ESL AND FOREIGN LANGUAGES LAB

Policies & Procedures

1. In order to maintain a clean and quiet learning environment and to allow students to take full advantage of the ESL and Foreign Languages Lab resources, we expect that all students accept their responsibility to follow the established guidelines.

2. Lab facilities are open only to currently registered MDC students. Students must check in at the front desk before entering the Lab and may be asked to present a current MDC ID.

3. Eating, drinking, smoking, cellular phones, audible beepers, children, and guests are not permitted in the Lab.

5. The ESL and Foreign Languages Lab has been designed to provide a quiet, productive working environment. As such, loud or disruptive behavior is prohibited. Disruptive students will be asked to leave the Lab and may be prohibited from further use.

6. The computers are to be used for MDC course-related activities only. The playing of computer games and chatting is not permitted in the Lab. Do not change computers without reassignment from the staff.

7. Software may not be installed on any computer at any time. All students' work must be saved to diskette. No work should be saved on the hard drive or network drive because students' work on these drives will be erased daily.

8. Unauthorized duplication of software or any other copyrighted material is prohibited and may result in disciplinary action by the College. Do not change any of the settings on computer.

9. Printer services are limited to a single copy of a given document that is not more than four pages in length, and the output is only guaranteed to be legible.

10. Students are responsible for clearing their station and work area when they complete their work.

11. Students may not turn any hardware on or off and should not unplug or move any hardware. Hardware problems should be reported to the Lab staff immediately.

12. Course assignments that students can complete using Lab resources may be picked up at the Front Desk if their instructor has prepared these materials in advance. The Lab staff will make every attempt to keep study guides and assignments on hand at all times, but students are reminded that it is the instructor's responsibility to provide these materials to the Lab for distribution.

13. The Lab assistants are available to help students in using the available hardware and software; simply come up to the Front Desk for assistance. Questions about specific assignment should be directed to the course instructor.

14. Student wishing to use videotapes, CD-ROMs or to complete their course assignments must leave a picture ID at the Front Desk while they use these materials. Students will be held financially liable for any damages to videotape, CD-ROMs caused by improper use.

15. Students must use headphones when listening to audio or video CDs. A limited number of headphones are available for Lab use. Students must leave a picture ID at the Front Desk while using headphones and will be held responsible for returning them in good condition when done.

16. Hours of operation will be posted at the entrance of the Lab and are subject to change without notice, although every attempt will be made to notify students of any changes.

17. In the event of an electrical emergency that may affect the server, the Lab's backup systems are designed to alert users of the need to save their files in progress and exit immediately. However, it is recommended that students name their file as they open a new document. The system will create a backup every 10 minutes. The College will not be liable for any damage whatsoever (including loss resulting from system interruptions or loss of information) arising out of the use or inability to use any equipment and / or software in the Lab.

18. Computer seating space and certain course resources are available on a first-come- first-served basis. The Lab staff reserves the right to limit student time if there are others waiting to use the equipment or course resources.

19. The Lab accommodates students with special needs. Wheelchair accessible tables are available. Lab staff will be happy to assist when requested.

20. The Front desk area of the Lab is off-limits to everyone except the Lab staff. Telephones are for use by Lab staff only.

21. When a fire alarm sounds, all occupants of the Lab must leave immediately.

22. All personal property brought into the Lab is the sole responsibility of the owner.

23. Failure to comply with published Lab Policies and Procedures may result in disciplinary action including, but not limited to, banning from the Lab and dismissal from the College. Any acts of theft or vandalism such as writing on tables, walls, equipment, etc., will result in strong disciplinary action by the College.

The ESL and Foreign Languages Lab staff will do anything in its power to ensure that you have a good learning experience.