Policy

All users of the George Mason University network must adhere to University Policy Number 1301: Responsible Use of Computing.

Patrons

• Patrons must follow all University policies. Violations of University policies will be reported to the Office of Student Conduct and may prohibit future use of the lab and its resources.
• No food or unsealed drinks are allowed at the workstations.
• Patrons must always keep on shoes while in the lab.
• Computers are available for educational purposes. With this in mind, we reserve the right to ask guests to leave or restrict access if we feel their usage of the computer is not appropriate.
• Patrons may not save files to desktop workspace. The computers will be routinely wiped to maintain optimum function.
• Patrons are prohibited from installing software on computers.
• Non-Mason affiliated persons are not permitted to use STAR Lab resources. If a Patron must bring a guest, the guest needs to sign in to the front desk, provide proof of identity (i.e. driver's license, passport, etc.), may not utilize the computers or equipment, and must follow all policies. STAR staff may at any time eject the guest and/or accompanying patron at any time.
• STAR Staff reserves the right to limit or change patrons' access to STAR Lab resources if there are recurring issues.

General Policies

• Classes may not be conducted in STAR Lab.
• Honor Code: STAR Lab Mentors troubleshoot specific equipment or software issues, but cannot teach how to use equipment or software. If a Mentor demonstrates the solution to a problem, they must "undo" their actions so the Patron completes the work entirely themself. (i.e. changing audio inputs on a camera or switching hardware outputs in Premiere, etc.)
• Fair Usage Policy: Only 2 allocations per person per checkout center at any one time. An allocation is defined as either a checkout or a reservation; a checkout center is classified by our Web checkout system ("In-Lab" or "Equipment" checkout centers). In-Lab resources include the computers, studio, sound room, and other resources that do not leave the lab; Equipment resources include all audio, video, lighting, and miscellaneous equipment that may leave the lab. Multiple pieces of different equipment types may be reserved or checked out at one time. (i.e. Cannot check out more than one T8i Camera at one time).

In-lab Resources

• In-lab resources may be checked out for up to 3 hours at a time.

Equipment Checkout

• Equipment may be checked out for 6 hours at a time.
• During regular semester hours, if equipment is checked out after 4 PM it must be returned within an hour of opening the next day.
• Weekend checkouts are permitted only after 4 p.m. on Fridays and must be returned the following Monday by 12:30 PM.
• While STAR staff tests equipment functionality prior to checkout, patrons are encouraged to inspect the gear they are checking out before signing for the equipment. If there are any issues with the equipment prior to leaving the lab, those must be noted on the checkout form, or a suitable replacement found. If an issue is discovered during an active checkout, promptly notify STAR Staff by calling 703-993-2056 or emailing star@gmu.edu.
• Extensions need to be approved by a supervisor or manager prior to when equipment is due back. They will be granted on a case-by-case basis, no more than once per checkout. Checkouts cannot be extended once they are late.
• For all returns involving SD cards or other media storage, STAR Staff reserve the right to delete the files upon checkout or return. While STAR Staff reserve this right, be mindful that other patrons using the equipment may have access to any footage remaining on the equipment. Make sure to offload your footage or other media prior to returning as there is no guarantee the footage will either stay on or be deleted from the camera.

Charges

• There is no charge for equipment checkout or computer usage unless the late, damaged, or cleaning fees apply.

Borrowers

• Borrowers accept responsibility for the safe, timely, and undamaged return of the equipment they have checked out. They will also be responsible for the replacement and/or repair of damaged equipment.
• Borrowers will be charged a late fee of $5/hour for delinquent equipment and an additional $5 for each instance the equipment has been kept overnight without prior authorization. Unpaid fines will result in a hold on the borrower's academic records and/or university account. Account holds preclude students from registering for classes or graduating.
• Borrowers will be charged a damaged equipment fee for equipment misuse or abuse resulting in significant damage beyond normal wear and tear, which may be discovered upon return or thereafter. Unpaid fines will result in a hold on the borrower's academic records and/or university account. Account holds preclude students from registering for classes or graduating.
• Borrowers will be charged a $10 cleaning fee each instance equipment is returned unmanageable (including but not limited to knotted cables, tape on equipment, soiled carrying bags). Unpaid fines will result in a hold on the borrower's academic records and/or university account. Account holds preclude students from registering for classes or graduating.
• Failure to return equipment may result in action by the Dean of Students or the University Police. Borrowers will be responsible for any legal fees and costs associated with such action.