Our priority is to teach members of the Mount Holyoke community (students, staff, and faculty). Those members may bring one guest to the Lab, observing the following rules:
The member must stay with their guest as long as they remain in the Lab.
We expect the member to be trained on any tools and equipment used by the guest.
The guest must agree to act according to our shared values and sign a waiver upon arrival.
Members are given priority for attendance at workshops, but guests are welcome when space permits.
Any person under 18 who is not an enrolled Mount Holyoke student must be accompanied by and under the direct supervision of their own parent or legal guardian. They are considered guests of the adult, and access follows guest rules. Parents/guardians must sign our waiver for their child.
Students, staff, and faculty may use equipment under supervision or for which they have trained and received the stamp.
Reservations are required for the use of our laser cutters and 3D printers.
Personal projects are welcome and encouraged, though academic projects will be given priority.
Fimbel is a prototyping lab, not a production facility, as such we do not allow the sale of projects you make using its resources.
Equipment in the woodshop/metal shop requires safety training.
The following are mandatory whenever you work with power tools:
Wear closed-toe, flat-heeled shoes
Wear long pants
Use eye protection
use ear protection as needed
Long hair must be tied back
No loose jewelry or clothing
Never use power tools when you’re feeling tired, sick, distracted, under the influence of alcohol, prescription or recreational drugs, or otherwise less than fully functional.
Some materials pose a health and safety risk if handled improperly(e.g. laser cutting Polyurethane or PVC), always tell the staff if you plan to bring your own supplies or materials into the space.
An array of pre-approved materials is available for purchase from our storeroom -or- for scavenging from our communal scrap cart.
All outside materials are subject to staff approval
Weapons or drug paraphernalia.
Projects whose making, testing or operation can cause injury or property damage. If something seems potentially unsafe to you, ask a staff member for help.
Projects that violate copyright or other intellectual property laws.
You may not run a business out of Fimbel Lab. You are welcome to prototype products and pursue intellectual property rights in accordance with Mount Holyoke’s Invention and Patent Policy.
Using the Fimbel Maker & Innovation Lab is a privilege. If you do anything dangerous or illegal, use equipment without permission, or behave disruptively in the Lab, we will take appropriate actions. These may include revoking access or requiring further training and supervision.