Student internet quota FAQs
Introduction
The University of the Sunshine Coast recognises that the internet is a valuable resource and as such provides internet access to students for purposes directly associated with their academic studies. However, our internet connection is a finite resource and therefore an internet quota system is in place. This system ensures that all students have an opportunity to use this valuable resource in a way that is fair and reasonable to everyone, flexible in providing access at any time, and reflects the academic needs of students.
What is the internet quota?
The internet quota is a set amount of data for web browsing, downloading of software etc that any student may generate in a given period of time (eg day or week). The quota includes all pages, images, text, streamed video and software downloaded. It applies to any student who accesses the internet on campus through the USC computer network. If the internet address (URL) does not contain usc.edu.au then it may be included in your internet quota.
Your internet quota does not apply if you access the University’s services remotely using your own ISP.
What amount is set for the internet quota?
Students enrolled in undergraduate, foundation pathway, Study Abroad or English language Programs are allocated 20 megabytes of information per day (your Quota Increment). Unused daily allowances accrue and it is possible to accumulate up to a maximum of 200 megabytes (maximum quota), which can be used at any time.
Postgraduate coursework students' quota increments at 50 megabytes per day, with a maximum accumulation of 500 megabytes.
Higher Degree by Research (HDR) students who access the internet through the Graduate Centre and other designated research areas are not subject to internet quotas.
My courses need the internet more than other students. Why don’t I have a greater internet quota than they do?
It is appreciated that not every student will have the same need to access the internet because of the courses they are studying, their study habits, whether they have internet access at home, etc. However, the quota system has been developed for simplicity and to cater for the needs of the more demanding course requirements. The quota levels are monitored and periodically reviewed.
Where requested by the lecturer, students are able to access the internet from specific locations during designated “quota-free” times. Typically this is during a timetabled tutorial or a student access time.
Library databases and websites are not included in the quota system and many sites commonly used in courses are also quota free.
A more extensive guide to the internet quota is accessible to students and staff on the USC Portal.
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