Media Center

Eligibility

Equipment lending is available to CVPA students and faculty, as well as students who are currently enrolled in a CVPA course. UMassD students not enrolled in a CVPA course can borrow equipment from Claire T. Carney Library. If a student withdraws from a CVPA course or takes a leave of absence, all borrowed equipment must be returned immediately.

Checkouts

• Eligible patrons may checkout equipment from the CVPA Media Center (Room 257) during normal operating hours.
• Most equipment can be borrowed for 7 days at a time. 
• Checkout times for popular equipment may be limited to allow all patrons the opportunity to borrow equipment.
• Equipment may be renewed if not reserved by another patron. The Media Center reserves the right to limit renewals based on demand.
• Students may checkout one item per equipment type per checkout (e.g. 1 - camera, 1 – tripod, 1 – light kit). Exceptions are made on a case-by-case basis.
• Faculty may check out multiple items from the same equipment type for instructional use.
• Checkouts may take several minutes during busy times, please plan accordingly.
• Email cvpa.tech@umassd.edu in advance for large equipment requests.
• Patrons are responsible for reviewing all equipment and accessories during checkouts. If something is missing, damaged, or broken notify Media Center staff immediately.
• Restricted equipment requires additional training from CVPA technicians and faculty permission. Email cvpa.tech@umassd.edu for more information.
• Reservations are recommended for popular equipment. Reservations will be canceled if equipment is not picked up within one hour of the checkout time.
• Contact the Media Center if you encounter any problems or questions.

Returns

• Equipment must be returned on time to the CVPA Media Center (Room 257).
• All returns must be completed at least 15 minutes before closing.
• Patrons must return equipment in the same condition they received it in. Equipment must be clean, cables wrapped, and no accessories missing.
• Patrons must wait while Media Center staff inspect equipment and verify that the return is complete.
• Patrons are responsible for managing the data stored on memory cards. Patrons should back up and delete data before returning equipment.

Responsibility & Care

• Patrons accept full financial responsibility if equipment is lost, stolen, or damaged.
• Replacement costs will be charged for lost, stolen, or damaged items. A hold will be placed on your account until the matter is resolved, blocking class registration, graduation, and transcript requests.
• Checkout privileges will be revoked for late returns.
• Equipment must always be handled with care and should never be left unattended.
• Report any equipment malfunction, damage, missing components, or loss immediately.
• The Media Center is a shared resource, please be mindful of other patrons when checking out equipment. Late returns can disrupt classroom instruction and student projects.
• The Media Center reserves the right to revise policies based on the unique challenges of each academic year. If you have questions about Media Center policies, please email cvpa.tech@umassd.edu.

Agreement Form

The Media Center Agreement Form must be completed annually. Please submit the form at least 24 hours before your first equipment checkout.

Claire T. Carney University

• Technology Lending

CVPA Resources

• Computer Labs
• Fab Lab

Payment

• The Media Center only accepts UMDollars (UMass Pass funds).
• We do not accept PrintLess “print dollars.”
• All prints and vinyl must be paid for before leaving the Media Center.

Timeline

• Printing is time-consuming—plan ahead.
• First-time users should schedule a training session with technicians.
• Printing and vinyl cutting are only available during Media Center hours (check posted schedules).
• Equipment is available first-come, first-served, especially before critiques.

Test Prints

• Matching screen color to print color is complex.
  We recommend: Making test prints before full-size prints to save money and reduce waste.
• Users must pay for all prints, even if colors are wrong.
• For help with color matching, schedule an appointment with a technician.

File Preparation

• Save files on OneDrive, USB drive, or external hard drive.
  Ensure: Correct resolution, file format, color space, and color profile for best results.
• Inkjet Prints
  • 300 PPI
  • RGB color space
  • Adobe RGB 1998 color profile
  • Save as .TIFF or .PSD
• Laser Prints
  • 300 PPI
  • RGB or CMYK color space
  • sRGB or SWOP CMYK color profile
  • Save as .PDF

• Epson flatbed scanners
• Large cutting mat
• 48 in. Dahle Rotatory Trimmer
• Rulers and t-squares
• Long-reach and booklet staplers
• X-acto knifes
• Vinyl weeding tools
• Pencil sharpeners
• Light box