Getting Started

Who can be involved with the space?

Any active student, faculty, or staff of Columbia University can join the Makerspace, including Barnard undergraduates, Medical Center affiliates, graduate students, etc.

At this time we CAN NOT extend our facility to Alumni with a valid CUID card, former students, vendors/contractors,

 

Getting Started – Onboarding

Anybody who uses the Makerspace MUST first participate in Onboarding. In fact, access to space is prohibited to anyone who hasn’t received this – Onboarding is our safety and protocol training.

The onboarding consists of a video, quiz, and an in-person check-in with a staff member or superuser.

Please first watch this onboarding video and then complete the onboarding quiz. Once you have done these steps, come to the Makerspace to complete the onboarding with a brief check in, where the Superuser or Staff on duty will confirm you have completed Onboarding, give you a punchcard, and and brief tour.

Once you have completed our Onboarding training, you are considered a user.

 

Machine Specific Training

The first step after becoming a user, is to be trained on specific tools, and this training is provided by our staff and superusers. There are many trainings per week on a variety of tools. Check our calendar to find a training time that works for you, complete any prerequisites, and sign up if required.

Some tools are more specialized and not every superuser can train them. For those tools, there is typically a subset of superusers that can. Check the list of superusers to determine which superuser knows which tool, and you may wish to coordinate with them for training.  

I already know how to use X tool, can I come use it?

Unfortunately, no — our policy is to require training before allowing use of a tool. This is a matter of policy and safety. However, in some cases, we may offer an expedited training if you can demonstrate strong knowledge, but only for particular cases, such as sewing.

 

Using the Makerspace for a class?

Please give us three weeks notice so that we can work with you to accommodate your class. We can help give machine trainings and organize resources. We will also put your class time on our calendar so that other users will be notified. This helps ensure that the makerspace continues to be a resource that is useable by everyone.

Please fill out this form to let us know about your class use.

Classes that use the makerspace without properly notifying us will be asked to leave until they submit a request through the proper channels, allowing us to assess how the makerspace can best fulfill their needs.

 

Policies

As a member of the space, you are expected to know and follow these policies:

Safety

  • You must be familiar with and follow the lab safety policies outlined in the safety training.

  • You must be trained on any tool you use in the space.

  • Ask questions if you are uncertain about any aspect of a tool's operation.  

  • Look out for yourself and your peers. If you see anything dangerous, please report it to a superuser.  

Respect the space

  • Clean up after yourself. This is both being considerate and for safety.

  • You can only be in the space when a superuser or the lab manager is present. Also respect opening and closing times. See the calendar for listed hours.

  • Do not circumvent any space policy or safety procedure.  

Respect your colleagues

  • Be considerate of other users and superusers in the space.

  • Share the tools.   

Respect the equipment

  • Do not borrow tools from the space.

  • Use tools for their intended purpose.  

  • Put tools and material back after using them.

  • Refill tools that are empty.  

  • Notify the superuser on duty if the space is low or out of a certain material.  

Materials

  • The space provides many materials (electronic components, cloth, wood, plastic, vinyl, etc.) for you to use. You are welcome to whatever you find in the public bins as long as you are not using a sizable portion of our inventory. Talk to a superuser for details on what quantities are reasonable.

  • See the Tools section for specific material limits.

  • If you are using a sizable portion of our inventory, we ask that you bring your own materials. We are happy to recommend suppliers.

BECOMING A SUPERUSER

Want to get more involved with the space?  Apply to be a superuser!

Become a student volunteer to help maintain equipment, train and teach other users, and grow your own skills!  Perks for superusers include off-hour access to the space, private storage lockers, and working with an amazing community of makers.  

Before applying, make sure you meet all of the prerequisites:

  • A full semester of active membership at the Makerspace

  • Proficiency of the following tools:

    • Thunderlaser laser cutter

    • Ultimaker 3D printers

    • Vinyl cutter (Roland or Cricut)

    • Electronics Soldering

    • A fifth tool/equipment of your choice

  • Ability to teach and instruct other users

  • Knowledge of Makerspace Safety Policies

Once you’re confident that you’ve satisfied these prerequisites, please apply below:

  • Submit an application through this google form

  • Upon receipt, you will be asked to give a 5-10 minute equipment training demonstration on one of the above tools listed at the monthly superuser meeting.

  • You will will receive your application result within a week of your demonstration.

  • You can contact us with any questions regarding the process at surequest_makerspace@columbia.edu

Superuser Responsibilities

Superusers make up the core staff of the Makerspace.  We volunteer our time to open the space, maintain tools, promote safety, and help users with their projects.  Superusers have the following responsibilities:

  • 2 hours minimum of Office Hours per week, during which you will provide active training and guidance for users

  • 4 hours minimum of Open Hours per month, during which you will keep the space open, but not necessarily train users

  • A seminar/workshop once a semester

  • Answering questions on the mailing list/listserv

  • Keeping the space a safe and clean environment

  • Running On-boardings for new users

  • Taking responsibility for and maintaining a tool or station within the space

Superuser Benefits

As a student volunteer at the Makerspace, you will receive several benefits:

  • 24/7 swipe access to the Makerspace

  • $100/month materials budget for display and demonstration projects for the Makerspace

  • Training on more advanced equipment

  • Technical experience helping other students!