Facilities & Equipment
Media Equipment
If you are looking to reserve a camera, camcorder, audio equipment, or lighting equipment, please reserve your equipment through Media Equipment in Schnabel Hall, Room 15.
Monday – Friday: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday: Closed
All equipment must be returned by 4:00 p.m. on the date it is due or a late fee of $15 will be issued. If you need to return your equipment on a different day, please send us an email to make an appointment.
Location:
Valparaiso University
Schnabel Hall 15
1809 Chapel Drive
Valparaiso, IN 46383
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I check out equipment if I am not a communication/digital media major or minor?
Unfortunately, no. We only serve students who are currently communication/digital media majors or minors.
Is it my responsibility to inspect the equipment before leaving the building?
Yes. The equipment assistants do their best to make sure the equipment is ready for you to check out. However, it is your responsibility to double-check the equipment to make sure you have all the proper equipment.
What happens if I return my equipment late?
A late fine of $15.00 starts to apply at 4:00 p.m. on the date the equipment is due (this includes weekends).
How do I pay my late fines?
You can bring either cash, Beacon Bucks, or a check made out to Valparaiso University to the Equipment Room or to KCH 29. If you are not able to pay your fine in full, you are able to make incremental payments. For larger fines, please contact to set up a payment plan.
Can I check out equipment if I have an outstanding fine?
No. If you have an outstanding fine, you will not be able to check out equipment and/or reserve equipment.
Can someone else return the equipment for me?
Yes. If you need to have someone else return your equipment, they need to be aware of any missing and/or broken parts of the equipment and have their OneCard or an ID available for identification. You will be billed and notified via email of any missing and/or broken parts, late fines, and/or any other issues with the equipment.
How long can I keep the equipment?
You may reserve equipment for up to two days. Equipment is due back no later than 4:00 p.m. on the return date. Thursday reservations are one day only. A reservation made on a Thursday must be returned back no later than 1:00 p.m. on Friday.
Can I extend my equipment reservation?
Yes, see the extension form. Only equipment staff will approve if we have the equipment available.
Can I ask the equipment assistants how to use the equipment?
Yes, but the equipment room is not an instructional room; the equipment assistants are not trained to teach you how to use the equipment. The equipment assistants will try their best to answer questions. If you are unfamiliar with the operation of equipment, it is encouraged to consult your professor for instruction.
What happens if I am late more than once?
If equipment is returned late three times, you will be placed on a temporary suspension from being able to reserve equipment. If you are late after the fifteen-day suspension, your ability to reserve equipment will be revoked for the remainder of the semester. The equipment room has the ability to suspend or revoke a student’s ability to reserve equipment if, upon review, it is determined that the policy is being taken advantage of.
What happens if the equipment I checked out ends up broken, lost, or stolen?
You will be held accountable for any lost, stolen, and/or broken equipment. You will be notified of the fee associated with the lost or damaged equipment.
Do I need to supply my own batteries?
No, but it is recommended you have backup batteries for the audio recorders. All of the audio recorders take AA batteries. You are able to reserve rechargeable AA batteries, but they must be returned with the reservation.
Do I need to supply my own SD, microSD, or Compact Flash?
Yes, you are responsible for supplying your own memory cards, but the equipment room will have them available to reserve as well. If you reserve one from the equipment room, it must be returned by 4:00 p.m. on the due date or a late fee will be assessed.
Can I check out more than one camera at a time?
Unfortunately, no. Due to the limited amount of equipment, students are only allowed to check out one camera at a time.
Can I check out a camera and video recorder at the same time?
Unfortunately, due to the limited amount of equipment and classroom restrictions, students are only allowed to check out or the other at a time.
Sirko Makerspace
If you are looking to reserve time to use equipment in our on-campus makerspace, such as the Cricut Maker 3, Cricut Easy Press 2, Flashforge Creator Pro 3D Printer, Matter and Form 3D Scanner, or Glowforge Pro Laser Printer, please reserve your equipment through the Sirko Makerspace located in the Center of the Arts, Room 1417.
Spring 2025 Hours
- Mon: 9 AM – 12 PM; 1:30 PM – 4 PM
- Tue: 12:30 PM – 4:00 PM
- Wed: 9 AM–12 PM; 1:30 PM – 4 PM
- Thu: 12:30 PM – 4:00 PM
- Fri: 9 AM – 11 AM; 1:30 PM – 4:00 PM
Show up during open hours or email to make an appointment.
*These hours are subject to change based on faculty/student staff availability. Email makerspace@valpo.edu to confirm availability before your visit.
Location:
Valparaiso University
Center for the Arts 1417
1709 Chapel Dr.
Valparaiso, IN 46383
Who can use the Sirko Makerspace?
The space is open to all Valpo students, faculty, and staff.
What materials do I need for my project and where do I get them?
Email makerspace@valpo.edu before buying. Every project is unique and not all materials are compatible with our machines – we can help guide you in the right direction before you purchase materials. Once you have consulted with us, you can decide to purchase materials yourself, or supplies may be purchased directly from the Makerspace.