FAQS
PLEASE NOTE: FOOD AND DRINKS ARE NOT ALLOWED IN ANY SOUTHWEST COLLEGE LAB


Q. My computer is not working properly. How do I get service?

Secure authorization from your department chair. Complete a Work Order. Call or fax the unit that services your site.

West Loop Unit: (phone) 713-718-7867; (fax) 713-718-7872
Stafford Unit: (phone) 713-718-6783; (fax) 713-718-6784

Q. When will a technician be out?

Barring unforseen problems and depending on the time of day we receive your request, we will try to schedule the technician no later than the next business day.

Q. Who monitors the labs?

Either a lab aide or an Instructor must be present while students are in the labs.

Labs should not be left unattended at any time, opened before a scheduled class time or left open after a class concludes.

Q. I am an instructor and I want to install instructional sofware on my computer or in the Internet/Open Access Lab or in an instructional lab.What do I do?

See your department chair for approval. You must provide the original software and license for its use. We determine if there is space on the machines and if the software will cause no conflicts or problems with exisiting programs. If there are problems your Department Chair is notified; if not, we install it and make a copy for your department.

Q. Why can't I just ask a technician for help when I see one on my campus?

Technicians are responding to scheduled service calls and cannot be delayed or detained from completing their primary business on your campus. If there is time, however, and at his/her discretion, the technician may be able to assist you.

Q. I sometimes offer short-term computer classes. How do I arrange for them?

Call the TICS Support Office at 713-718-6783 at Stafford or 713-718-7867 at West Loop to schedule an appointment with a tehnician who will evaluate and help you with your specific request.

Q. I am a counselor, department chair, secretary, or an administrator. I am having problems with my computer and/or software. What do I do for service?

Call the Technical Dispatch Desk at 713-718-8800. We cannot service computers with HCCS administrative network access.

Q. Who pays for the cost of equipment repair and for software?

These costs are charged-back to your department. This is why we require authorization first from your department chair.

Q. Why do you keep original copies of the software?

We keep original copies of software for security and licensing purposes. We provide your department with copies of the originals.

Q. How do I order hardware,software and peripherals?

If you are authorized to place these orders, follow the regular HCCS purchasing procedures. Once your requisition is generated, bring to the TICS Office (Scarcella, S100) for final signatures so the purchase order can be generated. Please note the the shipping address for these items is: ATTN: Roland Fields, Scarcella Science and Technology Center, Room E112, Stafford, TX 77477.
We receive the items, enter them into the SW inventory and then deploy them to your site.

Q. I am a Department Chair and I would like to have a computer or a lab moved from one location to another. How do I accomplish this?

Email the Senior Technician for your building. Since we are responsible for the inventory of computers, software and peripherals for the SW College, the technician will take care of the paperwork and arrange the move. PLEASE, do not have your building personnel move the equipment.

Q. I have been notified by my Department Chair that I may pick up the laptop that was ordered for me. What is the procedure?

Call the ICS Tech Office 713-718-6783 to arrange a time to collect the laptop. Be sure to bring a copy of your driver's license.
HCCS System policy requires you to sign a document acknowledging that you have the laptop in your possession and, further, that you are completely responsible for its replacement in the event of damage, loss or theft. We strongly suggest that you take out an off-premisis insurance policy for at least $2,500 to cover the replacement cost of the laptop. Some Homeowner and Apartment Renter policies may provide this coverage.

REMEMBER, YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE LAPTOP WHILE IT IS IN YOUR POSSESSION. Please note that this same policy applies to any equipment you check-out from us.

If you have questions about this page, please contact Larry Mers, Director, Telecommunications and Instructional Support: 713-718-6738 or larry.mers@hccs.edu