Information Technology Services (Student Computer Laboratories) Order 2005

Overview

The Information Technology Services (Student Computer Laboratories) Order 2005 was made by the Council of the Australian National University under section 4 of the Information Technology Services Statute 1999. This legislative instrument was introduced to address the need for specific regulations governing the use of student computer laboratories within the University. The primary objective of the Order is to ensure that the use of these facilities is orderly, respectful, and aligned with the academic purposes of the University. The Order sets out clear rules for access, usage, and behaviour within the laboratories, aiming to maintain an environment conducive to learning and research. It also establishes penalties for non-compliance, reinforcing the importance of adhering to these guidelines. The Order came into effect on 31 December 2004, following the commencement of the Orders (Repeal) Order 2004.

Scope and Application

The Information Technology Services (Student Computer Laboratories) Order 2005 applies specifically to the student computing laboratories provided by the Australian National University for general student use, excluding those provided by Halls of Residence or individual departments. This legislative instrument sets out the conditions for access to and use of these laboratories, aimed at ensuring they are utilised appropriately for academic purposes. Any person, including students and staff, who uses these laboratories must adhere to the outlined conditions, such as not allowing access to non-enrolled individuals, providing proof of identity when requested, and refraining from activities like running games software or using the equipment for personal entertainment. Any breach of these conditions can result in the person being required to leave the premises by any member of the university staff, and repeated or severe breaches can lead to penalties including fines and suspension of access to the university's information technology services. The appeal procedures set out in the Information Technology Services Rules are applicable to contraventions of this Order.

Key Provisions

The Information Technology Services (Student Computer Laboratories) Order 2005 (section 1) sets out the regulations for student computer laboratories at the Australian National University, effective from 31 December 2004 (section 1(2)). The Order applies specifically to general student use computing laboratories and excludes those provided by Halls of Residence or individual departments (section 3). It defines terms such as "laboratories", "Rules", "services", "software", "Statute", and "user" for the purpose of clarity within the Order (section 2). The Order imposes several obligations on users of the student computing laboratories. Users must ensure that access to the laboratories is limited to enrolled students and university staff only (section 4(a)). Users must also present proof of identity if requested by university staff (section 4(b)) and use the laboratories strictly for academic activities (section 4(c)). Users must vacate the laboratories upon request from lecturers who have booked the room for a class (section 4(d)). Additionally, users must refrain from using an unreasonable share of the laboratory's resources (section 4(e)), damaging or interfering with equipment (sections 4(f) and 4(g)), engaging in prohibited activities such as gaming or web browsing for entertainment (section 4(g)), smoking, eating, or drinking in the laboratories (section 4(h)), bringing animals into the laboratories (except guide dogs) (section 4(i)), interfering with other users (section 4(j)), engaging in harassment or intimidating behaviour (section 4(k)), and using the laboratories for private gain or sexual harassment (sections 4(l) and 4(m)). The Order stipulates penalties for contraventions. A first offence results in a fine of $100 or suspension of the person's access to the Information Technology Services (section 6(1)). A second offence incurs a fine of $250 or suspension of access (section 6(1)). A third or subsequent offence attracts a fine of $500 or suspension of access (section 6(1)). Moreover, non-compliance with the university's statutes, rules, orders, or conditions relating to specific services may lead to the revocation of access to services, either in addition to or as a substitute for other penalties (section 6(2)). The appeal procedures outlined in the Rules apply to contraventions of this Order (section 7).