Learning Spaces & Technology

Lab scheduling & reservation

IT maintains several computer labs that are open to all UM faculty, staff, and students. To help ensure the smooth operation of the labs, we ask that you follow the policies and procedures outlined in this document. Please contact the Lab Manager (243-2187) if you have suggestions for the labs.

Lab reservations for classes

An instructor may reserve a lab for hands-on instruction in an academic class. To reserve a lab, please follow the procedures outlined below

1. Send an e-mail message to ITLabRequest@Umontana.edu . State the name of the lab you prefer, the dates and hours you need it, and the hardware and software you plan to use (including the number of machines you need). Please include the class number and section along with your telephone number. You will receive phone notification of which lab you have been assigned or of any conflicts with your request.
2. We need to receive your request by Wednesday of the week prior to your requested reservation. The lab schedule for each week is posted on the Thursday of the previous week. IT will maintain one open lab for general student use during regular hours. Other time slots will be filled in on a first-come, first-served basis; schedule your lab times early to prevent conflicts.
3. In certain labs, a lab monitor must be present whenever the lab is open. If you want to use a lab outside of the normal hours, IT will hire an extra monitor whose time will be billed to your department at $10.00/hour. Therefore you may prefer to schedule your classes during the normal lab hours when a monitor is already scheduled to be in the lab. We cannot guarantee that a monitor will be available during off-hours but we will do our best to accommodate your needs.
4. You or your teaching assistant must be present in the lab during your scheduled time. If no instructor is present, you lose your reservation and the equipment becomes available to other users on a walk-in basis. If no one shows up within 15 minutes of the scheduled time your reservation will be lost. After two no-shows for a class reservation IT will assume that you no longer require the lab and cancel future reservations.
5. Reserve the lab only for those class periods during which students will have hands-on use of the computers. The lab is not intended as a lecture/demonstration facility. Design your classes so that lecture and demonstration are separate from the students' hands-on activities. There are master classrooms (e.g., Jour 304) designed to accommodate those needs plus PTS can provide equipment to do computer demonstrations in other classrooms.
6. The installation of special-purpose software in labs is allowed with certain restrictions. IT will install the software, but you are responsible for verifying that your demonstrations and assignments work on the equipment. If you would like special-purpose software installed in the labs for a class, we need a copy at least two weeks in advance to test and install it. You are responsible for providing proof of licensing for each station the software is to reside on. We do not guarantee any special software to work under our current lab configurations. Rarely can we modify existing hardware or software to perform unique tasks. No special-purpose software will be installed that conflicts with the standard software IT has provided in the lab.
7. Hardware and software may break down in spite of our best efforts to maintain the labs. Promptly report all problems to the lab monitor, who will notify IT. Also, please maintain some flexibility in your plans.
8. Two of our windows labs, LA 206 and 242, are equipped with LCD projectors. If you need an LCD projector and are scheduled in a lab that does not have one please call P&TS (x2858) to arrange delivery of one. If you require markers for the whiteboards, you will need to bring them with you.
9. Because labs are an important resource and in short supply, we try to make maximum use of the lab facilities. When a class is scheduled in the lab, the class members should sit at the front of the lab so if walk-in traffic is allowed, it does not disrupt the class.
10. If you need to cancel a lab reservation, notify IT as soon as possible. This will decrease the unnecessary disruption to the lab as well as open the lab up to another class or general student use. After two no-shows for a class reservation IT will assume that you no longer require the lab and cancel future reservations.
11. Instructors need to model and enforce all lab policies with their students. For example, instructors should not have food or beverages in the lab and should not allow students to do so. Also, please have students pick up scrap paper, push chairs in and return their machine to a state ready for the next user.
12. A fee of $10.00 per student is assessed for certain special classes held in the labs (e.g., classes not assessed the computer use fee).

By following these guidelines, you can assist us in efficiently utilizing and sharing this resource. Thank you for your cooperation in helping the labs run as smoothly as possible.