FAQ

Q: I'm a Psychology (or other non-innovation) major and have not taken any Innovation-related courses, can I still use the Innovation Center?

A: Of course! The Innovation Center is NOT restricted to just Innovation majors, in fact, the most recent "STEAM House Strategic Plan" aimed primarily at the idea of ensuring that the Innovation Center is made accessible, attractive, and applicable to all students regardless of their major, interests, or knowledge background.

Q: There's a class taking place at the same time as I reserved a piece of equipment. What do I do?

A: It is important to respect the main purpose of going to higher education, to learn. That being said, all students have the same purpose for being at Menlo College. If a class is taking place, you should either meet with that professor before class, or quietly wait for a break in the lecture before asking the professor if it is okay for you to use the back area during their class time. If they allow you to enter, be sure to be as quiet as possible and not work on anything to loud, bothersome, or distracting while the class is in session.

Q: I have a project I'm working on in my room. Am I allowed to bring pieces of equipment out of the Innovation Center as long as I bring them back before the next reservation?

A: No. For safety, security, and accessibility reasons, you may not remove Innovation Center items from the center. The equipment in the Innovation Center is considered on reserve for the whole community just like books on reserve in the library may not be checked out or removed from the library.  

Q: I'm taking a workshop being put on by the Oaks Innovation Club (OIC). Do I still have to take the practical portion of the Celebration of Knowlege?

A: Because the Innovation Center is all about experiential learning, taking part in a workshop that directly compliments a specific piece of equipment, put on by the OIC, will qualify you to be exempt from having to take the practical portion of your Celebration of Knowledge. However, it is important to note that paticipationg in a workshop means FULLY completing all 3 weeks of the workshop. The workshop leaders will be consulted to ensure you have in fact made the necessary progress and demonstrated the satisfactory knowledge to safely and appropriately use that piece of equiptment.

Q: I am looking to work on a project but I can't find the supplies/equipment that I will need to complete it. What do I do?

A: Unfortunately, the Innovation Center only has limited supplies and equipment. We started off, and will continue to, conduct surveys to see what supplies and equipment the Menlo College community believes will best serve them and their interests. Donations of supplies, equipment, or others are always welcome to help ensure a thriving Innovation Center ecosystem. 

Q: I have an assignment for class that requires me to need to use the Innovation Center equipment. Do I still need to take a Celebration of Knowledge before using the equipment?

A: While we encourage classes to involve the Innovation Center in helping teach their students practical applications of classwork, it is important  for the Innovation Center as well as the individuals participating in it that each student, faculty, or staff is in-tune with the requirements that are set forth by the Innovation Center and the use agreement. We encourage all students to get the ''Orientation” Celebration of Knowledge completed early on so that they are free to take any of the subsequent certifications that may be required for you to use the Innovation Center to complete your classwork and assignments required by your professors (or to pursue your personal interests). 

Q: Can my friend use a piece of equipment if I am certified to use it and I am supervising them?

A: It is important for all members to be certified to use the piece of equipment they are working with. For safety as well as for recording purposes, the Innovation Center requires each individual using the center to be certified in their equipment they use to prove that they know how to use the equipment as well as to ensure that they have agreed to the liability acknowledgment associated with each of the Celebrations of Knowledge.

Q: I grew up using this piece of equipment/I have one at home. Do I still need to get certified by the Innovation Center?

A: In order to ensure that your training aligns with that provided by the Innovation Center, we want to make sure that everybody goes through the same standardized process, determined by the Innovation Center, to achieve their certification to safely use the equipment. We understand that members of our Menlo community have very diverse backgrounds that may overlap with lessons being provided in the Innovation Center, if this is the case, you may feel free to go straight to the Celebration of Knowledge and show us what you’ve got! We look forward to watching you support your fellow innovators and seeing how you will use the center to innovate!

Q: If I start a project and have to leave before I complete it, is there any place to store my project in the Innovation Center?

A: Digital projects and files should be stored on your own personal USB flash drive in case the computers in the Innovation Center have to get cleared for whatever reason. Project bins are available upon request to hold onto your projects in the Innovation Center until you return to finish it up. Be sure to communicate with an  Innovation Center official to ensure they can best help you preserve your project!

Q: I'm planning on starting a project in the Innovation Center. Are there any rules/limitations to the kind of projects I am allowed to work on? If so, what are the guidelines regarding project restrictions?

A: Safety of our members and campus are our priority, NOT ALL PROJECTS are allowed to be worked on in the Innovation Center. If you are unsure of if your project will be deemed inappropriate for the Innovation Center, we highly recommend reviewing the Menlo College rules in the Menlo Student Handbook (can be found HERE). If you are still unsure if your project will be allowed, you may consult an Innovation Center official for their guidance, they have the final say as to whether a project should be confiscated due to potential safety or appropriateness concerns. A useful safety statement that you may find helpful in the determination process is “If it can go through the TSA, then its probably going to be okay!”