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Policies

The Discovery Lab is a state-of-the-art space outfitted with specialized equipment and supported by dedicated faculty, designed to spark creativity, exploration, and transformative problem-solving. The Discovery Lab team also works hard to ensure that the lab is a safe and welcoming space for all users. The policies outlined below are designed to help accomplish that goal. Please read the policies carefully and email us at discoverylab@vt.edu if you have any questions.

Always follow Discovery Lab team members' (faculty, staff, & peer leaders) instructions.

Failure to adhere to these policies and procedures will result in disciplinary action, a temporary ban from the Discovery Lab, or a permanent ban.

Access

The Discovery Lab is open to all members of the Virginia Tech community. This includes students enrolled in classes hosted by the Discovery Lab, faculty and/or staff hosting a program in the lab, or students registered for one of the Discovery Lab's Undergraduate Research Experiences. Please contact us if you are interested in hosting your program in the Discovery Lab!

Individuals who have completed the required training may utilize the various Technical Spaces within the Discovery Lab during regular hours. Scheduled classes or workshops have priority to utilize Discovery Lab Technical Spaces. Those wishing to schedule a class or workshop should complete the form.

You must have your Hokie Passport to access the Discovery Lab.

General

  1. Food and Drink is only permitted in “the Parlor” (Room 140) and the “Meeting Room” (Room 140C3), so long as any mess left is cleaned up and disposed of in appropriate receptacles. No food or drink is allowed in the other Technical Spaces of the Discovery Lab. Food and/or drink waste should only be disposed in waste receptacles located in the parlor and meeting room.
  2. Water bottles should be stored in the marked locations in the Discovery Lab.
  3. Student storage lockers located in the Student Storage Area (Room 140C1) are restricted to use by students working on Discovery Lab Undergraduate Research experiences, hosted class activities, or workshop participants.
  4. Users are responsible for cleaning up their work area and/or equipment after you finish your work. Everything should be returned just as it was when you arrived. Never leave a Technical Space in the Discovery Lab without cleaning up after yourself.
  5. Ask questions if anything is ever unclear! Our Team is always willing to help.

Conduct

  • All Discovery Lab users are expected to conduct themselves in an appropriate manner. Users and Discovery Lab team members are expected to show respect to all those working in the Discovery Lab at all times.
  • All Discovery Lab users must comply with all posted informative and safety signage. Failure to comply with any posted signage may result in disciplinary action.
  • In cases where users fail to adhere to stated policies, we may need to suspend users from accessing the Discovery Lab for a period of time. This is to preserve the Discovery Lab as a safe and welcoming space for all users.

Safety

  1. Dispose of all supplies and materials in appropriately marked areas or as directed by Discovery Lab staff. If you are unsure of where something is to be disposed of, ask the Lab Staff.
  2. In case of broken glass, please contact the Lab Team immediately. Do not attempt to clean it up yourself.
  3. Any injury, accident, or unsafe circumstances, no matter how minor, should be reported to a Discovery Lab Team Member right away!
  4. Come to the lab ready to work safely and effectively – ensure you are not too tired, distracted, or otherwise impaired. Headphones and earbuds are a distraction and are never allowed in Discovery Lab Technical Spaces. Headphones and earbuds are permitted in “the Parlor” (Room 140) and the “Meeting Room (Room 140C3).
  5. Phones are allowed in Room 140 but never use one while operating instruments/equipment in the Discovery Lab’s technical spaces. Step into Room 140 if you need to make a call. Phones can be stored in the lockable storage units in the student storage room (Room 140C1) or in the device charging station located in the student storage room. The Discovery Lab is not responsible for any devices that are lost or stolen.
  6. Our virtual and hands-on training sessions cover safe usage of each instrument and piece of equipment in the lab. If you haven’t been trained on a piece of equipment or instrument, you will not be able to use it. You must complete all required training first.
  7. Preserve easy access to exits, safety equipment like fire extinguishers or eye wash stations, and other important safety-related equipment by keeping all aisles clear. Never block a walkway!
  8. Our hands-on training sessions cover the safe usage of each instrument and piece of equipment in the Discovery Lab. If you haven’t been trained on a piece of equipment, check with staff before using it. You must complete the requisite training before using an instrument or piece of equipment.

Personal Protective Equipment

Proper apparel and personal protective equipment (PPE) instructions are posted throughout the space to ensure user safety. Room specific apparel requirements are detailed in each Technical Space. Closed-toed and closed-heeled footwear must be always worn while inside the Discovery Lab (except for Room 140). If necessary, bring a pair to change with you. Users must leave and return in proper apparel if a member of the Discovery Lab Team (faculty, staff, or Peer Leader) states their apparel is not compliant.