Welcome to The STREAM!! This page contains general information about rules and responsibilities while you are in The STREAM makerspace. As with any creative space, specific guidelines are necessary to make certain that your experience is a safe, creative, and enjoyable one. Please ensure that you read and understand all guidelines listed within this page. Safety, cleanliness, and respect are not any one person's job within the COE makerspace it is the responsibility for all of us to look out for each other and the tools we work with.

The success of the The STREAM depends on everyone's commitment to the following guiding principles that should inform all activities in the makerspace:

Respect for one another and each other’s work
Stewardship of our facilities and equipment
Safety for all users and visitors in our spaces

The following are general guidelines that have been put into place to ensure that the makerspace provides a safe and positive experience for all users. Note that additional safety and usage rules may be in place for individual spaces and tools.

Introduction

Community and collaboration is what makes the makerspace such a special place. The STREAM is a space designed to design, create, experiment, and prototype almost any idea that you can think of. Within the space you will find the latest technology to include software, materials, and machines to include but not limited to 3D Printers, Laser Cutter, Power, Hand Tools, Vinyl Cutter, and Sewing Machines. With proper understanding and safety, the possibilities within the The STREAM are endless!

Rules and Responsibilities:

Respect is central. When in this space you must respect others, the environment, and the tools and materials that you work with. The STREAM is a safe place in which creativity and individualism are encouraged. The tools and machines that we have acquired will only continue to function if they are handled properly and with respect. All tools, machinery, and materials are to remain inside the makerspace unless permission is granted from a facilitator to check out a tool or resource.
Cleanliness is necessary. It is necessary for you to clean up after each project to maintain a safe environment. This means that you must put away tools in their designated location, sweep, dust, manage cables, and electrical cords, etc. This also means that your area needs to be cleaned before leaving. Also, if you see an area that needs to be cleaned or organized, do not wait for someone else to clean the area. It is important that you report any spills that you find or are unable to clean up on your own. If you are not sure what it is, leave it and get a facilitator. A clean and organized environment provides the The STREAM with a safe environment and creates an environment that is more accident-free.
Materials. Use only approved materials as defined for each tool in The STREAM. This will be covered in the tool training and posted online and in work areas. Scraps donated by members or by The STREAM can be found in designated areas. These are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. There is no guarantee as to the quantity or quality of any of these materials. Borrowing or otherwise removing The STREAM equipment or tools from the makerspace without prior permission from a The STREAM facilitator is prohibited.
Restrictions. Use of the facilities, tools, or equipment to make, replicate, or alter objects, whether physical or digital, that violate copyright, patent, or trademark law is not allowed. Likewise, it is prohibited to make weapons, drug paraphernalia, or other items using our facilities, tools, or equipment. The STREAM reserves the rights of its staff to stop any project that is deemed unsafe for any reason or violates college policies or any local, state, or federal laws.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): You must wear PPP when in The STREAM. PPE refers to clothing, goggles, proper shoes, gloves, earplugs, or any piece of equipment that shields you from a potentially hazardous situation while operating machinery, or working with chemicals. It is important that you know the hazards present with each piece of machinery, tool, or chemical, and that you protect yourself accordingly. Training will be provided to ensure you receive the knowledge necessary to operate all tools safely.
Consume Materials Consciously. You are encouraged to use the space and all materials within the space for projects but please be conscious of how you are using the materials to conserve resources. If you are able to utilize a shorter piece of fabric, reuse a piece of wood, fit multiple items on a piece of vinyl, please do so. This will ensure that everyone has the opportunity and resources to create projects in the future.
Storing Projects. Storage is limited and is based on availability. Always ask before assuming that storage can be provided for a particular project. Ask a facilitator or a COE staff/faculty member for more information. Limitations may exist for storage of certain kinds of materials based on the need for specialized containers and or safety concerns.
Logging In / Logging Out: All individuals are required to Login and Logout on the check-in station while in The STREAM.
Working Alone: You are only permitted to work alone in The STREAM if you have received necessary training. This include general safety training and training on any machinery and tools that you will be using. You will need to show a badge to the facilitator to indicate that you have received needed training. If no facilitator is in the room, you can enter with your UMW ID.
Always ask questions. If at any time you have a question, feel uncomfortable, unsure, or want to double-check your knowledge, or just need help ask. It is your responsibility to reach out and communicate this to The STREAM facilitators or fellow members. Everyone in this space is committed to your success, and will happily provide what guidance they can.
Ideas for the Space: If you have an an idea for a project, a way to improve The STREAM, or a training or experience that you would like to see in this space, let us know. We are always looking for ways to support a dynamic making environment.

Violation of rules. You can be asked to leave the premises and not return to The STREAM for the day or longer. Disruptive actions may be reported to the University police. Disciplinary or legal action may also be taken in accordance with applicable laws and policies.

In case of Emergency, including: Fire, accident, or other crisis, contact College Police at 540-654-4444 and alert a The STREAM staff/faculty and/or facilitator. Refer to The STREAM Emergency Procedures located near both the entrance and exit doors for additional information about how to handle emergencies.