FAQs for the Audio Visual Department
The first question that needs to be asked is "do I need also to reserve a room in which I plan to use the equipment?" If the answer to this is YES, then you should go to the room reservation area and reserve your room and also request the needed Audio Visual equipment at that time. If the answer is NO, then you may request the equipment directly by clicking on this link, or by calling the Help Desk (264-7655) and verbally requesting the item(s), or you may stop by the help desk and fill out the request right there.
Most items are delivered if adequate notice is given. Exceptions to this could include a request for large items in an area of campus that is not handicap accessible (and therefore inaccessible to our carts), items that are on our NO DELIVERY LIST, or items that are needed for delivery during hours that we are not open and that we are not able to deliver in advance for either security or access reasons.
Normally we would ask for at least 24 hours notice in advance for any reservation. If your request is for a Monday, we would ask that we receive the request no later than noon of the preceding Friday. Certain large items or involved setups would reasonably demand that we have at least 48 hours notice. If your request is for a small item and you are picking it up, we can often process it almost immediately, although we certainly cannot guarantee that time frame.
We do not normally provide this service. If you have a specific need, such as that mentioned in the question, please feel free to ask. Often we can assist in finding students who are willing (and need) to work for extra income. They will meet with you directly to make arrangements to provide those services. The Audio Visual Department takes no responsibility for any arrangements you might make with students in this regard, or the results thereof. However, if you wish, we can report to Human Resources the hours the student worked for you, along with the rate per hour as well as your budget number. This will NOT be done without authorization in writing from the appropriate staff/faculty involved.
We can provide limited training for most types of equipment. We would encourage potential users always to ask questions about the proper use of any equipment. If you need such help, please contact us directly either by phone or in person to schedule a suitable time for instruction. Please do not assume that training will be available when the item is taken.
Staff/Faculty may reserve equipment for on campus use. If the equipment is to be used off campus, please indicate this on the request as well as the purpose of the use. Students may reserve equipment for on campus class assignment purposes or for approved university functions provided a faculty/staff person takes responsibility for the security of the equipment and its return. Students may not check out equipment and keep it in their room overnight. Equipment is to be picked up or delivered shortly before the event and returned immediately thereafter, either to the AV department, Campus Security (if the AV department is closed and if suitable prior arrangements have been made) or to a previously agreed upon office or location. Failure to follow these restrictions may lead to a loss of further use of AV Services.
We assume that our equipment will suffer normal wear and tear as well as undergo minor mishaps. Users are expected to treat it with care and be responsible for its security. If the item is severely damaged or stolen while in your possession, your department will be approached for repair or replacement. This is also true if you have signed for student use of the equipment. If the item appears not to work, please call the help desk, and we will attempt to dispatch someone either to repair or replace it. If this is not possible, please report the problem in a timely manner, with as much detail as you can. As with any presentation, it is imperative to have a backup plan. Please schedule your equipment request with enough time for setup and to be able to verify its condition. Often, a failure to know how to use an item, rather than an actual equipment malfunction, is the problem.
For security reasons, camcorders; data projectors; notebook computers; boombox/tape recorders units; extension cords or cables are generally not delivered. They are to be picked up at and returned to the main desk in the Computer Lab in Dominican Hall, by the requestor, unless other arrangements have been made with the AV department.
CSS Dept. - Siena Heights University.