACS Labs
before using the lab. If you are using the NACS Labs for the first time, such
an orientation is the best way to familiarize yourself with the features of
the facilities, such as software, computer hardware and display equipment
before the first class meeting. Waiting until after the quarter begins to
do this usually delays the effective use of the lab by the instructor.
Special Arrangements
If there are special arrangements (e.g., additional equipment, new software,
etc.) that need to be made for the class, NACS must be contacted with sufficient
advance notice. If you have any questions related to using the labs for instruction,
please contact NACS at 824-2222, or e-mail us at nacs@uci.edu
Student Lab Time Guidelines
The actual lab time needed by students will vary depending upon the software
being used, the task(s) and their degree of experience with it. However, in
general, we recommend that instructors plan their labs so that each student
will have approximately 2 hours per week. Using the specified amount of lab
time per student and the fact that each scheduleable lab has 25 computers, instructors
should be able to estimate the total lab time per week for a class.
Printing in the Labs
Laser printing is available in the labs. All lab printers are managed by the
Payprint software system. Purchase a reusable print card from the vending machine
in Engineering Gateway E1140 for $1.00, then black and white printing is $0.10
per page, color printing is available in Engineering Gateway for $.20 per page.
Please note that you must add value to the card after purchase.
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