Tech Center

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:          9:30am-12pm Drop-offs &12pm-6pm Pickup

• Tuesday:         12pm-6pm Returns & Workshops 

• Wednesday:    9:30am-12pm Drop-offs &12pm-6pm Pickup

• Thursday:        12pm-6pm Returns & Workshops 

• Friday:             9:30am-12pm Drop-offs &12pm-6pm Pickup 

Make reservations for equipment using the Cheqroom App or Website:

• Student Equipment Reservation Link - Click Here
  • Login with SSO using your Bison Email and Password
• Professor Equipment Reservation Link - Click Here
  • Login with password using your Howard Email & Password

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.

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 adhere to the "Statement of Responsibility".  

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. 

1. How long can I keep my reserved equipment? 

   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 12pm and equipment checked out on Wednesday is due Friday before 12pm.

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 Tech Center, there is a $20/day LATE FEE and the student loses all checkout privileges (refer to the "Student Statement of Responsibility"). 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 assignments or project use. Compliance with returning equipment on time will ultimately determines 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 and only by making a reservation in the Cheqroom App or Website. 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.

7. Am I expected to have my own SD card or Memory Card? 

   Yes, SD cards, Hard Drives and Memory Cards are listed as essential items you must have as a student enrolled in a School of Communications concentration.  While you may be able to reserve one of these items from the Tech Center, please have your own and be prepared to use it in the event the Tech Center does not have one available.

By accessing, reserving, or checking out equipment and facilities from the Tech Center, you agree to comply with the following responsibilities and policies.

Eligibility and Authorized Use

• Equipment, facilities, software, and editing labs are available only to authorized School of Communications students for approved academic purposes.
• Equipment and facilities may only be used by the student who has been authorized to reserve or check out the equipment.
• Unauthorized changes to reservations, equipment requests, dates, or user information may result in the cancellation of equipment privileges.

Responsibility for Equipment

When equipment is checked out to you, you assume full responsibility for its care and security until it has been returned and officially checked in by Tech Center staff.

You are financially responsible for any equipment that is:

• Lost
• Stolen
• Damaged
• Destroyed while in your possession

This responsibility applies to all audio, video, film, and support equipment issued by the Tech Center.

Equipment Return Requirements

Unless otherwise specified on your equipment reservation or checkout form:

• Equipment is due by 12:00 p.m. on the second business day following checkout.
• Equipment checked out on Wednesday is due Friday by 12:00 p.m.
• Equipment checked out on Friday is due Monday by 12:00 p.m.

Equipment returned after 12:00 p.m. on the due date, or after the designated return time, is considered late.

If unforeseen circumstances prevent you from returning equipment on time, you must contact the Tech Center before the equipment is due to avoid late-return penalties.

Late Return Policy

Students are expected to exercise personal responsibility and follow all Tech Center policies so that equipment and facilities remain available to all students.

Faculty may be notified when equipment is returned late.

Late Fees

Unless otherwise noted, a late fee of $20 per day begins at 12:00 p.m. on the due date and increases each subsequent day that equipment remains overdue.

Outstanding fines or charges may result in holds that prevent registration, graduation clearance, or continued access to Tech Center resources.

Consequences for Late Returns

First Offense

• Payment of all applicable fines is required.
• Access to Tech Center equipment and facilities is suspended until overdue equipment is returned and proof of payment is provided.

Second Offense

• Payment of all applicable fines is required.
• Access to Tech Center equipment and facilities is suspended until proof of payment is provided.
• An additional seven (7) business-day suspension of privileges begins after all equipment has been returned.

Third Offense

• Payment of all applicable fines is required.
• Access to Tech Center equipment and facilities is suspended for the remainder of the semester.

Lost or Stolen Equipment

Stolen Equipment

If equipment is stolen:

• You must immediately report the theft and provide a police report to the Tech Center Director.
• Access to Tech Center equipment and facilities will be suspended.
• Registration and graduation clearance may be restricted until the equipment has been replaced or the replacement cost has been paid.

Lost Equipment

If equipment is lost:

• You must submit a written report describing the circumstances of the loss.
• Access to Tech Center equipment and facilities will be suspended.
• Replacement costs may be charged to your student account.
• Registration and graduation clearance may be restricted until the equipment has been replaced or the replacement cost has been paid.

Acknowledgment

By creating a reservation, requesting equipment, checking out equipment, or otherwise using Tech Center resources through the Cheqroom system, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to comply with the School of Communications Tech Center Student Statement of Responsibility and all associated policies and procedures.

Use of the Cheqroom reservation system constitutes acceptance of these terms and conditions. Students are responsible for adhering to all equipment checkout, return, care, security, and financial responsibility requirements outlined in this Statement.

Failure to comply with these policies may result in fines, financial liability for lost, stolen, or damaged equipment, suspension of Tech Center privileges, and administrative holds that may affect registration, graduation clearance, or other University services.

For a printable copy of the Student Statement of Responsibility you can follow the link below:

 "Statement of Responsibility"