Tech Center

About the Tech Center

The Tech Center primarily supports the academic programs in the Cathy Hughes School of Communications. The Camera Center includes the Canon Camera Shop, which provides students with essential equipment for completing approved assignments, and the Helpdesk, which addresses classroom needs such as cables, connectors, and power. This center plays a vital role in fostering a production-oriented culture, preparing students for professional environments they may encounter post-graduation.

Students must read, sign, and attach the Howard University School of Communications "Statement of Responsibility" form when reserving equipment.

Located in room 200-E on the 2nd floor of the MET Building, the Cathy Hughes School of Communications offers equipment checkout services for short-term loans to its students. Available equipment includes DSLR cameras, camcorders, hand-held audio recorders, light kits, microphones, tripods, and more. Click here to view the image gallery.

The Tech Center operates on select days and times and is closed during university holidays, weekends, and days when classes do not meet. Equipment reservations can be made by both students and faculty in the School of Communications.

Hours of Operation (Fall and Spring Semesters):

  • Monday:         12pm-6pm Pickup & Drop-offs 

  • Tuesday:         12pm-6pm Returns & Workshops 

  • Wednesday:   12pm-6pm Pickup & Drop-offs 

  • Thursday:       12pm-6pm Returns & Workshops 

  • Friday:             12pm-6pm Pickup & Drop-offs 

Make reservations for equipment use the links below:

Please allow at least 24 hours’ notice for your reservation at the Tech Center. Equipment checkout is available only to approved students who must present a valid student ID and agree to the Equipment Checkout Policy. This policy requires students to:

  • Return equipment promptly, as late returns may impact course grades.

  • Take responsibility for any damages or loss of equipment.

  • Use equipment exclusively for course-related work, not for personal or commercial purposes.

For hours of operation, contact details, and further information, please refer to this website.

The MET Building

300 Bryant St NW,

Rooms 200E

Washington D.C., 20001

Director: Clifton Jones

email: clifton.jones@howard.edu

Center: hutm-soctechcenter@howard.edu

Phone: (202) 806-6670

TECH Center Checkout Policy Terms of Use:

1. Students must have their professor's approval to pick up equipment.

2. Students will assume liability for all equipment approved by their professors to check out and must sign the "Statement of Responsibility" form.  

3. Students must return all equipment in the same working condition and on schedule for full credit on projects.

4. Students must adhere to the Statement of Responsibility to use the equipment requested.

5. Students must be trained and have knowledge of the equipment before pickup; otherwise, pickup will be delayed, and the student will be asked to consult with their professors for next steps.

6. Students can only select the equipment for their specific class and project.

7. Reservations are only to be made to work on school-related projects.

8. Students must read and adhere to Covid-19 Protocols in the Bison App and show proof to Tech Center.

9. Be respectful of your classmates and the greater Howard community.

10. Reservations are based on equipment availability. 

Frequently Asked Questions
  1. How long can I keep my camera? Undergraduate students can checkout equipment for two of our operating days. Graduate students can checkout equipment for one week. If a student wants to renew their checkout, it can only be done in person and by making a new reservation. For example, equipment checked out on Monday is due Wednesday before 6pm and equipment checked out on Wednesday is due Friday before 6pm.
  2. How do I renew a checkout? Each recheck must be done in person with the equipment in hand for inspection. You can also receive a fully charged battery for certain items at this time. One recheck allows for a total of four days, which is enough time to complete a project.
  3. What happens if I cannot turn in my equipment in on the due date? If a student is late returning equipment to the Equipment Checkout Room, there is a $20/day LATE FEE and the student loses all checkout privileges. In addition, a return that is late may result in up to a letter deduction on the student's course grade. If equipment is a week late, we are required to report it as lost or stolen to the University Police Department. If you know your equipment will be late due to extenuating circumstances, please contact clifton.jones@howard.edu.
  4. How many checkouts can I have? Students are allowed multiple checkouts throughout the semester for assignment or project use. Compliance with returning equipment on time will ultimately determine how many checkouts each student is allowed.
  5. Am I guaranteed equipment after making a reservation? Reservations are based on availability. Checking out equipment is on a first-come, first-serve basis. If you are late for your reservation pickup there is a chance your equipment will be used to fulfill another student’s reservation.
  6. What if I'm unable to return my equipment on time due to extenuating circumstances? If there is an emergency, we need to know as soon as possible. Email clifton.jones@howard.edu and explain why you are unable to return equipment on time. Failure to contact equipment checkout before we open the next day may be grounds for denying your request.