Policies & Code of Conduct

Collaboratory Policies & Code of Conduct

Welcome to the UW Bothell Collaboratory/Makerspace (referred to as “Collaboratory” onwards), open to all students, faculty and staff. The Collaboratory strives to provide access to a wide range of useful and well-maintained equipment and trainings, as well as project space. The Collaboratory seeks to provide a safe and secure environment and facilities suitable for design, fabrication, collaboration and learning activities. Collaboratory users are expected to respect the rights of others, the integrity of the Collaboratory resources, and the community mission of the Collaboratory.

Users will:

• Use email or online resources within the guidelines of UW computer use policies.
• Adhere to policies governing appropriate use of University identification.
• Present identification upon request.
• Comply with Collaboratory policies.
• Respond to emergency alarms and other situations as instructed by staff; leave the building at closing and limit use of the Collaboratory to authorized areas only.

Behaviors that infringe upon the rights of other Collaboratory users or staff are prohibited. Prohibited activities and behaviors include, but are not limited to, the following.

Users will not:

• Exhibit any threatening or intimidating behaviors, use abusive language, or make threats of violence or harassment.
• Engage in behavior that is potentially unsafe or harmful to self or others.
• Create disturbances with disruptive noise beyond what is necessary for normal activities in the space, e.g. shouting or loud music when a workshop is in session.
• Engage in any sexual activities including, but not limited to, unwanted or inappropriate touching, unwanted or inappropriate advances, harassment or indecent exposure.
• Vend, peddle, solicit or petition in the Collaboratory; post or distribute materials without permission.
• Use alcohol, tobacco or controlled substances.
• Disturb others with strong odors, including: perfumes, alcohol or unsanitary personal conditions.
• Obstruct use of Collaboratory equipment or facilities, or deny access to Collaboratory tools through theft or deliberate misplacement.
• Deface or damage Collaboratory equipment or tools.
• Borrow or otherwise remove Collaboratory equipment or tools from the Collaboratory.
• Provide access to the Collaboratory for persons under 18.
• Misuse, misappropriate, damage or deface the Collaboratory furniture, building or equipment, including computer systems. Bypassing the filtering of web sites on guest stations is a misappropriation of this equipment and is not allowed.
• Have food or drink in areas where they are prohibited.
• Bring animals into the Collaboratory.
• Allow others to use their nontransferable UW identification or network authentication (UW NetID).
• Leave personal belongings unattended.
• Bring bicycles into the building.

Sanctions for Noncompliance

Collaboratory users found in violation of this code of conduct may be asked to present identification to Collaboratory staff; may be subject to a search of backpacks or bags; may be directed to leave the premises and not return to the Collaboratory facilities for the day; and may be reported to University of Washington police. Disciplinary or legal action may also be taken in accordance with applicable laws and policies.

Federal and Washington State laws, local regulations and UW policies, including the Student Conduct Code, Workplace Violence and Sexual Harassment policies and other policies in the UW Policy Directory also apply within the UW Collaboratory. In addition, the Collaboratory has written policies on food, drink and tobacco and use of equipment.

Policy on Food, Drink and Tobacco Products

It is the policy of the Collaboratory to maintain an environment appropriate for the protection of equipment and projects and conducive to work. Food and covered beverages are allowed in some, but not all, of the space. The Collaboratory prohibits the consumption of food while using computers or other electronic technology. The Collaboratory reserves the right to ask any user to remove his/her food and/or beverage from the space if in the judgment of the staff it constitutes a violation of this policy. In addition, failure to comply with posted restrictions or staff instructions regarding the consumption of food and beverages constitutes a violation of the Collaboratory Code of Conduct.

Guidelines for the Consumption of Snack Foods and Covered Beverages

In order to preserve Collaboratory equipment resources and provide a comfortable environment for all, we ask that you adhere to the following guidelines:

• Food and covered beverages are permitted in most areas. Messy or strong-smelling foods are not permitted.
• Water is the only uncovered beverage permitted in the space, and may only be uncovered in areas without technology or tools (design collaboration and social areas).
• Unattended food and/or beverages are subject to being disposed of by staff.
• Clean up any spills right away—if additional assistance is needed, contact Collaboratory staff.
• Properly dispose of all food, trash, compostables, and recycling.

The use of tobacco products and e-cigarettes is prohibited in all areas of the Collaboratory. Smoking is prohibited in all University buildings by state law. This prohibition also extends to the use of electronic cigarettes in accordance with a King County Board of Health Ordinance.

Equipment and Computer Use Policy

The following rules apply to use of equipment and computers within the Collaboratory and supplement University-wide policies on use of computing resources http://www.washington.edu/computing/rules.html.

1. Use of computing resources is a privilege that depends on individuals using the resources appropriately and in accordance with University policies and local, state, and federal laws. These laws and policies cover such areas as illegal access to computer systems, networks, and files, copyright, and harassment issues.
2. At times, the demand for equipment and computer usage could exceed availability. You are asked to be sensitive to the needs of others and limit equipment and computer use during times of heavy demand. The Collaboratory may take additional steps to regulate equipment and computer use, such as requiring reservations and setting time limits.
3. Users should demonstrate respect for individuals’ rights to privacy and freedom from intimidation or harassment. You are asked to be sensitive to the fact that some on-screen images, sounds, or messages create an atmosphere of intimidation or harassment for others. The Collaboratory may take steps to maintain an environment conducive to its intended uses.
4. Use of computers for recreational purposes such as game playing deters others from using these workstations for their intended purposes to support design and fabrication activities. The Collaboratory may intervene to ensure optimal access to computers for these purposes.
5. We welcome the use of laptops and other personal computing devices in the Collaboratory. Users may connect personal equipment only to the wireless network, or to ports designated for such use. Use of personal equipment, such as extension, adaptor, or power cords must not pose a safety hazard for others.

Users who fail to comply with these policies may have access privileges suspended or revoked.

Policy on Intellectual Property Rights

The UWB Collaboratory is intended as a campus-wide innovation space, and is open to UW faculty, staff, and students. Use of the UWB Collaboratory does not create any intellectual property obligations for the user; in other words, no new “strings” are added by use of the UWB Collaboratory facility. The only obligation that is created by use of the facility is to participate in and enrich the community (see “Community Enrichment” above).

Any existing Intellectual Property (“IP”) obligations that apply to what a user brings into or creates in the UWB Collaboratory cannot be eliminated simply by use of the UWB Collaboratory facility, however. For example, IP obligations from an employment agreement or employer policy, whether that employer is UW or a private company, may apply to what a user creates in the UWB Collaboratory (or what that user creates at home in their garage) if that creation is related to their work for that employer.

Further detail for UW employees and students regarding existing general IP obligations to UW can be found in Executive Order 36 (Patent, Invention, and Copyright Policy).

For the sake of clarity, the use of the facility, equipment, supplies, or staff support will not create any obligation for UW employees and students to report inventions or assign said inventions to the University.

Collaboratory User Agreement

Please fill out the User Agreement before submitting any requests.
Collaboratory User Agreement