Grad Lab COVID-19 Spring Semester 2021 Student Services

Grad Lab Spring Semester 2021 Student Services

This document outlines the services available to MICA Graduate Students through the MICA Graduate Research Lab. Please read it thoroughly.

In alignment with MICA's 5 campus Operational Modes which support a progressive return to campus (https://www.mica.edu/mica-dna/r5/campus-operational-modes/) the Grad Lab management has analyzed our spaces, services and staffing to align our policies, processes and procedures with MICA’s 5 campus Operational Modes to maximize Lab services for the Spring 2021 semester.

The Grad Lab has developed the following plan to alter Lab Services, Service Lead Times, Access and Operational Modes to mirror MICA’s 5 campus Operational Modes which will allow us to adapt to changing conditions and progressively ramp-up or down Lab activities accordingly.

Throughout the Spring 2021 semester, The Grad Lab will continue to provide the following Core Services:

· Inkjet printing

· Laser printing

· Riso printing

· Equipment checkout

· Consultative services

In order to provide the highest level of services possible while prioritizing the health, safety, and wellness of students and staff, the Grad Lab will implement the following Service Model:

· All services will be offered on an appointment-basis only

· All Services require one week advanced notice

· There will be a 24 hour turnaround time for checkout equipment to allow for disinfecting

· The Lab will offer Curbside and or In-Person Services on a M,W,F schedule and Remote on a T,TH schedule

Due to COVID budget adherence and health and safety concerns:

· Workshops will remain be suspended

· Main Computer Lab printer support will be suspended

With the health and safety of our community in mind, The Grad Lab has developed 3 Operational Modes:

· In-Person – Students physically come on campus and into the Grad Lab for Services

· Curbside – Students receive Services through contactless exchange on Lazarus Center sidewalk

· Remote – Students receive Services through the mail

If/when the MICA campus is in Operational Modes 1 or 2, the Grad Lab will offer all Core Services through Curbside and Remote Service Models. There will be no student access to any physical Lab resources such as Resource Rooms or the Main Computer Lab and all consultations, printing, payment and checkout interactions will be conducted virtually.

If/when the MICA campus is in Operational Modes 3 or 4, the Grad Lab will offer all Core Services through In-Person, Curbside and Remote Service Models. Students will have standard access (as outlined in Webcheckout) to Resource Rooms and limited access (outside Grad Lab Staff hours) to the Main Computer Lab.

If/when the MICA campus is in Operational Modes 5, the Grad Lab will offer all Core Services through In-Person, Curbside and Remote Service Models. Students will have standard access (as outlined in Webcheckout) to Resource Rooms and unlimited access to the Main Computer Lab.

Grad Lab In-Person Equipment Checkout FAQ

In an effort to provide support for alternate means of student production, If/when the MICA campus is in Operational Modes 3 or 4, the Grad Lab will provide In-Person services for MICA Graduate Students during the Spring 2021 semester. The following FAQ is designed to help students navigate the In-Person checkout process.

How will In-Person Equipment Checkout Work?

This service will allow students to select equipment from the Grad Lab’s Webcheckout portal and then pickup and drop off equipment in-person at the Grad Lab (L540A, 131 W North Ave Baltimore MD 21201).

What Grad Lab equipment is available for checkout?

All Grad Lab equipment is available.

What are the Grad Lab’s operating hours?

Check the Grad Lab website for operating hours https://graduate.mica.edu/newlab/Hours

How do I request equipment?

Use Webcheckout to make a reservation request. All reservation requests must be made at least 1 week in advance of the reservations requested pickup time.

Can I get equipment without a reservation?

No. All Grad Lab services are on appointment-basis only.

Can I get help selecting equipment?

Absolutely just use the form on our website (https://graduate.mica.edu/newlab/contact) to request a consultative appointment. Consultation services are available via phone, email or Zoom.

How will I know my reservation request has been approved?

All reservation requests will need to be approved. Once approved you will receive email confirmation.

How do I pick up equipment?

Once your reservation request has been approved and your reservation time is set, just come to the Grad Lab L540A Lazarus Center 131 W North Ave. Once you arrive you will find your equipment on our “Equipment Pickup” table.

How long do I have to get equipment when I’m picking up?

Pickups are scheduled every 15min so make sure you arrive promptly at the time specified on your reservation.

How do I know when my equipment is due?

Just check your Webcheckout account. It will have a list of all your activity including current checkouts and when they are due.

How do I drop off equipment?

When you are finished with equipment just come to the Grad Lab L540A Lazarus Center 131 W North Ave at least 1hour before the return time specified on your reservation. Once you arrive place your equipment on our “Return” table.

Are there still late equipment fines?

Yes. Make sure you return equipment at least 1 hour before it is due to ensure that it is returned on time and you do not accrue late fines.

Can I still make back to back reservations?

No. Once returned to the Lab, all equipment must be held for 24 hours to allow for disinfecting.

Grad Lab In-Person Checkout Policies and Procedures

To access Grad Lab checkout equipment, you must attend Grad Lab COVID Orientation and have signed and returned a Terms and Conditions Form (available here: http://graduate.mica.edu/newlab/Checkout)

Reservation requests must be made at least one week in advance of pickup date.

All requested pickup and drop off times must fall within the Lab’s In-Person operation hours listed on our website here: https://graduate.mica.edu/newlab/Hours.

Once a reservation request is made on the Grad Lab’s Webcheckout portal, Grad Lab staff will approve your reservation request and or reach out to you to discuss your request as needed.

Once your reservation is approved come to the Grad Lab L540A Lazarus Center (131 W North Ave.) at the time/date specified on your Webcheckout reservation and retrieve your items from our “Equipment Pickup” table.

Pickups are scheduled in 15min intervals so make sure you are on time.

All equipment hand offs are contactless so please give us space and follow directions when dropping or receiving equipment.

Once you receive your items you are encouraged to inspect them before leaving.

When your return time approaches come to the Grad Lab L540A Lazarus Center (131 W North Ave.) at least 1 hour in advance of the date/time specified on your Webcheckout account. Once you have arrived just drop your items on the “Equipment Return” Table.

To avoid late fees return your equipment at least 1 hour before it is due, more if you have many items.

A Grad Lab Tech will reach out to you if anything is found to be wrong with your items when they are returned.

The Grad Lab will continue to fine for late items as outlined in the Terms and Conditions Form (available here: http://graduate.mica.edu/newlab/Checkout) so make sure you are returning items on time.

As always the Grad Lab will hold patrons responsible for lost, damaged and or incomplete items as per the Student Replacement Policy (listed on Terms and Conditions Form available here: http://graduate.mica.edu/newlab/Checkout) so make sure kits are complete and check your equipment thoroughly before returning it to the Lab.

All other Policies/Procedures/Expectations for On-Campus and In-Person conduct as laid out by MICA must be strictly adhered to at all times while in Grad Lab spaces.

Grad Lab In-Person Printing FAQ

How will In-Person printing work?

Simply request a printing appointment through the Contact Page of the Grad Lab’s Website at least one week in advance and we will help you set up a time to print via Zoom (http://graduate.mica.edu/newlab/contact).

Can I make a print without scheduling an appointment?

No. All Grad Lab services are on appointment-basis only. And require at least one week advanced notice.

What if I have questions?

If you have questions before your appointment we are happy to email, call or Zoom (recommended) with you to answer questions. Otherwise we will help you through the printing process via Zoom during your printing appointment

What types of printing will be supported?

We will continue to support all of the printing processes listed on our website including Laser, Inkjet and Riso printing (http://graduate.mica.edu/newlab/Printing).

What will pricing be?

Pricing for printing will remain the same as what is listed on our site (http://graduate.mica.edu/newlab/Printing).

How will you get my files?

Just email or digitally share the file(s) you would like to have printed with Graduate Printing gradprinting@mica.edu.

How will I get my prints?

Once your job has been printed we will reach out to you and schedule a pickup time. Once scheduled, just will come to the Grad Lab L540A Lazarus Center 131 W North Ave. When you arrive your print(s) will be laid out for you on our “Print Pickup” table.

When will you make my prints/what is the turn-around time?

We will print material on a first come first served bases. Exact turnaround time will differ but Techs should be able to give you a good estimate before you commit to a print job.

How do I pay?

A Grad Lab Tech will arrange to take payment during your printing appointment. The Lab will continue to accept MICARD and credit card payment.

Grad Lab In-Person Printing Policies and Procedures

To have a print made you must request an appointment at least one week in advance using the Grad Lab website (http://graduate.mica.edu/newlab/contact).

Once you have requested an appointment via the website a Grad Lab Tech will contact you to setup a printing appointment date and time and arrange for the transfer of your files.

We recommend a Zoom session with the Technician who will be running your print job.

During your printing appointment via Zoom the Tech will vet your file(s), give any needed recommendations and take payment for the prints.

As always, the Technician is available to make printing recommendations and physically run the printers. Technicians cannot engage in your student production. In other words, you are responsible for making any recommended changes to your file before printing. Techs simply print files as they are sent.

Once you are satisfied with the state of your file(s) the Tech will run your print job(s) and work with you to establish a pickup time within 3 business days of print job completion.

Be advised that even with the best color management system in place, prints and files will have differences in color, saturation, and dynamic range. We recommend running test prints before committing to large jobs.

On the day/time of your pickup appointment come to the Grad Lab 540A Lazarus Center (131 W North Ave.). When you arrive, your print(s) will be waiting on our “Print Pickup” table.

Pickups are scheduled in 15min intervals so make sure you are on time.

All other Policies/Procedures/Expectations for On-Campus and In-Person conduct as laid out by MICA and/or included in MICA’s Societal Contract must be strictly adhered to at all times while in Grad Lab spaces.

Grad Lab In-Person Resource Rooms FAQ

Can I use the Grad Lab’s Resource Rooms?

Yes!

What Resource Rooms available for checkout?

All!

What are the Grad Lab’s operating hours?

Check the Grad Lab website for operating hours https://graduate.mica.edu/newlab/Hours

How do I request access to a Resource Room?

Just like always, use Webcheckout to make a reservation request. All reservation requests must be made at least 1 week in advance of the reservations requested pickup time.

Can I get access to a Resource Room without a reservation?

No. All Grad Lab services are on appointment-basis only.

Can I get questions about Resource Rooms answered?

Absolutely just use the form on our website (https://graduate.mica.edu/newlab/contact) to request a consultative appointment. Consultation services are available via phone, email or Zoom.

How will I know my reservation request has been approved?

All reservation requests will need to be approved. Once approved you will receive email confirmation.

How do I get the Resource Room key when it is time for me to use it?

Once your reservation request has been approved and your reservation time is set in Webcheckout, just come to the Grad Lab L540A Lazarus Center 131 W North Ave. Once you arrive you will find your Resource Room Key on our “Equipment Pickup” table.

How long do I have to get the key when I’m picking up?

Pickups are scheduled every 15min so make sure you arrive promptly at the time specified on your reservation.

How do I know when my Resource Room is due?

Just check your Webcheckout account. It will have a list of all your activity including current checkouts and when they are due.

How do I drop off a Resource Room Key?

When you are finished just come to the Grad Lab L540A Lazarus Center 131 W North Ave at least 30min before the return time specified on your reservation. Once you arrive just place the key on our “Return” table.

Are there still late fines for Resource Rooms?

Yes. Make sure you return your key at least 30min before it is due to ensure that it is returned on time and you do not accrue late fines.

Can I still make back to back reservations?

Yes. Because disinfecting in all Resource Rooms will be “Gym” style there is no 24 hour hold for disinfecting. However, this also means that you should factor in time to disinfecting the space before and after use with the provided wipes.

Grad Lab In-Person Resource Rooms Policies and Procedures

To access Grad Lab Resource Rooms, you must attend Grad Lab COVID Orientation and have signed and returned a Terms and Conditions Form (available here: http://graduate.mica.edu/newlab/Checkout)

As noted on our Website, some Resource Rooms require additional orientations to gain access: https://graduate.mica.edu/newlab/Resources

Reservation requests must be made at least one week in advance of pickup date.

All requested pickup and drop off times must fall within the Lab’s In-Person operation hours listed on our website here: https://graduate.mica.edu/newlab/Hours.

Once a reservation request is made on the Grad Lab’s Webcheckout portal, Grad Lab staff will approve your reservation request and or reach out to you to discuss your request as needed.

Once your reservation is approved come to the Grad Lab L540A Lazarus Center (131 W North Ave.) at the time/date specified on your Webcheckout reservation and retrieve your items from our “Equipment Pickup” table.

Pickups and drop-offs are scheduled in 15min intervals so make sure you are on time.

All equipment hand offs are contactless so please give us space and follow directions when dropping or receiving equipment.

Once you get access to a Resource Room you are encouraged to inspect it before use.

Cleaning Resource Rooms between use is your responsibility. Please implement “Gym” rules and use the provided disinfecting wipes to clean all work spaces before and after use.

Occupancy in Resource Rooms is limited. Posted occupancy limits must be strictly adhered to at all times.

When your return time approaches come to the Grad Lab L540A Lazarus Center (131 W North Ave.) at least 30min in advance of the time/date specified on your checkout. Once you have arrived just drop the key on the “Return” Table.

To avoid late fees return your key at least 30min before it is due.

A Grad Lab Tech will reach out to you if anything is found to be wrong with a Resource Room once it is returned.

The Grad Lab will continue to fine for late items as outlined in the Terms and Conditions Form (available here: http://graduate.mica.edu/newlab/Checkout) so make sure you are returning items on time.

As always the Grad Lab will hold patrons responsible for lost, damaged and or incomplete items as per the Student Replacement Policy (listed on Terms and Conditions Form available here: http://graduate.mica.edu/newlab/Checkout) so make sure kits are complete and check your equipment thoroughly before returning it to the Lab.

All other Policies/Procedures/Expectations for On-Campus and In-Person conduct as laid out by MICA and/or included in MICA’s Social Contract must be strictly adhered to at all times while in Grad Lab spaces.

Grad Lab In-Person Main Computer Lab FAQ

When is the Main Computer Lab Open?

In order to ensure the health and safety of students and staff alike and to align with MICA’s occupancy and distancing guidelines, student access to the Main Computer Lab is limited to times when the Grad Lab staff are not present. Operating hours for the Main Computer Lab are listed on our site here: https://graduate.mica.edu/newlab/Hours

How do I access the Lab?

Access to the Main Computer Lab will be on a first come first served basis. There is no need nor way to make an appointment or to reserve time on a workstation. Simply come to the space during its operating hours.

Is there an occupancy limit?

Occupancy for the Main Computer Lab has been set. It is up to Lab users to adhere to this strict occupancy limit.

Is there a time limit on workstation usage?

During operating hours you are welcome to stay and work as long as you wish.

How will I physically distance in the Lab?

We have added circular “bubbles” on the floor to show proper workstation distancing. To properly distance in the Lab make sure no other patrons are occupying bubbles that intersect with the one you are in. Additionally, we have instituted “one way traffic” in the Lab’s aisles as indicated by the arrows on the floor. Please follow these traffic flows as you enter and exit the Lab.

How/when are the Workstations cleaned?

The Main Computer Lab will use “gym style” cleaning. Meaning that cleaning workstations before and after use is up to patrons. The Grad Lab will provide clearly marked tubs of disinfecting wipes in the Lab space. Please use these wipes to clean workstations before and after use to insure the health and safety of yourself and other patrons

Grad Lab Main Computer Lab Policies and Procedures

Access to the Main Computer Lab is limited to the times posted on the Grad Lab Website. Students are not permitted to access the Main Computer Lab for any reason outside of these hours or while Grad Lab Staff are working. https://graduate.mica.edu/newlab/Hours

Occupancy in the Main Lab is limited. Posted occupancy limits must be strictly adhered to at all times.

Access and usage is on a first-come-first-served bases.

Cleaning workstations between use is your responsibility. Please implement “Gym” rules and use the provided disinfecting wipes to clean all work spaces before and after use.

It is your responsibility to maintain proper distance while using the Main Lab. We have provided “Bubble” markings on the floor to help you. To properly use these markings make sure that any “Bubbles” that intersect with the one you are in remain unoccupied.

All other Policies/Procedures/Expectations for On-Campus and In-Person conduct as laid out by MICA must be strictly adhered to at all times while in Grad Lab spaces.