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The Graphics Lab is a private lab for students enrolled in specific classes in the School of Communications Design. The focus of the labs is design --in all media and formats. Students can use the lab to work on course-related print, web, and audio/visual - based projects to create their designs. The Graphics Lab may not be used for any word processing, reports, script writing, or papers or for the printing of any of these items. Please use the University’s Academic Computing Center on the first floor of the Business Center for these needs.
Students not enrolled in a course that has a lab fee that goes to the Graphics Lab can purchase a Lab Card to use the facilities. Other students doing design work for the School of Communications Design should note these additional policies.
Access
Lab hours are posted in the Lab and on the web. Students who are on the Lab User List can sign up for time and use the lab during these hours. Anyone else may use the lab during these hours (but may not sign up) and must pay for all prints made
Using the computers
The computers in the Graphics Lab are available on a first-come, first-served basis. When the lab is very busy, users are asked to adhere to a courtesy policy of a maximum of 2 hours of use.
Please be prompt in collecting your materials and getting off the machine, unless no one is waiting to get on a machine.
Signing in and out
Upon entering and leaving the lab, always sign in and out on the log located on the Lab Assistant’s desk.
Lab Assistants
The lab assistants working in the lab are there to reserve time for users, assist users in printing and manage the color print jobs, handle all the monetary transactions, and troubleshoot users with their software problems. The assistants are not able to train you to use software programs, are not aware of your class' homework assignment, and cannot/will not do your homework for you. If you feel you have been sent to the lab to do an assignment you are unable to complete due to not knowing the software, speak to your instructor to resolve the issue. If you have trouble working with a lab assistant, email the Director of Technologies.
Independent studies, free-lancers, alumni and others
Independent Studies, free-lancers and alumni are welcome to work in the lab on a walk-in basis. Printouts and supplies must be paid for at the time of use; there is no billing. Lab cards are available for purchase, giving these users the same benefits of the lab as a lab fee.
Storing your files
Students are responsible the back-up and safe keeping of their own files by backing them up to their own disks. The hard disks on the computers in the lab are for system software and lab storage only. The hard drives are maintained regularly and any work left on them is deleted
System configuration
Do not change, alter, add, subtract or in any way reconfigure any of the computer stations. No software may be added to the machines and no cables or hardware may be changed. If you have a suggestion for improvement to the systems, however small or large, please share it with the Director of Technologies.
Color Printing and poster printing
The color printer and poster printer are available for use on all machines for a nominal charge. Follow the directions for printing in the lab manual. Prices are posted in the lab. The Graphics Lab will accept checks or credit cards only for amounts over $4.00. Please understand that we are not a service bureau. If you compare the prices for printouts in the lab with commercial shops, you realize our profit is minimal. If you print on any of these printers, you are responsible for paying for them, regardless of satisfaction. The Lab is not responsible for nicks, flecks, color shifts, or any user error, such as font problems or image linking. Barring major hardware malfunction, the official policy is “You print you pay.”
Smoking and eating
Smoking is not permitted in any UB building. Food is not permitted in the lab areas, and drinks are not allowed near the computer workstations.
Cell phones and the lab telephone
Please use the pay phone that is located on the second floor balcony for personal calls. The lab phone is for lab business only. If you receive cell phone calls while in the lab, please move into the lobby area to continue your conversation.