Center for Latin American Studies

Computer Lab Usage Policy

Introduction
The priority of the Center for Latin American Studies’ computer lab (308 Grinter Hall) is to provide
support for the instruction of Latin American Studies classes. When the lab is not in use for teaching
purposes, access is granted to graduate students enrolled in the M.A. in Latin American Studies
program, Tropical Conservation and Development Program Fellows and Assistants, students
enrolled in certain classes taught by Center faculty, and visiting scholars and faculty.

The University of Florida Computer and Software Requirement expects each student entering the junior
year, as well as each student new to the university, to acquire computer hardware and software
appropriate to his or her degree program. Because each UF student is expected to own his/her
own computer, use of the Center’s lab is considered a privilege, not a right.

The lab contains six workstations, wireless internet for laptop use, and a phone for making
local telephone calls. Each computer contains the following software: Windows 7, PDF Viewer, MS
Office 2007, and SPSS.

Access to the Lab and Computer Accounts

All users are required to attend a lab orientation with the Center’s technical staff at the beginning of the
academic year. During the orientation, you will be assigned a code for the key pad to unlock the lab
door and will receive instruction on how to log on and use the computers and other lab equipment. All
users are required to have a Gatorlink account.

The lab is open 24 hours per day while classes are in session. Remember that the lab may be closed at
times throughout the week for use by classes. The semester schedule will be posted on the lab door.

Because Grinter Hall is locked at night, users will also be issued a key to unlock the main door of Grinter
Hall. If/when you are no longer allowed access to the lab; you will be required to return the Grinter key
to the Center. Failure to return the key will result in having a hold placed on your UF record.

Usage Guidelines
Users are required to abide by the following guidelines to assist the Center to protect and maintain the
lab and to ensure that using the lab is a productive and pleasant experience for everyone.
General Lab Usage
• Keep the lab door closed at all times.
• Entrance to the lab is restricted to those who are assigned a door code and a lab account.
• Violations should be reported to the Center’s technical staff.
• Food and beverages are prohibited.
• Personal belongings should not be left unattended.
• Leave your workspace clean when done working.
• Listen to music only with headphones and at a volume that will not disturb neighboring users.
• Turn off cell phones while in the lab so as not to disturb fellow users.
• Adhere to the University’s Code of Student Conduct and IT Acceptable Use Policy at all times.

Computer Account Usage

• Each account is to be used solely by the user for which it was assigned. Sharing of accounts is strictly
prohibited.
• If there is a queue to access a computer, use of computers is limited to a period of one hour.
• All data must be saved to a network share or removable media such as a CD or USB drive.
• Users are allocated up to 700 MB of space on the network share.
• Installation of any software by lab users is strictly prohibited as it may compromise authorized
software already loaded on the computers. Software requests should be made to the Center’s
technical staff.
• Do not leave your account/computer unattended.
• Log out when work is completed.

Technical Support
Requests for technical support should be made through the through the Center’s website at
http://www.latam.ufl.edu/IT

Enforcement
Remember, usage of the lab is a privilege. To ensure safe and effective operation of the lab, any serious
violation of the above guidelines observed by or reported to the Center’s technical staff will result in
revocation of access, and possible judicial action.

UF Policy Documents
University of Florida Computer and Software Requirement: http://www.circa.ufl.edu/computer.htm
UF IT Acceptable Use Policy: http://www.it.ufl.edu/policies/aupolicy.html
UF Code of Student Conduct: http://www.dso.ufl.edu/studentguide/studentconductcode.php