General Computer Usage

Policy on the use of laptops, cell phones and other devices in class.

The use of laptop computers in class in intended to allow students to take notes and perform other functions directly related to classwork. The use of a laptop, cell phone, or other device for other purposes, detracts from the student’s ability to concentrate on and participate effectively in the class, and can be disruptive to other students.

It is therefore the policy of the law school that a student may not use a laptop computer, cell phone, or other device to access the Internet, send or receive text messages, email, or other communications without the express permission of the instructor, or otherwise to use the device to engage in activity that is not related to the class.

The faculty expects every student to comply with this policy as a matter of courtesy and professional responsibility. However, individual faculty members have the discretion to take active steps to enforce this policy and impose sanctions for its violation. If a faculty member intends to take active steps to enforce this policy and to impose sanctions for its violation, the faculty member must provide advance notice to the class.

This policy does not preclude students from the reasonable use of communications relating to family or emergency situations.

Use of Computers in Exams

On November 12, 2002, the faculty adopted the following rules on computers in exams. These rules will go into effect Fall Semester 2002 and will apply to all exams.

1. It is within the discretion of the individual professor to determine whether computers may be used in his or her exam, and to prescribe the manner and extent to which computers may be used in that exam.
2. It is within the discretion of the individual professor to determine what materials students may bring into an exam. 
3. It is a violation of the honor code for a student to bring into, use, or attempt to use in the exam any materials that are not authorized by the professor, or to violate any of the specification’s made by the professor for the use of computers in exams.
4. Unless the professor expressly authorizes the use of materials in electronic form, it is a violation of the honor code for a student, during the course of the exam, to open any file on his or her computer that contains or relates to the subject being tested. That is, if the use of materials in electronic form is forbidden, the student may use the computer only for the purpose of word processing. Locate and read the professors authorized materials information online.
5. If electronic materials are permitted, it is a violation of the honor code for a student to use or attempt to use them in any manner beyond that permitted.

6. No student may use or access any form of generative artificial intelligence technology during an exam, unless expressly authorized by the professor teaching the class for which the exam is being taken.

7. Unless the professor expressly authorizes the use of the internet or other electronic communication in the exam, it is a violation of the honor code for the student to have or seek recourse to such means of communication during the exam.
8. These rules supplement, and do not detract from the general rules of the Honor Code.
9. Current instructions for using computers to take exams can be found on the Law Registrar’s web page

http://www.lclark.edu/dept/lawreg/comp_exam_rule.html

Technical Support

1. Students assume the risk of all technical difficulties that may arise during an exam.
2. The Law School has limited technical resources and personnel, and is not likely to be able to assist all students with technical problems or with needs for equipment during the exam period. To avoid problems and disputes over the fair allocation of resources during exams:

a) No student is permitted to use in an exam any Law School-owned computer, printer or other hardware or software

b) Law IT will not provide technical assistance to any student while that student is taking an exam. The curriculum committee may review and change this policy at any time in the future.