Makerspace Policy — Waiver & Terms

Usage

• The AU Makerspace is open for use by faculty, staff, and current students with a current and valid University ID. These users must accept the waiver located in the online User Registration Form.
• Under special circumstances, outside users, members of the general public, University partners, and former students may use the Makerspace upon checking the waiver mentioned above and applying as a temporary user for each visit. This also includes camps, workshops, and other approved events — however, users under 18 must have the registration, waiver, and third-party application signed by a consenting adult.
• Hours of use are Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM until 5:00 PM; hours may vary slightly each semester. Check the Makerspace homepage for this semester's current hours.
• Machines, equipment, and spaces are used through reservation only, via the AU Makerspace App.
• Classes of 5 or more may reserve the entire Makerspace, provided no existing reservations conflict. Entire-space reservations must be emailed to cidl@andersonuniversity at least 72 hours in advance, and may not exceed standard open hours.
• Any unapproved material brought in for personal use must be approved by the Makerspace Manager first — contact makerspace@andersonuniversity.edu before starting. (Example: PLA is pre-approved for all 3D printers; ABS and PETG need approval.)

Courtesy

• Users are responsible for returning equipment, materials, and spaces to proper order, cleaning up their work area, and reporting broken or damaged equipment. Failure to do so may result in loss of Makerspace access.
• AU is not responsible for personal items that are left, lost, stolen, broken, or thrown away.
• Food and drinks are allowed as long as they have a lid and you clean up after yourself — please use care around equipment.
• Personal projects require you to bring your own materials, with the exception of the Form 2, Sewing Machine, and Button Maker.
• After a 3D print with personal material completes, remove your material and replace it with a spool of Makerspace material.
• Take your personal material with you when not in use — unattended material becomes part of the Makerspace's collection.
• If a print fails, notify Makerspace staff before starting another.
• Reservations take priority over restarted prints or projects.
• Begin wrapping up your work before closing — don't wait until the last minute.
• Users who don't show up within 30 minutes of their reservation forfeit the spot.
• All files must be inspected and approved by Makerspace student workers (settings, machine choice, and adherence to AU standards).
• Students may not reserve machines for days on end unless the print genuinely requires it — reservations must be made per individual print.
• File naming format: (user name)_(file name).stl/obj — names must describe the print, not be a code name. Failure to follow these guidelines forfeits the reservation, and prints may be stopped.

Safety

• Makerspace staff and CIDL may deny access to anyone demonstrating unsafe, harmful, or disruptive behavior.
• Always get proper training before using a machine — failure to do so may result in loss of access.
• Students must use the front door; anyone entering through the back will be turned away.
• Only Makerspace staff may perform maintenance or modify machine settings — adjust your print/project settings in the slicer or machine program only.
• Latex gloves are required when using the Resin Printers (repeated non-compliance results in temporary suspension of resin printer access).
• AU does not strictly enforce a safety dress code, but recommends: closed-toed shoes, tied-back long hair, no loose jewelry/clothing, and keeping the floor clear of tripping hazards. Safety glasses, earplugs, and gloves are not provided but may be necessary.
• Room capacity is limited to 20 people, except for organized camps, workshops, and CEPs.
• A fire extinguisher is located beside the Glowforge laser cutter — for fire emergencies only.
• Do not prop open the emergency exit door.
• For medical emergencies, call 911, then inform a CIDL or Makerspace staff member. Non-emergency issues can be directed to the Thrive Wellness Center.
• The First Aid Kit is located at the back of the space, to the left of the sink.

Legal

• All users must comply with AU's Internet and Email policy and the student handbook, in addition to this policy.
• The Makerspace may be used for commercial purposes as long as total revenue per user does not exceed $1,000/year. Commercial use must rely on user-provided materials — AU will not provide services, machines, or materials for commercial work.
• Machines, equipment, materials, computers, and tools may only be used for lawful purposes.
• AU is not responsible for damage to computers or loss of data from working with University software or hardware.
• Do not modify or alter equipment or software.
• AU provides no warranties, express or implied, for services, materials, or machines.
• AU does not guarantee confidentiality or security of personal information — log out and take your information with you after using a computer.
• The Makerspace will not knowingly allow violation of copyright or licensing restrictions, and prohibits creating items that are unsafe, harmful, dangerous, threatening, or in violation of others' intellectual property rights.
• By using the AU Makerspace, you acknowledge AU's right to deny any user access at any time, for any reason or no reason at all.

Waiver

I have read and acknowledged the policies described in this Makerspace Policy document and in the provided links and documents therein. I also acknowledge that Anderson University and its partners are not liable for any expense, loss, personal injury, or accident whereby I am involved that is not negligent or willful malfeasance by any employee or agent of the University. I will not bring any suit or claim against Anderson University or its partners as a result of any circumstance within the constraints outlined herein. I understand that University policies and rules are in effect for the duration of my use of the AU Makerspace. I understand that failure to abide by these policies can result in a temporary suspension or permanent ban from the AU Makerspace. By using the Makerspace, I show that I agree to these policies and waive any liability placed on Anderson University or the Makerspace.