Policies

The Makerspace is a unit of the UIC College of Engineering and is comprised of fabrication facilities and student organization work spaces spread throughout the RRB building.

• The UIC Engineering Makerspace is primarily for current UIC College of Engineering Students and staff. We support coursework, Engineering student organizations, and Engineering research work. Personal projects are approved on a limited, case-by-case basis.
• When resources allow we assist researchers and staff from other UIC colleges as well – please contact us to discuss your project in advance.
• Students completing coursework from other colleges at UIC are encouraged to visit the facilities in their college or the Digital Scholarship Hub in the Daley Library.
• The Makerspace is not open to the general public. If you are not affiliated with UIC please contact us to discuss your project in advance.
• Outside guests, including alumni, are allowed if invited to a scheduled event by a Student Org and must be accompanied by a current student at all times. Guests cannot use Makerspace tools or resources and cannot visit socially. Students are responsible for the actions of their guests and guest privileges can be limited or revoked. Student Orgs must coordinate guest visits with Makerspace staff.

Coursework

Projects submitted as assigned in courses where the submitter is currently enrolled are typically not billed. This does not include graduate or undergraduate research credit courses, which fall under research work. Projects with significant research lab involvement or projects that continue past the conclusion of the semester may be billed.

Engineering Student Organization Projects

Typically not billed.

Research and Lab Projects

Projects that contribute to a research project or are used in research facilities will be billed. These projects need to be indicated properly on the submission form.

Small research projects (typically under $25 of time+materials) may not be billed. Administrative and setup time will be billed at shop rate (at least 15 minutes per project). Projects with multiple submissions may be billed cumulatively.

We don’t bill for basic project consulting, but projects that require significant administrative work may be charged.

Administrative Projects

Projects for administrative units (printing, production, design, etc.) may be billed for materials and staff time.

The Machine Shop (includes machines, hand tools, carpentry shop, and welding shop) may only be used when staff are present, unless special permissions are granted (Superuser status). Machine shop projects may have to be rescheduled if staff are not available, are busy with other projects, or feel they cannot safely help with a particular project.

The Machine shop is for assigned College of Engineering coursework and Student Organizations. Support for research or personal projects is extremely limited. Researchers are encouraged to use the RRC instrument shop.

All users must check in every time they use the Machine Shop by tapping their i-card at the entrance to the shop. Users should tap out when leaving.

Guests in the Machine Shop must work directly with staff to use tools but do not need prior training.

Anyone that wants to use tools directly must complete online safety training annually. All users are required to work with Makerspace staff on all projects.
Training Link (UIC login required)

Any students welding, plasma cutting, or grinding (this does not include minor grinding/sharpening tools) need to do hot work training. This applies anywhere in the Makerspace. The certificate needs to be produced on demand (digitally is acceptable) and Student Orgs should keep a record of their members’ training: https://uic.bioraft.com/node/1933880

The Repair Shop has tools available for basic repairs on bicycles and other similar things. No prior training is required to use these tools. This space is currently only open to College of Engineering students and staff.

We do not stock any consumable supplies. All repairs are made by the users at their own risk. Makerspace staff can help with safely using tools, but may not be able to provide specific advice or instruction on how to effectively repair something.

No tools may leave this space for any reason. Any type of project can be done in the Repair Shop, but work must be cleaned up and tools returned immediately. There is no long-term storage of projects.

Users can complete Card Access Training to get access to some workshops in the Makerspace after hours. Please see this page for card access policies and instructions: Card Access Policies

• Safety – All users are expected to use proper personal protective equipment (PPE) that will vary depending on the activity. If you are unsure of what PPE is necessary consult staff. All users are required to report any injuries promptly.
• Please do not prop open any doors – Do not let unknown people into the facility.
• No common use tools or machines can leave the Makerspace.
• Professional Behavior – Expected from all users of the Makerspace at all times. All university and campus rules must be followed. No alcohol or drugs may be consumed or stored anywhere in the Makerspace. No users may be in the Makerspace facility while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• No independent work – Do not work alone! Work can only be done during posted open hours. Certain areas require staff present. Some equipment requires specialized training.
• Any staff member can stop unsafe or illegal behavior – This includes dangerous activities such as mixing chemicals or using tools in an unsafe way and includes activities happening in student org spaces.
• We can limit material or machine use in certain circumstances.
• All staff members have the authority to enforce these rules, including asking users to leave the facility. Be prepared to show your i-card to any staff upon request.