User Responsibilities

User Responsibilities

These User Responsibilities outline the expected conduct for anyone granted access to the UC San Diego CSE Data Center. They define the behaviors necessary to protect University resources, maintain a safe and clean operating environment, and support compliance with UC systemwide information security and physical security requirements. These responsibilities help ensure a safe, reliable, and professional environment for all researchers and students.

Access & Authorization

  • Access only with valid authorization — Do not enter unless you have approved card access or are escorted by CSE staff.
  • No tailgating — Each person must badge in individually.
  • Do not let others in — Never grant access to anyone not explicitly authorized.
  • Use your own credentials — Do not share badges, keys, or login credentials.

Safety & Conduct

  • Follow posted safety signage — Hot aisle, noise, trip hazards, and emergency notices apply at all times.
  • Stay within designated walkways — Avoid stepping on cables or containment barriers.
  • Report hazards immediately — Alarms, leaks, unusual noise, or heat must be reported to CSEHelp.
  • No running, climbing, or unsafe behavior — The data center is an operational environment, not a workspace.

Cleanliness & Environmental Control

  • No food, drink, or liquids — Strictly prohibited anywhere inside the data center.
  • Do not bring cardboard or loose packing materials — These shed particulates and violate cleanliness standards.
  • Keep doors closed — Maintain airflow integrity for hot/cold aisle containment.
  • Do not block perforated vents — Airflow obstruction reduces cooling efficiency.
  • Crash Cart & Furniture — All crash carts, stools, and mobile furniture must be returned neatly to their designated staging location after use.
  • VGA, USB, keyboard, and mouse cables must be coiled cleanly, secured with the attached Velcro tie, and placed inside the crash cart basket.
  • Do not leave carts plugged in, stretched across aisles, or positioned in front of racks.
  • Any missing peripherals or damaged cables should be reported.

Equipment Handling

  • Do not touch equipment you do not own — Never interact with other groups’ servers, cables, or PDUs.
  • Do not modify power or network connections — Only CSE staff may connect or disconnect power/network.
  • Use only assigned rack space — No ad‑hoc equipment placement or temporary storage.
  • Label all equipment — Systems must be clearly labeled with owner and contact info.

Operational Expectations

  • Follow the intake and installation process — All systems must go through the CSE onboarding workflow.
  • Maintain system security — Systems must meet UCSD cybersecurity requirements (Qualys, Trellix, updates).
  • No personal devices — Laptops, desktops, and consumer gear are not permitted in racks.
  • No storage use — The data center is not a storage room; remove all boxes and unused equipment.
  • Unused gear — If your server is not being used, it will be removed.

Emergency & Incident Response

  • Know emergency exits and procedures — Review posted emergency instructions before working inside.
  • Call 911 for life‑safety emergencies — Then notify CSEHelp and building management.
  • Report all incidents — Any safety, security, or operational incident must be reported immediately.

Questions?

Please contact CSEhelp at csehelp@ucsd.edu