At times, students may require access to the campus spaces outside of scheduled timetables. Access may be permitted with approval from the appropriate stakeholders. While on campus, students must comply with all safety and access protocols, rules and restrictions and personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements that are communicated by faculty, staff and campus signage. Facility access protocols are subject to change and will be communicated by college staff, faculty and or campus signage.  Compliance is for the protection of all persons and property.

Please refer to the School Handbook for more information about After-Hours Access, Facilities, Equipment and PPE for more information. 

MSE and BSE Project/Class Room Rules

 Program-specific project rooms and classrooms are a privilege that very few students at Conestoga College have. Access to these spaces may be permitted with approval from the appropriate stakeholders. Additional restrictions, protocols and rules may be communicated by the college or faculty to protect individuals, equipment and facilities and support a safe and positive learning experience. 

In order to keep these rooms safe and support a positive learning experience the following rules must be followed:

1.  Project room safety rules must be followed.  
2. Project rooms must be kept locked at all times unless a faculty member requires the doors to be open for a brief period. Otherwise, the room doors are not to be blocked open so that there is a controlled entry.
3. After-hours access restrictions, protocols and rules must be followed.
4. Project rooms must be kept tidy and free of clutter. Students must use the lockers in the hall and cubbies provided to store personal and academic items.
5. It is the student's responsibility to lock up any valuable items.
6. Desktop computers within the room are not intended for students' daily use; they are there because they have specialized software required for some labs/projects. Please do not use these computers unless you are directed to do so by a faculty member.
7. Students may be required by faculty to turn off computers, including personal laptops, during lectures and other exercises. Students must comply with the faculty request.
8. Students should avoid causing disruption during lectures. Cell phones should be muted. Students should use washroom facilities during breaks between classes.
   
9. The project rooms are to be considered a place of business. There is to be no game playing, movie watching, loud music, inappropriate surfing of the internet, horseplay or other unprofessional behaviour in the project rooms.
10. No unauthorized furniture or appliances are permitted in the project rooms.
11. Theft, tampering, loss and/or destruction of college equipment are not permitted and will result in a student responsibility violation and possible criminal charges.
12. Please respect others and the property of others.
13.  The project rooms may have video surveillance.  Video surveillance exists throughout the campus. 
    

Teaching Labs

Teaching labs are well-equipped and must be adequately maintained to support a safe and positive learning experience.  The following general rules have been established to ensure rooms are maintained appropriately:

1. Equipment is not to be removed from the lab.
2. Students must conduct themselves in a professional manner at all times.
   
3. For safety reasons, a minimum of three students must be present in the lab outside regular college hours (8 a.m. to 6 p.m.).
   
4. Proper safety equipment, including eyewear, must be worn when working at your lab bench or in the manufacturing facilities.
   
5. There shall be no eating or drinking at any of the lab benches.
   
6. There shall be no eating in the teaching lab.
   
7. There shall be no microwaves or cooking in the lab at any time.
   
8. When possible, all food, food wrappers, and food containers should be discarded in a garbage bin outside the room.
   
9. There shall be no games loaded onto or played on the lab computers.
   
10. The video display unit and front computer are for faculty use only.
    
11. All screen savers must be professional.
    
12. Use of digital devices (ex. phones, tablets, computers, etc.) during class is restricted to program-related activities.
    

Equipment

No equipment is to be removed from the lab for any reason. Each lab is assigned the required equipment. Mention any concerns or problems to your professor.

Equipment that does not function properly should be brought to the attention of your professor. They will fill out the appropriate repair tag and assign an alternate piece of equipment for you to use. If the professor is unavailable, fill out the repair tag yourself describing the problem in as much detail as you can. If the equipment does not get tagged, it will not get fixed so it important that a repair tag is created as soon as an issue is identified. Under no circumstance is a student allowed to remove the cover from any computer or piece of lab equipment. All lab equipment is specially marked and is traceable by the police.

After Hours Access for ESE Teaching Labs

There are times when students may require access to the lab outside of scheduled time. Access is available to currently enrolled ESE students during these off-hours. Students must sign in at security and present their student cards. The lab must have two or more students present at all times. If one student is a member of the opposite sex, there must be at least three students in the lab at all times. It is the students' responsibility to close and lock the lab door when leaving.

Lab Deposits

A lab deposit may be required when signing out program specialized program parts or equipment. This deposit is refunded when a student leaves the college assuming that all borrowed parts and equipment are returned. Anything that is not returned will be charged against the lab deposit. Any costs over and above the deposit will be charged to the student.

Architecture – Project and Facility Management (APFM) Associated Room Usage Guidelines

Program Physical Space

The physical space of the program includes:

• a multi-purpose room (A3116 - Shared with Bachelor of Interior Design Program)
• a plotter/printer room (A3122 - Shared with BID)
  
• a model room (A3132) (Shared with BID)
• a product library room (A3126 - Shared with BID)
• faculty offices (A3219)
• and studios: (A3130), (A3120), (A3102)

During each semester of the program, each class is assigned one of these studios to act as their 'homeroom' or base of operations for the execution of their studio and course work. Within their studio, each student is provided with a designated workstation and a storage cabinet.

The Studio and Classroom Learning Environment

Your Studio is your 'Base of Operations'. This is a space that we share as a faculty and student body. This is where we will come together to explore the material of your Studio work, and other curriculum, in each semester of the program. This exploration will range from lectures to seminar discussions, to the development of group and individual project work, to formal reviews and informal discussions.

You should think of the Studio environment as somewhat of a 'crucible' – a place where there is ongoing iteration, synthesis, and recombination of the various aspects of your studies.  For the first year of the program, your studio space will be A3102.

After Hours Access

Prior to after-hours access: visit the Cambridge Campus Security desk in the Atrium by 4:30 PM- present student photo I.D. and sign the appropriate paperwork.

During after-hours access: ensure that there are a minimum of three students in the area at all times (if less than three students remain, then all must leave):

• Respect posted conditions for use of the area and comply with security and custodial staff as required
• Clean up after their work is complete, so the area is ready for class use the following day
• The last group of students to leave the area must ensure all doors to the studio facilities are locked

Security of Property

The program studio facilities are equipped with keyless entry. The punch code access is provided to each student registered in the program at the outset of each semester.

All individuals permitted access to the studio facilities will be provided with the code by program faculty/administration. In order to maintain the security of property and persons, it is critical that this access code is not shared with students outside of the program.

Within the studios, each student is provided with a storage cabinet for securing their personal equipment and supplies. Students are advised to purchase a lock for their individual storage cabinet to ensure the security of their property when they are absent from their work area.

Guidelines for Studio and Classroom

The project-based environment is a learning atmosphere that will be new to most first-year students of the program. Following are some tips of 'do's' and 'don'ts' which will be helpful:

Do this:

• Attend all scheduled classes. Desk reviews and lectures are essential components of the education process.
• Take notes during lectures and presentations. What will be discussed contains useful material for your project work as well as for your general education. If you miss a class be sure to get notes from a classmate.
• Take notes during, or immediately after an informal/desk review.
• Enlist a classmate to take notes for you during a formal review.
• Obtain a 3-ring binder to hold all course printed material and to collect your individual and group research.
• Maintain a sketchbook to record your ideas as they develop. Take this with you everywhere.
• Start your design ideas to scale early.
• Exchange ideas with your classmates. Attend your classmates' formal reviews.
• Know when to keep your head down and avoid useless distractions. Ensure that others respect this.
• Spend time familiarizing yourself with the wider world of the built environment in the Learning Resource Centre and beyond. If faculty suggests you study a specific building or the work of a particular architect, look it up and keep a record of your research.
• Do the project. The objective is to explore the limits of any particular project, to discover those forms and strategies which give the project its meaning and its interests. An urge to step outside the limits of a particular assignment may well jeopardize the success of your projects as a design, and as a learning experience.

Do not do this:

• Don't skip classes.
• Don't be late for classes. Most lectures and project introductions take place at the start of class time. Missing these will obviously constrain your ability to successfully develop projects. It also shows a lack of respect for faculty and classmates.
• Don't ever be late for a scheduled review, test, or presentation.
• Don't make all-nighters a habit.
• Don't sleep in the studio.
• Don't use your classmates' desks or equipment in their absence.
• Don't make excessive noise in class or Studio at any time. Respect your classroom or Studio as a shared atmosphere of collective and collaborative work. Faculty will shut down any disturbance deemed to be a nuisance. The use of the studio outside of class time is a privilege, not a right.

The Role of the Studio

Your work in Studio represents your ability to digest and synthesize various aspects of all coursework in each semester of study. While various courses in the Semester outline particular discrete aspects of the program curriculum, it is in Studio where you have the opportunity and responsibility to evaluate and integrate these concerns into a comprehensive project. Remember that Studio is only one of the courses in each semester. Allot your time so that you give appropriate attention to the other courses.

Formal reviews of student's work are a long-established and highly valued part of an education in architecture. Formal reviews will take place in various components of the curriculum. While approaches may vary, in its essence it is a public discussion of the work, rather than the person. It thus sets out to be an objective and focused discussion of the work itself. Although certain of the merits and shortcomings of the work will be addressed, there is no attempt to be comprehensive and exhaustive, and many aspects may not be even mentioned. Certain points often will have already been discussed at an earlier critique or desk review. It is common for the review panelists to consider certain questions to be more significant or fertile. It is therefore not an evaluation as such. It is an investigation and a debate. The tone of a particular review may thus not be a reliable indication of the project's final grade. Evaluation of Studio work will take place in a confidential session by the studio faculty, in which the critical aspects of each project will be considered.

Informal discussion sessions in Studio and other courses are quite different from formal reviews. Desk reviews are best understood as private consultations. Advice is offered based on the work presented. Suggestions are made to promote the development of the project. They are not objective debates or evaluations, but opportunities to receive advice specific to each student/group and each project. The comments will tend to reflect more personal and candid views and should be understood as such. It is quite common to receive differing, if not conflicting, opinions from different teaching staff. The project and the decisions are your responsibility. What you do with the advice and how skillfully you apply it is up to you. To cite misunderstood advice as the reason for poor work is typically an evasion of this responsibility.

Program Physical Space

The physical space of the program includes:

• a plotter/printer room (A3122)
• a model room (A3132)
• a product library room (A3126)
• faculty offices (A3219)
• three studios: varies by semester

Studio Rules

This is a space that we share as a faculty and student body. This is an excellent place to explore the material of your Studio work, and curriculum, during the program. This exploration will range from lectures to seminar discussions to the development of group and individual project work to formal reviews and informal discussions. This is a shared space and must be kept clean and tidy. Failure to do so may result in loss of unrestricted access.

Shared Studio Space

The Studio space will be shared among cohorts. Students are not allowed to enter during the scheduled class time of another cohort. Students may be permitted approval to access the studio(s) and their personal belongings in the studio(s) between classes; a room schedule will be provided. Students must be respectful of the space and of others using the space. All work areas/surfaces must be left clean and free from project work or other materials when leaving the space. It is highly recommended that students sign up for a locker through the hyperlinked website to avoid disruption or lack of access to any personal property.

Computer Labs

Note: There is no food permitted in any computer lab. Beverages are permitted in unbreakable, re-sealable containers. Please note that in computer labs, containers should be placed away from the keyboard to prevent unnecessary damage.

Security of Property

The program studio facilities are equipped with keyless entry. The punch code access is provided to each student registered in the program at the outset of each semester.

All individuals permitted access to the studio facilities will be provided with the code by program faculty/administration. In order to maintain the security of property and persons, it is critical that this access code is not shared with students outside of the program. Students are advised to lock and secure personal belongings.

Product & Samples Library

The Product & Samples Library is for the use of students in the Bachelor of Interior Design program only. Students are encouraged to use this resource to source materials and product information. In consideration of fellow students, students must ensure that library resources are put away and personal belongings are removed when leaving the room.

Welding & Fabrication Shops and Labs

The additional regulations identified below apply to the Cambridge Fountain Campus Labs:

• A1340
• A1517-A/B/C/D
• A1512/1515

There will be NO access to the welding and fabrication labs outside of the regularly scheduled class hours without prior approval by the Professor responsible for the delivery of the course.

All projects must have the prior approval of the Professor responsible for the delivery of the course.

No food or drink is allowed to be consumed in these labs.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), Required Equipment, Supplies, and Texts

All students are required to follow the PPE requirements specified for each lab, shop and or other campus space.  Students must also comply with additional PPE requirements and safety measures that may be communicated by faculty, building signage, and or college staff. Other rules may be set by supervisory faculty/staff in shops and labs. Students will be required to purchase supplies, textbooks, and learning packages as outlined on a list in the bookstore for the welding programs, and as provided by faculty at the outset of the course(s). Students will also be required to purchase mandatory tools and equipment for shop/lab classes.

Machine Operation and Safety

Machine operation and safety will be provided by the faculty responsible for the delivery of each course, as necessary. Students will be expected to sign and acknowledge their machine operation and safety training with the course Professor. 

Lab Equipment

No equipment is to be removed from a laboratory for any reason - each lab room has been assigned a certain amount of required equipment. Mention any concerns or problems to your professor or the support staff in the Tool Room (A2112).

Equipment that does not function properly should be brought to the attention of your professor. They will fill out the appropriate repair tag and assign an alternate piece of equipment for you to use. If faculty is unavailable, fill out the repair tag yourself giving as much detail of the problem as possible, and leave it on the faulty equipment - remember if it's not tagged it will not get fixed!

Under no circumstances are students to remove the covers from lab equipment.

Students do not have access to the inside of computers. Students should not attempt to load any software on any computers unless they first check with the staff of the Tool Room.

All lab equipment has been specially marked and is traceable by the police.

Parts Kits

For your first-year courses, you will need to purchase the following parts kits (see the notice board outside of room A2112, the Tool Room, for more details):

Technology first-semester kit (contains electronics parts and leads). If you do not have these yet, they should be obtained as soon as possible. You are expected to have your parts kit for your first scheduled lab.

Parts kits are paid for at the bookstore.  Faculty will provide instructions as to how you will secure your Parts kit and address additional questions.

Do not start any construction of the kits until you are told - you will be given full instructions shortly.

It is your responsibility to maintain your parts kit. You are given five days from the day you receive your parts kit, to check for missing or incorrect parts. 

Signing Out Equipment or Kits

You may need to visit the Tool Room to sign out equipment manuals, course-related lab equipment and to purchase replacement parts for your parts kit.   Facility access restrictions, protocols and rules must be followed by all students.  Fuses for your digital multi-meters may be purchased from here. We reserve the right to limit quantities. The present policy dictates that only third-year electronics students are able to sign out parts for third-year project use.

The Tool Room does not sign out basic hand tools/parts/soldering irons etc - you are expected to have them in your kit.

Students may be asked to produce their student card when signing out lab equipment.

Equipment may be signed out for the time period of 24 hours only unless faculty have indicated to tool room staff that equipment is required for longer periods of time (e.g. for the semester).

Late returns are subject to fines of up to one dollar per day (make sure you read the sign-out sheet that you sign!). Students will not be allowed to sign out additional equipment until all overdue items have been returned and fines paid.

Any student who has signed out equipment is responsible for damage, theft, or loss of that equipment. All equipment must also be returned at the end of the current semester. Losses will be assessed by tool room staff and the student will be invoiced accordingly.

Under no circumstances should students attempt to repair College equipment. 

Overdue Items

A list of the parts and equipment that are overdue will be posted on the bulletin board outside the labs and outside the Tool Room (A2112). Sign-outs not returned by the required date will be subject to fines as indicated on the sign-out sheets. Students will not be allowed to sign out additional equipment until all overdue items have been returned and fines paid.