CLA Procedures and Reminders

As a Computer Lab Assistant, you will be expected to perform several common tasks during your shift. These tasks include, but are not limited to, the following.

1. Do not wear headphones on your shift. You are there to serve the students, not watch movies.
2. Be familiar with both Windows & Macintosh operating systems
3. Maintain order in the CTS computer Labs at all times and deal with problems or disruptions accordingly.
4. Lost & Found procedures are posted in all labs. If an item of value is left in the lab (cell phone, keys, iPod, etc.) you must call University Police ext. 5555 and have them come and pickup the item.
   • If a student leaves a USB drive in the lab, please email them directly and tape a sheet of paper to the USB drive with the user's name. In Penfield you will want to give that USB drive to the front desk where it will be safely stored.
5. Monitoring printer queues and printers. Make sure printers are jam-free and they have paper and toner.
6. Do lab rounds. Walk around the lab, push in chairs, clean up any trash, etc.
7. Cell phone use is prohibited in all labs.
8. Assist users as they have questions. If you don't know an answer, email the cla-list or call the help desk at x3456 for an immediate answer. 
9. ONLY the CLA on duty should be in the CLA area.
10. In the event of a fire alarm, all labs have a key located in the CLA area. You should be familiar with its location and the appropriate fire drill procedures for the lab you are working in.
11. When closing a lab, please perform the following tasks:
    • Do a supply check. Email the cla-list with number of remaining boxes of paper and toner.
    • Ensure printers are fully stocked. Printouts should be stacked neatly or if over three hours old recycled.
    • Machines can be turned off, printers can be left on.
    • Turn lab lights off and close door behind you.

Some reminders:

• Be available to users for your entire shift. You should be behind the desk or doing rounds, not socializing with your friends.
• During your first few weeks, time on your shift while not helping users should be spent learning all of the CTS supported software in the labs. This should be done on Macs and on PC’s.
• Check the lab reservation schedule either at the beginning of your shift or before you arrive to the lab.
• Do not change the toner until printing quality becomes degraded (faded ink, random lines, unclear characters, etc) and you see the message ‘toner out’ displayed on the printer screen. When it says ‘toner out’ simply open up the top and front covers of the printer, remove the toner cartridge and shake it. Replace the cartridge and close up the printer. Now hit the go button. It will still say ‘toner low’ but don’t worry about it. If this does not improve print quality, then it is time to change the toner cartridge.
• Only CLA's or senior staff members may be in the CLA area.
• Do lab rounds. This is part of your job and will ensure that users are not abusing equipment or acting inappropriately in the lab.
• Remind users that they are not to have any food or drink in the labs.
• If a user has password problems, direct them to the help desk at room 26, Lanigan Hall.
• If a user needs more print quota, direct them to the telecommunications office at first floor, room 102 Culkin Hall. Remind them that it will be one hour before their new quota shows up on their account.
• If a user is being disruptive and uncooperative, call University Police at X5555 to have them be escorted out of the lab.
• Make sure anything borrowed from the CLA desk (disk drives, headphones, remotes) is signed out in the book and you take the users ID card.
• When you are covering a shift and you do not have the key for the lab, remember to get the key from Kris Smith. If a lab has been closed due to a no-show, it is very important that you get the key to re-open with. In a pinch, you can usually find a custodian, but don’t count on it.

If you are unsure of what to do when a problem arises, please do one of the following:

• Check the CLA handbook at the CLA desk in every lab.
• Check the CLA webpage.
• E-mail cla-list@ls.oswego.edu.
• Never improvise from standard lab procedure.
• Keep the lab neat and clean, including the CLA area.