> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://scaproduction.depaul.edu/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://scaproduction.depaul.edu/equipment-and-facilities/equipment-and-stage-policies.md). # Equipment & Stage Policies Find policies, reservation requirements, and usage guidelines for DePaul's production equipment and facilities.
General Production Resource Policies **Reservation Requirements** * All equipment reservations must be submitted through WebCheckout/Patron Portal. * Reservations must be submitted at least one business day in advance. * Reservations must be associated with an approved class, project, or production when applicable. * Equipment centers reserve the right to limit resource quantities based on availability. **Reservation Windows** * Students may reserve equipment up to 30 days before their first shoot day. * MFA Thesis productions may reserve equipment up to 60 days in advance. **Maximum Checkout Lengths** * Fall, Winter and Spring Quarters: Maximum checkout period of 4 days (96 consecutive hours). * December Intercession and Summer Session: Maximum checkout period of 10 days (240 consecutive hours). * Typical checkout periods vary by equipment center and equipment type. For example, standard Cage equipment checkouts are typically 48 hours (2 business days), though some reservations may effectively be longer due to weekends or other scheduling considerations. See the [**Cage FAQs**](/equipment-and-facilities/equipment-faqs.md#the-cage-faqs) for additional checkout examples and details. **Cancellations** * Reservations must be canceled at least one business day before pickup. * Cancellations may be completed through Patron Portal, by email, or by phone. **Pickup & Returns** * A valid DePaul ID must be presented when checking out equipment from any equipment center. * Reserved equipment must be picked up during the scheduled reservation window. * Late pickups, no-shows, and late returns may result in penalties. * Early pickups and returns are not guaranteed. **Equipment Responsibility** * Patrons are responsible for inspecting equipment before leaving the equipment center. * Report any damaged or missing equipment immediately. * Returning damaged equipment may result in fines, account holds, or disciplinary action. * The individual associated with a reservation is responsible for all equipment, charges, penalties, and policy violations connected to that reservation. **MFA Thesis Project Owners are also responsible for all reservations made on behalf of their project.** **Resources for Educational Purposes Only** * DePaul resources are for educational use only. Using them for commercial or outside projects is not permitted. Violations may result in disciplinary action and the loss of access to SCA facilities and equipment. **Conduct** * Students are expected to treat staff with professionalism and respect. * Harassment, threatening behavior, or verbal abuse may result in suspension of checkout privileges.
Camera Vault Policies * Equipment use is prioritized for scheduled classes and MFA thesis productions. * One camera package and one lens package per project. * Camera or lens packages may not be checked out simultaneously from both the Camera Vault and the Cage. * PL lenses require an advanced camera package. * Advanced accessories require an advanced camera package. * Camera practice sessions may be scheduled through the Camera Vault. * Patrons must perform a full camera prep when checking out advanced equipment. * Use caution when using non-DePaul equipment. Compatibility with DePaul equipment is not guaranteed.
The Shack Policies * Maximum checkout of 200 items. * Maximum checkout of 50 items for Anytime Projects. * Advanced gear reservations must be submitted at least one business day before pickup. * Reservation changes for advanced gear must be submitted at least one business day (24 hours) before pickup. * Anytime Project reservations must be submitted at least one hour before pickup and are subject to equipment availability. * Advanced gear cannot be added on the day of pickup. * Maximum of 3 advanced LED fixtures per checkout. * Advanced gear may be limited by the G\&E Coordinator. * Equipment must be tested and loaded within 2 hours of pickup. * Due to limited loading dock space, pickup and return times are strictly enforced. * To ensure equitable distribution of equipment, discarding advanced gear or an excessive amount of reserved resources during pickup may result in penalties. See Penalties & Fines.
Loop Equipment Center (The Cage) Policies * Reservations must include a valid class number or approved project number when required. * Greenlight approval requirements apply where applicable. * Unlike other advanced gear reservations, Loop Equipment Center reservations may be submitted with a **minimum of four hours' notice**, subject to availability. * Equipment should be inspected before leaving the Cage. * Questions or reservation issues should be directed to Cage staff.
Cinespace Stage Policies & Reservations **Stage Reservations** * All student stage reservations require an approved Project Number (via the Greenlighting Process). * View availability and submit reservation requests through Patron Portal. * Reservations for Stage 21A must be submitted by email with your Project Number and intended use (general stage use, green screen, or LED volume). * All reservations are subject to approval. **Cancellations** * Reservations must be canceled at least one business day in advance. * No-shows may result in penalties. **Stage Use Guidelines** * Treat all stages as professional sound stages. * The reservation holder must be present throughout the reservation. * The reservation holder is responsible for ensuring cast and crew follow all stage policies. * Allow sufficient time to restore, clean, and wrap all spaces used during your reservation. **Additional Information** * [**Full Stage Policies here**](https://d2l.depaul.edu/d2l/le/content/653204/viewContent/12725506/View) * [**Stage FAQs**](/equipment-and-facilities/equipment-faqs.md#cinespace-stage-faqs)
Penalties & Fines We want everyone to have fair and safe access to equipment. To support that, repeated violations of rules and regulations, including unclaimed or unused reservations, late returns, returning equipment in poor or improper condition, and/or violations related to safety guidelines, may result in disciplinary actions as determined by CDM Staff and Faculty. **Important:** Warnings issued in **any of the Equipment Centers** count together. For example, a first warning in the Vault and another in the Shack equals two total warnings. *** Disciplinary actions are intended to promote accountability and may include, but are not limited to: * **1st Warning** – A temporary equipment access hold will be placed on the student’s account. To restore access, the student must meet in person with the Equipment Center or Production Office Manager who issued the warning and sign an acknowledgment form confirming they’ve reviewed the policy and understand the expectations moving forward. * **2nd Warning** – A one-week equipment access hold will be placed on the student’s account. Certified equipment privileges will also be suspended for four academic weeks. To restore access, the student must meet again with the Equipment Center or Production Office Manager and sign a second acknowledgment form confirming their understanding of the policies and consequences of any further violations. * **3rd Warning** – Equipment access will be suspended for a minimum of four academic weeks in which the student is actively enrolled. To be considered for reinstatement, the student must submit a formal appeal to the CDM Appeals Committee. Additional academic or administrative actions may also be taken as determined by CDM Staff and Faculty. *** #### **Missing or Damaged Equipment** * Missing or damaged items must be reported via email. If the item(s) are not returned within a 7-day grace period, the student will receive a bill via email for replacement or repair. * Replacement and repair costs (including shipping) will be determined at the sole discretion of Management, based on rates from our approved repair providers. * Students may request an installment-based repayment plan. Requests will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the total amount owed and the student’s expected graduation date. *** #### Paying a Fine Students who have received a fine or billing notice may submit payment using the online payment portal. [**Pay a Fine Here**](https://my.cdm.depaul.edu/CIM/Cage/CagePay) *** **Resources for Educational Purposes Only** DePaul resources are for educational use only. Using them for commercial or outside projects is not allowed and could lead to disciplinary action or losing access to SCA facilities and equipment.