Policies & Guidelines

General Facilities Policies

Access

• Access to School of Art & Design laboratories requires general Facilities Access with an associated Facilities Fee. Specialized labs and resources may require additional training or authorizations.  
  • Click here for more details on Access & Training
• The Facilities fee is non-refundable, including in situations where access or privileges have been revoked. 

i-Cards

• You MAY NOT use another person’s lab access, or i-card, and you CANNOT authorize anyone to use your i-card or access privileges. Any violation of this policy may be reported to campus, as it is a violation of the Student Code.  
• You must swipe your i-card at the lab door for each entry, you may not follow another user into the labs. Many of the doors have alarms – do not attempt to prop or hold open doors. 
• You must always have your i-card with you in the labs. Assistants may ask to see your i-card at any time you are in the laboratories. If you do not have your i-card, you may be asked to leave. 

Policies

• You CANNOT bring guests or visitors into the labs, and you may not open the door for others to enter. 
• NO ANIMALS allowed except service animals that are specifically trained to aid a disabled person. If a service animal is required, please consult with staff member about appropriate protective equipment, and the risks to a service animal in the lab
• Some labs or resources may be unavailable during times when the rooms are scheduled for class use. 
• Users should never attempt to move, add, repair or borrow equipment or furniture, or alter any A+D configurations or setup. 
• Do not leave personal possessions unattended. The School of Art & Design is not liable for lost or stolen possessions. You may only store items in designated locations, such as lockers. Register your locker at go.illinois.edu/artLOCKER 
• Activities within the A+D facilities are subject to video surveillance. 
• The School of Art & Design Laboratories operate in support of Art & Design coursework. Projects or work from A+D faculty, A&D staff, and faculty, staff, and students outside of A&D, may be permitted, at the discretion of A&D staff, to the extent to which it does not impact the coursework of A&D students.  
• The School of Art & Design, staff, and assistants cannot be held liable for the consequences or the outcome of suggested solutions to questions or problems, are not liable for damage to a user’s materials or supplies, and cannot be held liable for lost time or the unavailability of equipment or processes for any reason.  
• Signs and ads may only be posted in the designated bulletin boards. anything posted in labs or hallway critique spaces will be removed. 
• You must respectfully comply with the requests of the lab assistants and staff. 

Failure to comply with any policy may result in the loss of Facilities Access and privileges. 

Failure to comply with any policy may result in the loss of Facilities Access and privileges. 

Specific Policies by Facility

Please see the following sections below for policies, guidelines, and policy agreement forms that pertain to specific facilities:

• 3D Fabrication Lab
• Ceramics
• Checkout Window
• Darkroom
• Digital Labs
• Ink Lab
• Textile Lab
• Undergraduate Studios
• Graduate Studios
• Gallery and Installation Spaces

3D Fabrication Lab Policies

3D Fabrication Lab Policies

• i-cards stop opening doors ten minutes before closing time. Power will be shut off 15 minutes prior to scheduled closing to allow for clean-up time. 

General Safety

• The 3D Fabrication Labs are considered a dangerous work area.  
• Never work alone. 
• Food and drink are not permitted in the lab areas. 
• Familiarize yourself with the locations of fire extinguishers, first aid kits, and emergency eye wash stations. 

Proper Attire is Required 

• Closed-toed shoes must be worn in the labs. 
• Tie back long hair, secure loose clothing and sleeves, and remove neckties and loose jewelry. 
• Appropriate eye protection must be worn when operating power equipment and some hand tools. 
• An appropriate mask should be worn when performing dust or fume producing tasks. 

Safe operation of the equipment requires the full attention of the operator 

• Running, throwing objects, or any kind of distracting behavior is strictly prohibited. 
• Do not speak to or distract anyone who is operating equipment. 
• Headphones may not be worn in the 3D Fabrication Laboratories. 
• Do not work in the lab while under the influence of any drug, alcohol or medication. Accidents can happen when you are drowsy or impaired. 
• Inform your instructor or the lab supervisor if you have a condition that requires special accommodations. 

Safe Practices & Lab Procedures 

• Clean up after yourself.  
• You may not use tools or equipment you have not been trained to use.  
• If a dust collection device is provided for a process, tool, or piece of machinery, it should always be used.  
• Electrical equipment should never be used near water. 
• Wood containing nails, concrete, paint or other foreign matter may NOT be cut, sanded, or otherwise machined, in the 3D Labs. 
• Plaster or paint should never be put into sinks or poured down drains.  
• Spray painting must be done in an approved ventilated booth. Spray painting elsewhere will be considered vandalism. Use flammable chemicals only in properly vented areas. Dispose of rags used for solvents in the red metal cans. 
• Before leaving a piece of equipment: be certain it is turned off, has stopped moving, and is cleaned off and ready for the next user. 
• Return all tools to their proper storage areas and never attempt to remove or “borrow” tools for use outside of the laboratories. 
• Treat work surfaces with consideration. Do not cut or drill into worktables. Use paper to protect surfaces from paint, glue, etc. 
• Glued objects left to dry in the shop must be marked with the owner’s name and the date when glued. Nearby machines are not to be used for any gluing operations. 
• Plaster ruins most common woodworking equipment (power and hand tools) and therefore plaster finishing must only be done with tools identified for that purpose. 

Graduate 3D Fabrication Labs

• Working alone is strictly prohibited. There must be another adult accompanying you at all times. An individual without Graduate 3D Fabrication Lab access may act as a safety monitor, but may not utilize any tools or resources in the lab. Failure to follow this policy will result in a permanent loss of access to the Graduate 3D Fabrication Labs.

Ceramics Lab Policies

Ceramics Lab Policies

General Safety 

• Never work alone 
• No food or drink in the lab 
• Familiarize yourself with locations of fire extinguishers, first aid kits, and emergency eye wash stations 

Proper Attire is Required

• Tie back long hair, secure loose clothing and sleeves, and remove loose jewelry 
• Appropriate eye protection must be worn when operating power equipment and some hand tools 
• An appropriate dust mask should be worn when performing dust producing tasks 

Safe operation of the equipment requires the full attention of the operator 

• Do not operate equipment if you have taken medication that can make you dizzy, or drowsy, or are otherwise impaired 
• Inform your instructor or the lab supervisor if you have a condition that requires special accommodations 

Safe Practices & Lab Procedures

• Clean up after yourself
• Always clean your tools and put them back in the appropriate container  
• Wipe down your work area with damp sponge after you are done  
• Do not sweep floor as it creates dust, use a mop instead 
• No outside chemicals or materials are permitted without consent from the facilities staff directly in charge of the laboratory. Use only clay and glazes that are provided in the lab. 
• Store work only on the designated shelves. Do not store personal materials in lab areas 
• Never remove or “borrow” tools for use outside of the laboratories 
• Do not disturb other people’s work  
• Do not use equipment that you have not been trained to use  
• Dispose of all materials appropriately, and use proper collection receptacles. Recycle unfired clay in appropriate slop buckets  
• Treat work surfaces with consideration 
• All spray materials must be done in an approved ventilated booth – available in room 127 Flagg. Use of these materials elsewhere will be considered vandalism   
• Do not wash clay or glazes down the sink  

Kilns / Firings  

• Kilns will be fired by an instructor or lab assistant when there is enough work to fill a kiln 
• Place work to be fired on the designated shelf 
• Do not load or fire a kiln unless prior arrangements have been made 
• Do not open a kiln while it is firing 
• Do not unload a kiln without permission 
• Sometimes your work will be destroyed in the kiln 
• You will be responsible for sanding kiln shelves in case of glaze runs 
• If your work is destroyed during a fire, you will be responsible for cleaning the kiln 

South Studio 4   

• South Studio 4 Facility is only accessible to students enrolled in classes that meet in the facility
• South Studio 4 is open from 8am-10pm, 7 days a week, when classes are in session
• You must vacate the facility before 10pm
• Room 101, 102, and 107 are restricted to only Faculty and Staff
• Enter and exit only through the south door

Checkout Window Policies

Checkout Window Policies

Checkout and Returns

• You must present your i-card for all transactions at the Checkout Window. This includes reserving, picking up, and returning equipment and keys 
• When returning items, be sure to stay at the Window until the assistant identifies your returns and checks them in to avoid having items remain as your responsibility 
• Equipment loan durations and return times vary according to the item. It is your responsibility to know when items are due – ask the Checkout Window assistant if you are unsure when your equipment is due back.
• There are no renewals. You must return your item at the end of your checkout. If a similar item is available, you may check it out 

Lost and Late Equipment

• You are liable and solely responsible for any loan item or resource you use or borrow from the School of Art & Design. The University does NOT insure these items.
• You will be assessed a LATE CHARGE per day for each item not returned on time, or not in a condition to be checked out to another patron.  
• You will be charged repair or replacement value for broken items, or items that are returned in an unusable state, and items that are late by more than 30 days or by the close of the Checkout Window at the end of the semester  

Shooting Studio Use

• Studios must be returned to a usable state, vacated, and room keys must be returned 15 minutes before closing time 
• Please consult with your instructor and learn the potential dangers of the studio equipment before attempting a session 
• The studio environment can present electrical and other hazards THAT CAN CAUSE SEVERE INJURY (high voltage strobes, hot lights, falling objects) 
• Individuals who do not have access to A&D facilities may enter the studio for modeling purposes; however, they may not enter any other laboratories in Art & Design, they cannot use or handle any equipment, and they must be accompanied by you at all times. You are responsible for the behavior and safety of any individuals that you permit into the studio. 
• If you encounter problems in the studios or with equipment: report it immediately to the Checkout Window assistant 

Agreement Terms for Loans and Use of Resources and Equipment 

• By checking out or using Art & Design resources or equipment, I agree to the loan terms and conditions stated above and below. I understand this agreement is binding for all equipment and resources I use or checkout. 
• I agree that I am fully and financially liable for the repair or current replacement value of any equipment damaged or not returned.  
• I understand that neither the School of Art & Design nor the University of Illinois have insurance to cover damage or loss of resources loaned to me.  
• I agree to use each item only for educational pursuits and class assignments and for no other purpose. 
• I agree that I will use each item properly and only in the manner for which it was designed and that I have received adequate training and instruction on how to operate the equipment or resource before attempting to use it. 
• I will examine each of the items I receive before leaving the Checkout Window and I will make sure they are in good operating condition.  
• After leaving the Checkout Window area, I understand that I become liable for any unreported damage or missing parts. 
• I agree to return each item by the specified time and due date and understand I can be charged when items are returned late. 
• I agree to keep and use items in a safe manner and I am completely responsible for them at all times. 
• I hold the University of Illinois, the School of Art & Design and its employees not liable from any and all claims arising from my use or possession of items loaned to me by the School. 

Darkroom Policies

Darkroom Policies

General Safety & Policies

• You should wear gloves, an apron, and protective eyewear 
• Absolutely NO food or drink in the laboratory 
• Do not store personal items, backpacks, etc. in any part of the darkroom. Store your personal possessions in a locker 
• Do not place wet items on “dry” work areas 
• Slippery floors are hazardous. To prevent drips, you must use a tray when carrying wet prints or tanks from area to area. 

Chemical Safety 

• SDS sheets are posted on the Art + Design website, and should be reviewed prior to using any chemicals 
• Turn on the ventilation when working with chemistry 
• Do not block any of the openings above the sinks 
• Clean up any chemical spills as soon as they happen 
• All chemical storage containers must be stored in spill containment trays (these are red and are not to be use for any other purpose) 
• Eye wash stations and hand wash sinks must be kept free of all chemicals and debris at all times 
• No outside chemicals are permitted without written consent from the facilities staff  
• Mix chemicals only in the combinations and concentrations that you have been instructed to mix 
• Fixer must NEVER be poured down the drain 

Departure Checklist 

• Check the facility for other students/faculty, and turn off the ventilation if vacated 
• Cover and/or dispose of the appropriate chemistry 
• Turn off all water in every sink 
• Wipe down any equipment or sinks that are dirty or have chemistry 
• Remove all of your belongings – do not store anything in the darkroom 
• Turn off the lights (including safelights) 

Digital Labs Policies

Digital Labs Policies

General Lab Use & Policies 

• If you encounter problems in the labs: you should first consult with the Digital Output Support lab assistant for possible solutions. If no assistant is stationed at the Digital Output Support desk in room 235A you can contact technical support.
• Food is not allowed. All drinks must have lids 
• Special workstations (scanners, graphic tablets, etc.) are intended for specific tasks. You may be asked to give up a workstation if you are not using a special station for the intended purpose 
• You may only use one computer/workstation at a time 
• Always log out before you leave the labs to prevent others from using your account. The School of Art & Design is not liable for any data lost, stolen, or misused due to a lab computer being left logged in 
• Do not use workstation drives for storing your personal data. Computers may be reformatted at any time 
• Do not open windows or cause changes to the room’s environment. Changes in temperature and humidity can adversely affect equipment, especially printers 
• Use spray adhesives and fixatives only in spray booths, available in rooms 206B, 32, and 39 – Use of these materials elsewhere will be considered vandalism 
• Do not cut on unprotected surfaces or the floor. Cutting mats are available at the Checkout Window and cutting should be restricted to clean cutting tables in 235 
• The Digital Commons has paper cutters intended for photo and digital prints – do not cut materials with unfixed media (charcoal, etc.) that could transfer to clean surfaces 

Printing Charges & Refunds

• Your university account will be charged for the prints you make. Charged prints accrue in your personal account and are billed periodically 
• You must login to PaperCut to release prints before they will be printed – note: after 60 minutes, print jobs not released are deleted (without charge). Once a print has been released, it has been charged to your account 
• Print charge refunds are only granted when a printer has malfunctioned or output has not appeared after 24 hours 
• Refunds will not be granted for user error, or other unexpected results 
  • Examples eligible for credit: no print appears within 24 hours; ink nozzles are clogged; manufacturer’s paper imperfections; incomplete print due to end of roll 
  • Examples NOT eligible for credit: prints within 24 hours; print damaged after output; wrong profile used; print does not match screen; improper print job settings 
• Lab assistants may assist with troubleshooting printing problems, but cannot determine if credit will be issued. All refund requests must be made within three days, and you must surrender all failed output at the time of printing to be eligible for a refund 
• Output from Advanced Inkjet printers is not eligible for credit or reimbursement 

Laser & Inkjet Printing

• Laser and advanced inkjet printers are located in the Digital Commons 
• Advanced Inkjet printers are free to use, but you must provide your own INKJET APPROVED paper to print on 
• Manual feeds are only allowed on the Xerox laser printers and the Advanced Inkjet printer
• DO NOT ATTEMPT TO USE MATERIALS THAT ARE NOT INTENDED FOR A PRINTER – media must be clearly labeled – feeding inappropriate media may cause damage 
• Media approved for INKJET printing is NOT the same as media approved for LASER or other printers 
• You are responsible for damages resulting from improper use 
• Never open paper drawers or attempt to feed your media from any paper trays other than the labeled manual feed tray 
• The inkjet printers are located in the Digital Output Lab (235A) and stop accepting jobs fifteen minutes before closing 
• Jobs already released will continue to print and may be retrieved the next day when 235A reopens 
• Do not touch any buttons or controls on the inkjet printers, you could accidently change important settings that could be detrimental to everyone’s subsequent use 

CNC Embroidery machine 

• The CNC Embroidery Machine is available on a first-come-first-served basis. 
• Use only appropriate materials for digital embroidery 
• Materials supplied in the lab are for use in the in-lab use only. Do not remove any materials from the lab 
• You are responsible for damages resulting from improper use 

3D Printing 

• The School of Art & Design makes no guarantees for successful output of files, or for how quickly you may receive output. Staff may cancel or refuse job submissions at their discretion 
• The Zortrax printers are charged based upon the material usage of the print. You cannot cancel a print after it has been sent to a printer. Printing is available on a first-come-first-served basis. 
• The Form 2 SLA printer is managed by lab staff. Cost and time estimates will be sent to you after you submit your job request online.
• 3D print jobs that are not picked up within two weeks of completion will be discarded 

Risograph Printing 

• The Risograph printer can be reserved through the Checkout Window 
• To use the Riso, check out the USB key through the Checkout Window, then check in with Digital Output Support lab assistant in 235A to get started printing. At the end of your printing session, check out with the Digital Output Support lab assistant, and return the USB key to the Checkout Window 

Service Desk – Roland Eco-Solvent Printer/Cutter, Graphtec Vinyl Cutter, Laser Cutter  

• The Service Desk equipment is only to be operated by a trained Service Desk lab assistant. You may not attempt to operate any equipment if the lab assistant is not present 
• Only the student who is currently consulting with the lab assistant is allowed to enter the equipment area beyond the Service Desk  
• The lab assistant can only help one person at a time. Users are not be allowed into the equipment area until it is their turn for a consultation 
• Users may be sent to lab workstations to make time-consuming changes before output – minor adjustments by the lab assistant may be allowed at the discretion of the lab assistant. If file changes are needed, reservation times may be forfeit if they adversely affect other users 
• You are required to present your i-card each time you want to use resources. Your university student account will be charged for resources and materials used in the lab 
• You may schedule appointments with a lab assistant during open hours.  Otherwise, access is on a first-come, first-served basis 
• If you are more than 15 minutes late for your appointment, it will be canceled   
• It is sometimes difficult to gauge how long each project will take to complete, so plan your projects well in advance 
• All jobs for the Laser Cutter, Graphec, and the Roland Vinyl Printer/Cutter must be created within the provided templates 
• Use of the Service Desk equipment is solely at the user’s risk. Failed results cannot be reimbursed in any manner, including but not limited to:  Time charges, variances in material causing unexpected results or user supplied material being ruined because of an improper setup or execution by the lab assistant 
• The School will not replace or reimburse you for a failed cutting session or an improperly prepared print that fails 
• Credit for equipment use time or lab supplied materials will be at the discretion of Art & Design Staff – lab assistants cannot issue credit. 
• There is no storage area available for materials or projects 
• Only approved materials can be laser cut. Plastics must have original identifying label 
• The lab assistant will determine whether or not a material and method is appropriate to be tried 
• If you want to try something not on the approved list you must first consult with staff, and provide the material and the SDS for the material 
• On the laser cutter, you will be required to act as the “safety” observer for the duration of your use to allow the assistant to be available for consultation and other tasks. 

Ink Lab Policies

Ink Lab Policies

General Safety & Policies

• Equipment in the Ink Lab has the potential to be dangerous.  
• Never work alone in the Ink Lab.  
• Familiarize yourself with locations of fire extinguishers, emergency eyewash stations, first aid kits, and the SDS sheets for the chemicals that you use. 
• All spray painting must be done in the designated spray booth. Noxious or flammable chemicals can only be used in ventilated areas with the ventilation system running. 
• Food and drink are not permitted in the Ink Lab. Many inks and solvents are highly toxic if ingested. 

Proper Attire is Required

• Closed-toed shoes must be worn in the labs. 
• Tie back long hair, secure loose clothing and sleeves, and remove neckties and loose jewelry when operating presses and power equipment. 
• Gloves must be worn when working with solvents or acids.
• An appropriate mask should be worn when performing dust or fume producing tasks. 

Safe operation of the equipment requires the full attention of the operator 

• Running, throwing objects, or any kind of distracting behavior is strictly prohibited. 
• Do not work in the lab while under the influence of any drug, alcohol or medication. Accidents can happen when you are drowsy or impaired. 
• Inform your instructor or lab supervisor if you have a condition that requires special accommodations. 

Safe Practices & Lab Procedures

• You may not use tools or equipment that you have not been trained to use. If you have previous experience or training with particular equipment you want to use, discuss it with the instructor or lab supervisor first. 
• When you are finished using a piece of equipment, ensure that it is turned off (if powered), clean, and in a safe position for the next user. 
• Report any broken or malfunctioning equipment immediately to the instructor or lab supervisor. 
• Return all tools and materials to their proper storage areas and never attempt to remove or “borrow” tools for use outside the Ink Lab. 

Presses 

• Never place fingers under or near press rollers. Keep hands away from the press bed and moving parts when operating the presses.  
• The only materials approved to pass through presses are paper and approved matrixes and substrates. Other objects can damage the press and pose a safety hazard. Never force anything through the press. 

Pressure Washer 

• Water must be turned on at the spigot and flowing from the wand before the pressure washer is turned on. The pressure washer should only be on when water is actively spraying from the wand.
• At all other times and between periods of spraying, turn the motor off or it will burn out, and you will be held responsible for the cost of replacing the pressure washer.
• When finished, turn water off at spigot and bleed the hose. Keep the pressure washer unit away from water and unplug it when not in use. 

Clean-Up  

• Clean up and put away everything you use.   
• Plan to spend 15-20 minutes cleaning up at the end of a project. Paper and materials left out will be thrown away. 
• Use solvents sparingly.
• Place all rags used with solvents in designated metal cans. Each can is labeled for specific chemicals in order to comply with university policies for disposal of hazardous materials. Please observe these labels and dispose of your rag accordingly.
• Rags that have been slightly used but can still be used for clean-up should be placed “half-used” rag bins. Only rags that are fully saturated and no longer useable should be placed in the “fully-used” can.
• All non-solvent rags or trash should be disposed of in regular trash cans. 

You are not finished working until:

• All oil-based ink is cleaned up using a razor scraper, then citrus solvent, then Simple Green last. 
• Rollers and Brayers are cleaned with citrus solvent only and properly stored. 
• Rags used with solvents are placed in designated metal cans. 
• Tables have been cleared of paper and other materials. 
• Work surfaces have been wiped down with Simple Green. 
• No squeegees, tape, or ink remain in sinks or washout booths. Paper sinks are drained. 
• All tools and ink cans are cleaned and put away.  
• Hotplate is turned off. 

Textile Lab Policies

Textile Lab Policies

General Lab Use & Policies 

• No food or drink in the lab 
• Familiarize yourself with locations of the first aid kits 
• Tie back long hair, secure loose clothing and sleeves, and remove loose jewelry 
• Do not operate equipment if you have taken medication that can make you dizzy, drowsy, or otherwise impaired 
• Inform your instructor or lab supervisor if you have a condition that requires special accommodations 
• Headphones are not allowed 
• Treat the sewing machines with respect and care 
• Do not use equipment that you have not been trained to use 
• All spray materials must be done in an approved ventilated booth available in rooms 206B, 32, and 39. Use of these materials elsewhere will be considered vandalism  
• Turn off sewing machines when not in use 
• Treat work surfaces with consideration 
• Use tools properly 
• Do not remove sewing machines or dress forms 
• Unplug irons when not in use 
• Individuals who do not have access to A+D facilities may enter the Textile Lab for modeling purposes; however, they may not enter any other laboratories in Art + Design, they cannot use or handle any equipment, and they must be accompanied by you at all times. You are responsible for the behavior and safety of any individuals that you permit into the Textile Lab. 
• Clean up after yourself and maintain cleanliness 
• Do not use a machine with a “repair” sign on it 

Gallery & Installation Spaces Policies

Gallery & Installation Spaces Policies

General Use & Policies 

• The School of Art & Design, staff, and assistants cannot be held liable for the consequences or the outcome of suggested solutions to questions or problems, are not liable for damage to a user’s materials or supplies, and cannot be held liable for lost time or the unavailability of equipment or processes for any reason.
• The School of Art & Design is not responsible for loss or damage to exhibited works before, during, or after the exhibit. The user has sole responsibility for the safekeeping of all artworks before, during or after the exhibit. Any work left after the scheduled reservation date will be considered abandoned and will be discarded.
• The gallery space must remain safe for the public to enter.
• Report problems in the gallery or with equipment to the Checkout Window assistant immediately.
• At the end of the reservation, the gallery space must be returned to a usable state, and completely vacated prior to the end of the user’s reservation. Walls must be cleared of all materials (including vinyl), patched, and painted with the provided gallery paint.  If an installation leaves marks that can’t easily be removed or painted over, the user will be responsible for any extra materials and labor required to restore the walls. The user is responsible for washing brushes, and removing roller covers from paint rollers when finished. The user must ALWAYS use drop cloths or butcher paper to protect floors and black cove base when painting. Pedestals must be removed from the gallery and stored in the storage closet.
• Paint and brushes are available in the Link closet. Brushes should be washed in either the Link closet sink, or in room 39 sink (basement – Finishing Room).