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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Who is allowed to check out equipment from MAS? 

Only students currently enrolled in a Media Production course taught in MAS are eligible for equipment from the Checkout Room. Students must appear on a roster submitted to the Director and Media Technician and must complete this contract before they are authorized for Checkout.  

 

How long can I check out equipment for? 

During the week, a student may borrow equipment for up to 48 hours. When the Checkout Room is closed, those hours do not count against the 48-hour limit, which allows for longer bookings over breaks and weekends.  

Please note: Sometimes Connect2 will allow a booking during the week of a duration that breaks 48-hour policy – if you are found to have made such a booking, not only will it be adjusted to the correct length, but you will also be penalized for breaking this policy.  

 

If equipment breaks during my shoot, what do I do? 

Report equipment issues and/or damage via email immediately to equipment@unc.edu. 

Students will not be penalized for equipment damage as long as it is communicated to staff immediately. Students may still be responsible for replacement of damaged or lost items, but will not be issued a Violation if they communicate upfront.  

Students are ultimately responsible for the equipment they check out. Students who fail to report damage that occurs on their watch, or attempt to hide such damage, will be responsible for replacing damaged or lost equipment and may receive penalty up to a 3rd level Violation. 

I’m not done with my project. Can I have an extension/renewal?   

Extensions will not be granted without discussion with the Media Tech prior to checkout. Once the equipment is in your possession, you are locked into the return date you previously set. Unless you are having an emergency, failing to return the equipment on time will result in a Violation. 

The best practice for ensuring you will have continued access to equipment if you are planning a longer shoot is to make a booking for the same date (and time, if possible) that you are currently set to return the equipment. Creating these back-to-back bookings demonstrates forethought and prompts the system to hold the gear for you. You should always be prepared to return the equipment at your scheduled return time, in case there are complications with scheduling.  

 

If I made two bookings back-to-back for the same equipment, do I have to bring it back to the Checkout Room between bookings? 

Yes. You should always plan to bring all equipment back to the Checkout Room before the end of your booking.

Only one instance of back-to-back bookings will be automatically permitted per shoot. Any further back-to-back bookings will be permitted at the discretion of the Media Tech. If you create several back-to-back bookings during a high-demand time of the semester, the Media Tech may reach out to let you know that inventory is limited and that you may not be able to continue using the equipment so frequently.

 

I want to do a two-camera shoot, but Connect2 won’t let me book more than one camera. What do I do? 

If more than one camera is desired for a shoot, please consult with your professor and discuss the shoot you have planned. If your instructor determines that two cameras are necessary, provide the Media Technician with written approval. With written approval from your instructor, we will provide two cameras as inventory allows.  

 

I have a group project, and this is a lot of gear. Can I check it out and leave it in the Checkout Room until after class?  

We wish we could offer storage services, but the reality is that once your gear is off the shelves, it’s in our way. Once checked out, the equipment must leave ECOR. If you have a lot of gear to pick up, make sure to get to ECOR early so that all gear is checked out and taken care of before your booking expires. Bringing a friend to help you carry things is always a good idea!

If you are checking out a large amount of gear for a group project, consider dividing your equipment needs among groupmates depending on which aspect each group member will be accountable for. Then, have each person make their own booking. If you will not be operating the camera, you should not be the one checking it out, likewise for other gear types. This breaks up how much any one person has to carry and keeps everyone’s responsibilities specific only to the gear they’ll be operating. 

 

I made a booking, but the ECOR Staff say they don’t have it. What happened? 

The most common mistake when making a reservation is to miss clicking the “Submit” button at the end of the process. Once completed, an email confirmation is sent with reservation details. Additionally, reminder emails are sent when a scheduled check-out or check-in time is upcoming. Make sure these emails are allowed into your Inbox instead of being sent to the Junk box. If you have a confirmation email, then you made a booking. However, if you’re more than 30 minutes late to pick up your reservation, it’s likely been cancelled as a no-show. 

 

I just realized I made a booking during my class, and I can’t get there on time – What’s going to happen?

If it’s still before midnight the night before your checkout, you can edit your booking! Our Connect2 booking tutorial can show you how, in the last bit of the video.

If it’s the morning of, let the Media Tech know (equipment@unc.edu). Missing it by more than 30 minutes will cause the booking to expire or be marked late, depending on whether it’s a checkout or return. If it’s the first time you’re late for a booking, you’ll get a Warning Violation – you won’t be able to check out equipment for 24 hours.

But why isn’t letting someone know enough to get me out of a Violation while I’m in class?

Letting ECOR Staff know when you’re running late is intended to be helpful when a student is on their way, but something unexpected happens — like traffic, a missed bus, or a meeting that ran over. Your class schedule is something we expect you to be able to plan for and plan around. It’s very important to set checkout and return times that you know you can make, because other students are counting on the equipment being where it’s meant to be when it’s meant to be there, as reflected in Connect2. It’s so important that there are TWO whole pages with checkboxes that you certify before you can submit your booking. We have given you everything we can on our end to try to avoid these mistakes, but in the end you’re the only one who knows your schedule and it’s up to you to manage it accordingly. Make sure you’re paying attention to your schedule when creating a reservation.

 

What are the Checkout Room hours? And how long can I access the building?  

Checkout room hours and dates of closure can be found on the Connect2 Homepage and on the Media Lab Class Schedule page. We also list the dates for the last days of Checkout, Returns, and when the lab closes for the semester.  

Once your access to the building and equipment has been authorized, you will have access to MAS 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Once the semester ends and the lab closes, you will not have access again until you are enrolled in a new course.  

 

Why isn’t my One Card working?
Students will receive one card access to the building after they have completed the Facilities Agreement online and the instructor has provided MAS Staff their course rosters for course verification. Professors should provide MAS Staff the course rosters within the two weeks of courses.
The One Card access we provide to MAS only works if your One Card is activated on your phone using the GET app. You can do this by contacting/visiting the One Card Office. If you’ve completed the MAS Facilities agreement within the first two weeks and still don’t have access by week three of the semester, please check with the One Card office. If you are still having trouble accessing the facility with your One Card after taking these steps, please contact MAS Staff.
Am I allowed to book equipment to use over break?
Depends on the break! Equipment can’t be borrowed between semesters (over Summer or Winter break), since students lose their MAS enrollment status. That said, any break during the semester is fair game! You’re welcome to book equipment over Well-Being Days, long weekends, even Spring or Fall Break. Just remember to check the closed days on the Connect2 Homepage; ECOR will be closed for any breaks or holidays where classes aren’t held, so you’ll want to book your equipment for the day before that happens.
I want to borrow equipment over Spring/Fall break, but I’m leaving before ECOR opens on the last day before break – how can I still get equipment? 
If break starts on a Monday, the Friday prior is the last day to collect gear. If you’re leaving town on Friday, make arrangements with the Media Tech via email prior to the day you’re trying to leave. The further in advance you reach out, the more likely it is that ECOR staff will be able to accommodate your request. Keep in mind, all requests are still bound by regular checkout hours.
If you’re trying to make arrangements for a Thursday checkout during regular operations, no break in sight, that will also require a written note from your professor. This certifies that your shooting schedule does necessitate a longer booking, and isn’t just a result of poor planning.
I’ve been issued a Violation and I can’t get equipment for a week. My project is due tomorrow. What do I do?
A Violation means ECOR and MAS Staff will be unable to check out equipment to you for the duration of your Connect2 suspension. Please do not approach ECOR Staff to ask for equipment after a Violation has been issued, as they cannot change or remove the penalty. You still have the option of using equipment from the Media and Design Center in the Undergraduate Library. It is not quite the same as ours, but it will give you something to work with in a pinch.