September 2026
These policies are subject to periodic review and revision. Questions regarding these policies should be directed to the CICS Physical Computing Makerspace Manager.
The safety of every individual in our Makerspace is our top priority. This policy outlines the required safety standards and procedures that all users must follow when working in the shop area. These rules exist to protect users, staff, equipment, and the broader Makerspace community. All users must read, understand, and comply with these rules before entering or working in the shop.
All users of the Makerspace shop are required to adhere to the safety standards outlined in this policy at all times. Failure to follow these rules puts yourself and others at risk and will not be tolerated. Makerspace staff reserve the right to remove any user from the shop area who is found to be in violation of these safety standards.
The Makerspace shop is open during the following hours:
Monday – Friday | 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Access outside of posted hours is not permitted unless explicitly authorized by Makerspace staff.
The shop is only open and available for use when the Makerspace Manager is present in the makerspace.
All users must be trained and certified by makerspace staff before operating any shop tools or equipment.
Users who have not completed the required certification may not use shop tools under any circumstances.
Please refer to the Makerspace Training and Certification Policy for more information on how to complete required training.
The following conduct standards always apply to all users in the shop area:
Working alone in the shop is strictly prohibited. The following supervision requirements must be always observed:
Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) must be worn at all times in the shop. The following requirements apply:
The safe and proper use of all tools and machines is required at all times. Users must observe the following:
A clean work environment is a safe work environment. All users are expected to maintain a tidy and organized workspace:
Violations of this policy may result in:
All safety concerns, equipment damage, near-misses, and injuries, no matter how minor, must be reported to Makerspace staff immediately. Prompt reporting helps us maintain a safe environment for everyone. Reports can be made directly to the Makerspace Manager.
The safety and well-being of our Makerspace community is our highest priority. Training and certification requirements for Makerspace equipment, tools, and materials exist to ensure that all users are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to operate equipment safely, responsibly, and effectively. Proper training protects not only the individual user but also fellow community members, staff, and the equipment itself. By maintaining clear training standards, we foster a positive, productive, and safe working environment for everyone.
The Makerspace offers training sessions led by qualified staff members at scheduled times or by appointment. All users are expected to be aware of and comply with training and certification requirements before operating any equipment or tools. Using equipment without the required certification is a violation of this policy and may result in loss of access privileges.
The following equipment and tool categories require users to complete mandatory training and certification before use. Users who are not certified may not operate this equipment under any circumstances:
Users must complete the appropriate training session and demonstrate competency before being granted independent access to any of the above equipment. Certifications may need to be renewed periodically as determined by Makerspace staff.
While not mandatory, the Makerspace strongly encourages all users to complete available training sessions for the following tools and activities. Recommended trainings help users get the most out of their experience, reduce the likelihood of errors, and extend the life of shared equipment:
Users who choose to use equipment without completing a training session do so at their own discretion and are expected to seek assistance from staff if they are unsure of how to operate any equipment safely.
This policy establishes guidelines for the access, use, and return of tools, equipment, and materials available in the Makerspace. These guidelines exist to ensure that shared resources remain available, functional, and accessible to all members of the community. Proper stewardship of our tools and materials allows us to continue providing a well-stocked and fully operational Makerspace for everyone.
All tools, equipment, and materials within the Makerspace are shared community resources. Users are expected to treat all items with care and respect, return items to their proper locations, and comply with the access and usage guidelines outlined in this policy.
Misuse, damage, or unauthorized removal of tools, equipment, or materials may result in loss of Makerspace privileges.
Resources available at the Makerspace are organized into three categories, each with its own set of access and usage guidelines:
General tools and equipment are available for use by all eligible, trained, and certified members within the Makerspace only. This includes, but is not limited to:
Guidelines:
All tools and equipment must be used on-site within the Makerspace at all times.
Tools and equipment may not be borrowed, lent out, or removed from the Makerspace for individual or off-site use under any circumstances.
Users are responsible for returning all tools to their designated storage location after use.
Any damage, malfunction, or safety concern related to a tool or piece of equipment must be reported to Makerspace staff immediately.
Applicable training and certification requirements must be met before using designated equipment. Please refer to the Makerspace Training and Certification Policy for more information.
Certain consumable and surplus materials are available for free and unrestricted use by all Makerspace members. These items may be used within the Makerspace or taken off-site as needed for a project. This includes, but is not limited to:
Guidelines:
These materials are available on a first-come, first-served basis and are provided at no cost to members.
Users are encouraged to take only what is needed for their project to ensure materials remain available for others.
Members who notice that consumable materials are running low are encouraged to notify Makerspace staff via Discord or in-person so that supplies can be replenished.
More advanced or high-value items are available to members upon request and must be checked out at the front desk. These items are intended for use within the Makerspace and must be returned at the end of each day. This includes, but is not limited to:
Guidelines:
Users must check out specialized items at the front desk before use. Valid membership or ID may be required.
All checked-out items must remain within the Makerspace during use and may not be taken off-site.
All borrowed items must be returned to the front desk by the end of each day, regardless of whether the project is complete.
Users are responsible for the care and condition of any item they check out. Damaged or missing items must be reported to staff immediately.
Items that are not returned in a timely manner may result in a hold onto the user's Makerspace privileges until the item is returned or the matter is resolved.
3D printing in the makerspace is primarily intended for members of the CICS community. Usage policies are subject to change. Please see posted rules, regulations, and restrictions in the digital fabrication area for more information.
Generally:
This policy establishes standards to ensure that Makerspace resources and equipment are used responsibly, ethically, and in a manner that promotes an inclusive and respectful environment for all individuals.
The use of Makerspace equipment, software, or services to design, produce, or distribute objects that promote, glorify, or support discrimination, hatred, harassment, or violence of any kind is strictly prohibited. Additionally, the production of weapons or weapon-like objects is strictly prohibited.
This policy establishes standards to ensure that resources and equipment are used responsibly, ethically, and in a manner that promotes an inclusive and respectful environment for all individuals.
The Physical Computing Makerspace Staff reserve the right to remove or cancel any 3D print, for any reason, including prints using Makerspace's or users' filament. Users will not be reimbursed for lost filament for any reason including prints stopped for violations of our policies. Users print at their own risk.
The following items are NOT allowed to be made in the Physical Computing Makerspace. This includes 3D printing, CNC milling, and other fabrication tools and techniques.
This policy exists to ensure that Makerspace equipment, tools, and materials remain accessible and available to all members of the community. Our resources are intended to support personal learning, creative exploration, education, and hobbyist projects. This policy prevents the disproportionate use of shared resources for large-scale commercial production or personal financial gain.
The use of Makerspace equipment, tools, or materials as a means of primary or large-scale commercial production is strictly prohibited. While we support members in exploring entrepreneurial ideas and creative projects on a small scale, our facilities are not intended to serve as a commercial manufacturing operation.
We recognize that some members may occasionally produce items that are sold or shared. The following is generally permitted:
The following activities are strictly prohibited: