Grad Lab COVID-19 Fall Semester 2020 Student Services

Fall 2020 Semester Grad Lab Services

This document outlines the services available to MICA Graduate Students through the MICA Graduate Research Lab. Please read it thoroughly before attending Graduate Lab orientation.

In alignment with MICA's decision to conduct the 2020 Fall Semester in online mode and in alignment with R5 Key Principles (https://assets.mica.edu/files/resources/r5-appendix-a.pdf), the Grad Lab management has analyzed our spaces, services and staffing to both align our policies, processes and procedures with MICA’s switch to virtual instruction and to maximize Lab services for the Fall 2020 semester.

With the health and safety of our community in mind, The Grad Lab will offer support for appointment-based curbside pickup with students receiving items through contactless exchange on sidewalk in front of Lazarus Center. Remote equipment delivery is available but discouraged due to the high cost of students covering insurance and postage for shipping.

Despite the closure of MICA’s campus, The Grad Lab will continue to provide the following services:

·      Inkjet printing

·      Laser printing

·      Riso printing

·      Equipment checkout

·      Consultative services

 

In order to provide the highest level of services possible while prioritizing the health, safety, and wellness of students and staff, the Grad Lab will implement the following changes to our service model:

·      All services will be offered on an appointment-basis only

·      All Services require one week advanced notice

·      All services offered both remotely (resources shipped to students) and for curbside pickup (resources received in-person from sidewalk outside Lazarus Center)

·      There will be a 24 hour turnaround time for checkout equipment to allow for disinfecting

·      The Lab will be operating on a reduced weekly schedule (5 days a week 4 hours a day)

·      Curbside pickup will be available MWF 4 hours a day

 

Based on MICA’s decision to revert to a modified Phase 1 Reopening plan, the following services will be conducted virtually:

·      All consultation services will be provided virtually via Zoom (highly preferred), phone or email

·      All payment info will be taken virtually via phone or Zoom

·      Printing services will be conducted virtually with prints shipped to patrons or collected via contactless curbside exchange (from sidewalk outside Lazarus Center)

·      Checkout services will be virtual with items shipped to patrons or collected via contactless curbside exchange (from sidewalk outside Lazarus Center)

 

Due to MICA’s decision to close campus and switch to virtual instruction, there will be the following reductions in Lab capacity:

·      Computer Lab will be closed

·      Resource Rooms will be closed

·      Workshops will be suspended

 

The following sections of the document offer FAQs explaining how these services will operate as well as policy specific to each service.

 

 

 

 

In an effort to provide support for alternate means of student production, the Grad Lab will begin providing curbside printing services for MICA Graduate Students. The following FAQ is designed to help students navigate the curbside printing process.

 

How will curbside printing work?

Simply request a printing appointment through the Contact Page of the Grad Lab’s Website at least one week in advance and we will help you set up a time to print (http://graduate.mica.edu/newlab/contact).

 

Can I make a print without scheduling an appointment?

No. All Grad Lab services are appointment-basis only. And require at least one week advanced notice.

 

What if I have questions?

We are happy to email, call or Zoom (recommended) with you to answer questions/try to recreate the in-person printing experience.

 

What types of printing will be supported?

We will continue to support all of the printing processes listed on our website including Laser, Inkjet and Riso printing (http://graduate.mica.edu/newlab/Printing).

 

What will pricing be?

Pricing for printing will remain the same as what is listed on our site (http://graduate.mica.edu/newlab/Printing).

 

How will you get my files?

Just email or digitally share the file(s) you would like to have printed with Graduate Printing gradprinting@mica.edu.

 

How will I get my prints?

Once your job has been printed we will reach out to you and schedule a pickup time. Once scheduled, just come to Lazarus Center 131 W North Ave. When you arrive call 410.225.4107 and let us know you are here. We will bring your print(s) out to you.

 

When will you make my prints/what is the turn-around time?

We will print material on a first come first served bases. Exact turnaround time will differ but Techs should be able to give you a good estimate before you commit to a print job.

 

How do I pay?

A Grad Lab Tech will arrange to take payment during your printing appointment. The Lab will continue to accept MICARD and credit card payment.

 

Can I just come to the Grad Lab to make a print?

Unfortunately, no. Due to current federal, state and local directives regarding social distancing we cannot offer in person services at this time although we look forward to reopening the Lab and returning to normal operations as soon as possible. Currently all Grad Lab services are appointment-basis only and must be made at least one week in advance.

 

 

 

In an effort to provide support for alternate means of student production, the Grad Lab will begin providing remote printing services for MICA Graduate Students. The following FAQ is designed to help students navigate the remote printing process.

 

How will Remote printing work?

Simply request a printing appointment through the Contact Page of the Grad Lab’s Website at least one week in advance and we will help you set up a time to print (http://graduate.mica.edu/newlab/contact).

 

What if I have questions?

We are happy to email, call or Zoom (recommended) with you to answer questions/try to recreate the in-person printing experience.

 

What types of printing will be supported?

We will continue to support all of the printing processes listed on our website including Laser, Inkjet and Riso printing (http://graduate.mica.edu/newlab/Printing).

 

What will pricing be?

Pricing for printing will remain the same as what is listed on our site however you will also be responsible for shipping (pricing will be determined for each job separately dependent upon location and volume).

 

How will you get my files?

Just email or digitally share the file(s) you would like to have printed with Graduate Printing gradprinting@mica.edu.

 

How will I get my prints?

Once printed we will send them to you!

 

When will you make my prints/what is the turn-around time?

We will print material on a first come first served bases. All completed print jobs will be shipped within 3 business days of printing shipping time will vary based on carrier.

 

How can I pay?

A Grad Lab Tech will arrange to take payment during your printing appointment. The Lab will continue to accept MICARD and credit card payment.

 

What if my prints get damaged during shipping?

We can offer you a shipping price that includes insurance so you can choose the level of protection you want for your prints.

 

Can I just come to the Grad Lab to make a print?

Unfortunately, no. Due to current federal, state and local directives regarding social distancing we cannot offer in person services at this time although we look forward to reopening the Lab and returning to normal operations as soon as possible. Currently all Grad Lab services are appointment-basis only and must be made at least one week in advance.

 

 

 

In an effort to provide support for alternate means of student production, the Grad Lab will provide curbside equipment checkout services for MICA Graduate Students during the Fall 2020 semester. The following FAQ is designed to help students navigate the curbside checkout process.

 

Is the Grad Lab still checking out equipment?

Yes all MICA Graduate Students still have access to the Grad Lab’s equipment checkout.

 

What Grad Lab equipment is available for checkout?

All Grad Lab equipment is available.

 

What are the Grad Lab’s operating hours?

Check the Grad Lab website for operating hours https://graduate.mica.edu/newlab/Hours

 

How do I request equipment?

Use Webcheckout to make a reservation request. All reservation requests must be made at least 2 business days in advance of the reservations requested pickup time.

 

Can I get equipment without a reservation?

No. All Grad Lab services are appointment-basis only.

 

Can I get help selecting equipment?

Absolutely just use the form on our website (https://graduate.mica.edu/newlab/contact) to request a consultative appointment. Consultation services are available via phone, email or Zoom.

 

How will I know my reservation request has been approved?

All reservation requests will need to be approved. Once approved you will receive email confirmation.

 

How do I pick up equipment?

Once your reservation request has been approved and your reservation time is set, just come to Lazarus Center 131 W North Ave. Once you arrive call 410.225.4107 and let us know you are here. We will bring your equipment out to you.

 

How long do I have to get equipment when I’m picking up?

Pickups are scheduled every 15min so make sure you arrive promptly at the time specified on your reservation.

 

How do I know when my equipment is due?

Just check your Webcheckout account. It will have a list of all your activity including current checkout and when they are due.

 

How do I drop off equipment?

When you are finished with equipment just come to Lazarus Center 131 W North Ave within 1hour of the return time specified on your reservation. Once you arrive call 410.225.4107 and let us know you are here. We will bring your equipment out to you.

 

Are there still late equipment fines?

Yes. Make sure you return equipment at least 30min before it is due to ensure that it is returned on time and you do not accrue late fines.

 

Can I still make back to back reservations?

No. Once returned to the Lab, all equipment will be held for 24 hours to allow for disinfecting.

 

Can I just come to Lab in person to ask for help or equipment?

Unfortunately, no. Due to current federal, state and local directives regarding social distancing we cannot offer in person services at this time although we look forward to reopening the Lab and returning to normal operations as soon as possible. Currently all Grad Lab services are appointment-basis only and must be made at least one week in advance.

 

 

 

In an effort to provide support for alternate means of student production, the Grad Lab will provide remote equipment checkout services for MICA Graduate Students during the Fall 2020 semester. The following FAQ is designed to help students navigate the remote checkout process.

 

How will Remote Equipment Checkout Work?

This service will allow students to select equipment from the Grad Lab’s Webcheckout portal and have those items shipped to them for use at home.

 

Is all Grad Lab equipment available?

The vast majority of Grad Lab equipment is available for remote checkout but some items are too big, too fragile or cost prohibitive to ship. Once you have made a reservation Grad Lab staff will contact you and setup a time to talk to about your checkout.

 

How do I select the equipment I want?

First email gradcheckout@mica.edu and let us know you want a remote checkout. Then use the Grad Lab’s Webcheckout portal to select the equipment you want (http://graduate.mica.edu/newlab/Checkout). Make sure you are selecting items at least one week in advance of their ship date. For example, the start time you select when creating a reservation must be at least one week in the future and will represent the date on which items will be shipped from the Lab (Baltimore MD 21217).

 

What days of the week will the Lab ship items?

The Grad Lab can ship items on most weekdays. MICA Postal is not open on the weekends and is working with reduced staffing and high demand so turnaround times may vary.

 

How long can I keep equipment?

Remote Checkouts are for 2 weeks (14 days). The 14-day checkout period begins when the shipping carrier lists your items as delivered and ends when you put the equipment back into the mail.

 

How will shipping work?

The Grad Lab will ship items to you with return shipping labels included. Simply use these included shipping labels to return equipment to the Lab through the mail before your checkout is due.

 

Who will pay for shipping?

The Lab will provide shipping and insurance estimates once you make a reservation so you can decide if you want to go through with a checkout before you commit to anything. All shipments must have tracking, signature upon receipt, and be insured for the full replacement value of the equipment.

 

How many items can I checkout at once?

Because the Grad Lab’s checkout inventory is built around an in-person 3-day checkout with zero turnaround time, remote checkouts will be limited to 10 items total with no more than one item per an equipment type per patron at any given time. This means that you can have up to 10 items at any given time throughout the semester. Additionally, to allow for shipping, inspecting, and meeting CDC recommendations for disinfecting equipment, turnaround times for equipment are expected to be as much as 2 weeks.

 

Can you ship equipment internationally?

Unfortunately, due a number of complicating factors including cost, insuring items, long and unpredictable shipping times the Grad Lab cannot ship equipment outside of the continental United States.

 

 

 

 

In an effort to provide support for alternate means of student production, the Grad Lab will provide both remote and curbside equipment checkout and printing services for MICA Graduate Students during the Fall 2020 semester. The following FAQ is designed to help students navigate the differences between remote and curbside services.

 

Are there differences between remote printing and curbside printing?

Yes but just one really. With remote printing we will ship your prints to you and this has some cost associated with it. Curbside printing does not include any shipping costs as patrons can pick-up prints in person.

 

Are the differences between remote and curbside equipment checkouts?

Yes, a few including the cost of shipping, checkout duration, number and type of items available, and equipment turnaround time.

 

Why are there differences in cost?

There is some cost associated with remote equipment checkout due to the fact that equipment must be shipped. Because curbside pickup does not require equipment to be shipped there are no shipping costs associated.

 

Why are there differences in checkout duration?

The Grad Lab’s equipment stock is based around an in-person checkout with a 3-day duration and a zero turn-around time for equipment. This means that our checkout service is based around quickly turning equipment over form one patron to the next which allows us to maximize equipment availability. With the shift to remote and curbside operation this rapid turnover of equipment is no longer possible due to time spent shipping and disinfecting. In an attempt to ensure equipment availability for all patrons throughout the semester, remote checkouts will have a 14 day duration and curbside checkouts will be for 7 days.

 

Why are there differences in the number and type of items available?

Because remote checkouts can take upwards of a month to complete and shipping some items is not feasible, the number and type of items available for remote checkout is slightly limited. Remote checkouts will be limited to 10 items total with no more than one item per an equipment type per patron at any given time. These restrictions help ensure that all patrons can access equipment over the course of a semester.

 

Why are there differences in equipment turnaround times?

There are turn-around times associated with both remote and curbside checkouts due to shipping and disinfecting. There is an increased turnaround time for remote equipment checkouts due to shipping. Not only does shipping items take time, but also, shipping times are currently unpredictable due to an increased demand being put on shipping providers. Additionally, all equipment must be disinfected when it is returned to the Lab to ensure the health and safety of both students and Grad Lab staff.

 

 

 

Grad Lab Curbside Printing Policies and Procedures

 

·      To have a print made you must request an appointment at least one week in advance using the Grad Lab website (http://graduate.mica.edu/newlab/contact).

 

·      Once you have requested an appointment via the website a Grad Lab Tech will contact you to setup a printing appointment date and time and arrange for the transfer of your files.

 

·      We recommend a Zoom session with the Technician who will be running your print job.

 

·      During your printing appointment the Tech will vet your file(s), give any needed recommendations and take payment for the prints.

 

·      As always, the Technician is available to make printing recommendations and physically run the printers. Technicians cannot engage in your student production. In other words, you are responsible for making any recommended changes to your file before printing. Techs simply print files as they are sent.

 

·      Once you are satisfied with the state of your file(s) the Tech will run your print job(s) and work with you to establish a pickup time within 3 business days of print job completion.

 

·      Be advised even with the best color management system in place, prints and files will have differences in color, saturation, and dynamic range. As with in-person printing we recommend running test prints before committing to large jobs.

 

·      On the day/time of your pickup appointment come to the front doors of Lazarus Center (131 W North Ave.). When you arrive, call 410-225-4107 to let us know you have arrived and we will bring your print(s) to the front door.

 

·      Pickups and drop-offs are scheduled in 15min intervals so make sure you are on time.

 

·      Due to current federal, state and local directives regarding social distancing we cannot offer in person printing or any other in person services at this time although we look forward to reopening the Lab and returning to normal operations as soon as possible.

 

 

 

 

Grad Lab Remote Printing Policies and Procedures

 

·      To have a print made you must request an appointment at least one week in advance using the Grad Lab website (http://graduate.mica.edu/newlab/contact).

 

·      Once you have requested an appointment via the website a Grad Lab Tech will contact you to setup a printing appointment date and time and arrange for the transfer of your files.

 

·      We recommend a Zoom session with the Technician who will be running your print job.

 

·      During your printing appointment the Tech will vet your file(s), give any needed recommendations, provide shipping estimates and take payment for the prints and payment info for shipping.

 

·      As always, the Technician is available to make printing recommendations and physically run the printers. Technicians cannot engage in your student production. In other words, you are responsible for making any recommended changes to your file before printing. Techs simply print files as they are sent.

 

·      Once you are satisfied with the state of your file(s) the Tech will run your print job(s) and ship your print(s) within 3 business days of print job completion. Shipping times will vary based on carrier and volume.

 

·      Be advised even with the best color management system in place, prints and files will have differences in color, saturation, and dynamic range. As with in-person printing we recommend running test prints before committing to large jobs.

 

·      The Grad Lab will not ship any print that has physical damage or anomalies caused by the printing process. All prints that are shipped have left the Lab in good condition and are free from damage or anomalies that are the result of the printing process.

 

·      Due to current federal, state and local directives regarding social distancing we cannot offer in person printing or any other in person services at this time although we look forward to reopening the Lab and returning to normal operations as soon as possible.

 

 

Grad Lab Curbside Checkout Policies and Procedures

 

·      To access Grad Lab checkout equipment, you must attend Grad Lab COVID Orientation and have signed and returned a Terms and Conditions Form (available here: http://graduate.mica.edu/newlab/Checkout)

 

·      Reservation requests must be made at least one week in advance of pickup date.

 

·      All requested pickup and drop off times must fall within the Lab’s curbside operation hours listed on our website here: https://graduate.mica.edu/newlab/Hours.

 

·      Once a reservation request is made on the Grad Lab’s webcheckout portal, Grad Lab staff will approve your reservation request and or reach out to you to discuss your request as needed.

 

·      Once your reservation is approved come to the front doors of Lazarus Center (131 W North Ave.) at the time/date specified on your reservation. Call 410-225-4107 to let us know you have arrived and we will bring your equipment to the front doors.

 

·      Pickups and drop-offs are scheduled in 15min intervals so make sure you are on time.

 

·      All equipment hand offs are contactless so please give us space and follow directions when dropping or receiving equipment.

 

·      Once you receive your items you are encouraged to inspect them before leaving.

 

·      When your return time approaches come to the front doors of Lazarus Center (131 W North Ave.) at the time/date specified on your checkout. Call 410-225-4107 to let us know you have arrived and we will collect your equipment.

 

·      To avoid late fees return your equipment at least 30min before it is due, more if you have many items.

 

·      A Grad Lab Tech will reach out to you if anything is found to be wrong with your items when they are returned.

 

·      The Grad Lab will continue to fine for late items as outlined in the Terms and Conditions Form (available here: http://graduate.mica.edu/newlab/Checkout) so make sure you are returning items on time.

 

·      As always the Grad Lab will hold patrons responsible for lost, damaged and or incomplete items as per the Student Replacement Policy (listed on Terms and Conditions Form available here: http://graduate.mica.edu/newlab/Checkout) so make sure kits are complete before check your equipment thoroughly before returning it to the Lab.

 

 

 

Grad Lab Remote Checkout Policies and Procedures

 

·      To access Grad Lab checkout equipment, you must attend Grad Lab COVID Orientation and have signed and returned a Terms and Conditions Form (available here: http://graduate.mica.edu/newlab/Checkout)

 

·      Remote checkouts require advanced notice and approval to initiate a remote checkout email gradcheckout@mica.edu.

 

·      Reservation requests must be made at least one week in advance of shipping date.

 

·      All reservation request start times should be 9am and all reservation end times should be 5pm.

 

·      Once a reservation request is made on the Grad Lab’s webcheckout portal, Grad Lab staff will reach out to you to discuss your reservation request and provide a shipping estimate.

 

·      Not all equipment is available for remote checkout you will be notified if any item you selected is ineligible.

 

·      All equipment must be shipped with tracking, signature upon receipt and be insured for the full replacement value of the item shipped.

 

·      Payment info must be taken for round trip shipping before any items can be shipped.

 

·      Once a reservation request has been approved, items will be taken to MICA Postal and print on the day specified by your reservation.

 

·      Your 14-day checkout begins when your items are marked as delivered by the shipping carrier.

 

·      Once you receive your items you have 24 hours to contact the Lab regarding any damaged or incomplete items.

 

·      Equipment return times will be based upon their shipping date/time. In other words, items must be shipped before the day that they are due. We understand that shipping times can vary so we are basing your return time on when the post office receives the items not when they make it back to the Lab.

 

·      Drop us an email as soon as you have shipped your items so that we can confirm and update their status in Webcheckout.

 

·      The Grad Lab will continue to fine for late items as outlined in the Terms and Conditions Form (available here: http://graduate.mica.edu/newlab/Checkout) so make sure you are returning items on time.

 

·      As always the Grad Lab will hold patrons responsible for lost, damaged and or incomplete items as per the Student Replacement Policy (listed on Terms and Conditions Form available here: http://graduate.mica.edu/newlab/Checkout) so make sure kits are complete before shipping and check your equipment thoroughly when it arrives.