One of your duties as a Student Consultant is to enforce our general lab and library policies.

It is also absolutely critical that consultants set good examples by following these policies themselves. If we break our own policies it undermines our credibility with customers.

Note: The libraries have a different policy when it comes to their food and drink policy. Unlike the computer labs, food and drink items are allowed in the libraries if they are covered drinks, snacks or wrapped items, and food without strong odors. For further information on this policy go to https://library.ucsc.edu/about/food-and-drink-policy. 

Only water is allowed near the computers:

All labs have an assigned area where food and drinks can be stored. Please note that customers are not allowed to eat their food at the food and drinks tables or at the laptop-only stations. You must continually monitor the lab to ensure that this is enforced. This means that you should scan the lab from your desk and get up and walk around to scan the lab at least every 20 minutes.

Water:

Only non-carbonated, unflavored water is allowed at the workstations.

Water must be kept in a sealed container with a completely secure top and remain closed when the customer is not actively drinking from it.

Water bottles must be kept on the floor when not in use.

If Water Spills…

It is possible that customers will spill water on equipment or on the floor. Should this happen, please follow the instructions below:

– If water is spilled on any equipment, perform a “hard shut down” of the equipment (meaning hold the power button down for 5-7 seconds until the machine shuts down), and move the customer to another station. Clean up the spill to the best of your ability without touching water that is near or on power cords. Post a Facilities Support Request detailing the incident, noting the exact date and time of the spill, the station number, and if you believe there was any damage to equipment. Place a, “Equipment Not Functioning” sign on the station and do not attempt troubleshooting while the equipment may still be moist.

– If water spills but does not come in contact with any equipment (like on the carpet), please soak it up with a rag to the best of your ability. Then, log a Facilities Issue in the Support Request System and indicate whether you think any further action from Staff is required.