BGSU Computer Lab Standards

The purpose of this standard is to establish guidelines and procedures for computer labs at Bowling Green State University (BGSU) to ensure an optimal, consistent experience for students and instructors.

These standards apply to all BGSU computer labs, including Information Technology Services (ITS)-owned and department-owned labs.

1. Each computer lab has an identified fiscal owner.  The fiscal owner is responsible for all financial costs for lab computers, peripherals, furniture, AV equipment, and any network or other infrastructure related needs. 
   • Changes to the fiscal owner must be made through the Computer Lab Change Request Form.
2. Computer labs are either Open or Scheduled.
   •   Open labs are available for general student use during the lab’s hours of operation.
   •   Scheduled labs have standard class schedules created at the start of the semester and can be used by any student outside of that schedule.
3. All computers within the lab must be the same model and have the same hardware specifications and configuration.
4. All computers within the lab must have a wired network connection.
5. All computers within the lab must be capable of running a currently supported operating system.
6. All software used within the lab must be reviewed and approved through BGSU’s Technology Review process.
7. ITS creates and manages all builds (operating system and software configuration) in computer labs.  All software installed within a lab must have valid licensing for the quantity of computers within the lab.  
8. For department-owned computer labs, the fiscal owner is responsible for submitting requests (or ensuring requests are submitted) for software changes by the stated deadline.  Requests must include necessary license information and/or installation files; otherwise the software will not be installed and will be removed if it is currently installed without valid licensing.  
   • The software requestor is responsible for ensuring that the lab computers meet or exceed the software’s recommended requirements.
9. The fiscal owner is responsible for performing or requesting all non-technical support or assistance (including cleaning with electronics-safe wipes, computer moves, and furniture moves) from the appropriate service provider.
10. Computers must not be moved within the lab, removed from the lab, or disconnected from power/network without providing at least two business days advance notice to ITS via the Service Desk.
    • Any peripherals that are added to lab computers must also not be moved without contacting ITS.

Exceptions to these standards must be approved by the Chief Information Officer or their designee.

Failure to comply with these standards may result in disciplinary action.

This standard will be reviewed annually by the Director of Client Services and updated as necessary.