Department Policies

Policy on Laboratory Access

We, the faculty of Applied Technology, agree on the following guidelines regarding student laboratory access, hiring of student assistants, and student access for special projects:

  • In general, students shall have laboratory access during the scheduled laboratory times unless another class activity is planned and scheduled.
  • Students not enrolled in the scheduled laboratory who wish to work on projects must obtain permission from the instructor. Students who have permission to work must not disrupt the class in session.
  • Student access to the laboratories other than the scheduled times are at the discretion of the faculty. Faculty who grant access to students must ensure there are safety precautions or adequate supervision in case of an accident or injury.
  • No students are allowed to work in the laboratories between the hours of 8:00 PM to 7:00 AM unless a faculty member is present.
  • Students who violate this policy will have their laboratory privileges revoked at the instructor’s discretion.

Policy on Laboratory/Classroom Safety and Housekeeping

We, the faculty of Applied Technology, believe that a safe and clean learning environment is important to maintaining a successful program where students can thrive and attain technical and managerial competencies. We have general agreement on our common assumptions regarding housekeeping and the safety of laboratories and classrooms:

  • A safe learning environment is clean, organized, and focused. Individuals work safely when they are competent and aware of their surroundings.
  • Each classroom and laboratory shall be kept clean and free of trash, shavings, spills, and other non-productive materials. Immediately report safety hazards to the instructor.
  • A laboratory or classroom is any space used for educational purposes including storage, staging, or preparation. It does not include personal office space.
  • Improper tool use, unsafe equipment use, lack of proper storage, leaving areas unsecured, or the failure to clean adequately shall result in a loss of laboratory access.
  • At the end of each classroom or laboratory session, all tools, equipment, and projects shall be stored in their designated place and fixed equipment switched off.
  • The proper maintenance, organization, use, and cleanliness of space and equipment are the responsibility of both faculty and students.

Course-Related Practices

The faculty agrees to establish the following common guidelines for every course:

  1. Course syllabi shall include a statement regarding the specific safety and housekeeping requirements aligned with this policy.
  2. There shall be specific criteria established for the safe use of tools and equipment.
  3. There shall be identified storage locations for each tool or educational item.
  4. During each laboratory or classroom session, students will keep the area clean and safe.
  5. For each laboratory session, the instructor shall designate a time for storage of equipment and projects, and cleaning. (Note: Extended times may be required based upon the area’s condition).
  6. All classrooms or laboratory areas should be locked when not in use. Students who want to use the facilities during other classes or at unscheduled times must obtain permission.

Revised: 4/11/06. This policy is subject to change.

Student Laboratory Assistants

  • Department student assistants, if needed, may be granted laboratory access for the purpose of specific lab improvement projects or other assigned activities. Student assistants may work on personal projects, with permission, in their spare time provided they adhere to the Department Safety and Housekeeping Policy.
  • Student assistants hired by the Department are selected based upon the following criteria:
  • Operates equipment safely and uses facilities responsibly
  • Demonstrates a high level of technical excellence
  • Completes assigned projects in a timely fashion
  • Agrees to maintain lab security (does not give access to others)
  • Does not let others enter the lab without permission from the faculty
  • Student assistants who violate this policy will have their laboratory privileges revoked.

Ratified: 9/15/06. This policy is subject to change.