Makerspace Assignment Guidelines

Introduction

The NJIT Makerspace is a shared, hands-on learning environment designed to support creative and technical projects across disciplines. To ensure student assignments run smoothly and safely, we ask all faculty to follow this planning guide before assigning work that should be completed in the Makerspace.

Schedule a Planning Meeting

Before finalizing any assignment that involves the use of the makerspace, please reach out to schedule a meeting with the Makerspace Education Manager Alex Visakay (agv28@njit.edu). This meeting allows us to understand your learning objectives, assess feasibility, and ensure we can fully support your students.

How to Request a Meeting

Set up an appointment with Alex to discuss your assignment
Request a meeting at least 3 - 4 weeks before your intended assignment start date
Meeting could be in person at the Makerspace or online via Zoom

What to Bring to the Meeting

A draft or outline of the assignment prompt (even a rough version is helpful)
Relevant context about the student population and class size
Come prepared with a general idea of the project outcome and goals

Meeting Topics & Goals

Define the Assignment Timeline and Scope

A clear timeline helps the makerspace team plan staffing, equipment availability, and training sessions. We service the entire NJIT community and want to ensure that we will have the capacity to allow students to complete your assignments.

Key Timeline Questions

Start Date: When do you plan to introduce the assignment to students?
Assignment Duration: How long will students have to work on the project?
Class Training Requirements: Students will need to complete training to use the equipment in the Makerspace and time to complete those should be accounted for in the timeline.

Tips for Scheduling

When possible avoid scheduling high traffic assignment deadlines during midterms or finals week when Makerspace use peaks.
Build in buffer time. Students often underestimate how long fabrication and iteration take.
Coordinate with the Makerspace team if you need a dedicated class session or equipment reservation.

Identify Required Equipment & Training

Different projects require different tools, and most equipment requires training before students can use it independently. Providing an equipment list ahead of time helps us prepare resources and schedule any necessary orientations.

Common Makerspace Equipment Categories

3D Printing — FDM and resin printers for prototyping and modeling
Laser Cutting & Engraving — for precise cuts in wood, acrylic, and other materials
Electronics — Arduino, Raspberry Pi, soldering stations
Wood Shop — drills, saws, sanders, and assembly tools
Sewing & Textiles — sewing machines, embroidery machines, and fabric materials
2D Printing — graphic prints and signage projects

Training Requirements

Most of the equipment has an online training found on the Makespace Training Canvas course. Students will need to complete the training before they would be able to start working on assignments. Some equipment, like those found in the wood shop, also have an in person training requirement to complete. Please allow adequate time for this in your assignment timeline. The Makerspace can schedule class training upon request and if we have the capacity.

Student Preparation & Communication

Once your assignment is finalized, help set your students up for success by sharing key information with them in advance.

Direct students to the Makerspace Training Canvas page to complete any required safety training before beginning work.
Show students our hours of operation so they know when they can work on their assignment.
Encourage students to visit the makerspace early in the process, not just at the deadline.
Any student design work should be completed before trying to make the designs with our equipment. Therefore students should know how to get their designs to a point where they can be made with a particular piece of equipment.
Let students know they can ask makerspace staff for help with equipment and troubleshooting.

Contacts & Resources

We are here to help make your makerspace assignment a success. Please do not hesitate to reach out at any stage of the planning process and feel free to stop by during open hours.