Service Summary | Key Features | Getting This Service | Availability | Policy |

Service Summary

Student Technology Assistance & Resource Lab (STAR) is a state-of-the-art multimedia computer and equipment checkout facility that provides the space and resources to complete creative projects. STAR Lab offers Mac and PC stations equipped with specialized video, multimedia, and game design software. This facility also has a variety of video production equipment available for checkout, as well as a video production studio. Student mentors with specialized knowledge of operating systems and applications are on hand to assist with troubleshooting.

Key Features

  • Video editing: Edit, create, and export videos using STAR Lab video editing stations available for post-production work.
    • Video Mac: 12 workstations*
      • Adobe Creative Cloud 2021: Premiere Pro, After Effects, Dimension, Dreamweaver, Illustrator, InDesign, Lightroom, Lightroom Classic, Photoshop
      • DaVinci Resolve 17
      • Final Cut Pro X
    • Multimedia Mac: 4 workstations
      • Adobe Creative Cloud 2021: Acrobat, Dimension, Dreamweaver, Illustrator, InDesign, Lightroom, Lightroom Classic, Photoshop
      • FileZilla
      • Java
      • XCode
      • Zotero
    • Video PC: 4 workstations
      • Adobe Creative Cloud 2021: Premiere Pro, After Effects, Illustrator, Lightroom, Lightroom Classic
      • Audacity
    • Multimedia PC: 8 workstations
      • Adobe Creative Cloud 2021: Acrobat, Dreamweaver, Illustrator, InDesign, Lightroom, Lightroom Classic, Photoshop
      • Eclipse
      • FileZilla
      • Java
      • Microsoft Project
      • Microsoft Visual Studio
      • Netbeans
      • Notepad++
      • Putty
      • Zotero
    • Game PC: 4 workstations
      • Audacity
      • AutoDesk software: 3DS Max, Maya
      • Blender
      • Unity 5
      • Unreal 4.27.2

*4 Video Macs have post-production sound software: Avid Pro Tools and Logic Pro X

  • STAR Lab Studio & Sound Room: A small production studio space is available for students, faculty, and staff to complete a wide range of video, still photography, or other multimedia projects. The space has two black pull curtains, one green curtain, and a full LED lighting grid. Users may bring their own equipment or check out production equipment from the STAR Lab. Adjacent to the Star Studio is a sound-treated room equipped with a video Mac with Avid Pro Tools and Logic to record and design sound projects.
  • Equipment Checkout: High-end video production equipment is available for checkout through the STAR Lab. Gear is separated between General and Advanced user levels; general equipment is easier to use, whereas advanced equipment requires more experience and knowledge. The following tools are available to rent:
    • Video cameras: Canon XA-10 and XA-40, Canon T6i, Canon C100 and C100 Mark II, Panasonic GH4, Sony A7s Mii, Sony FS-700 and BlackMagic  Pocket Cinema Camera 6k, DJI Pocket, and Go Pro Max
    • Audio recorders and field mixers: Zoom F8, Zoom H6, and Sound Devices Field Mixer
    • Microphones: Wired and wireless lavaliers, dynamic, condenser microphones, and select smartphone mics
    • Tripods, shoulder rigs, sliders, DJI Ronin RS2, and DJI Osmo phone gimbal
    • Microphone kits equipped with headphones, a dynamic or condenser mic and a wired lavalier
    • Light kits: LED and tungsten

Getting This Service

  • To reserve a computer, the studio, or equipment, click Reserve Resources and log in with your NetID and Patriot Pass Password.
  • Please bring your university-issued ID as proof of university affiliation.
  • Computer stations and studio space are reserved in three-hour time slots, while equipment may be checked out for up to six hours per day by students, staff, and faculty.
  • If you are more than 15 minutes late, your appointment will be forfeited.
  • Reservations can be made up to 2 weeks in advance.

Availability

  • All students, faculty, and staff can use the lab and check out basic video production equipment; some specialized equipment may require additional authorizations.
  • Some resources may be only be available to students within specific majors or students who have taken certain classes.
  • While reservations are not required, please be aware that during peak seasons or when time is critical to the completion of your project, you should plan accordingly by reserving the equipment or the computer station you need.

Policy

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

  • Lab guests must follow 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • No food or uncovered drinks are allowed at the workstations.
  • Lab guests must always keep on shoes while in the lab.
  • No food or unsealed drinks are allowed at the workstations.
  • Lab guests may not save files to desktop workspaces as the computers will be routinely wiped to maintain optimum function.
  • Lab guests are prohibited from installing software on computers.
  • 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.