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Resource:How to create a 100% student run makerspace

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'''Introduction'''

Meet Nathan LaWarre, a student from Western Michigan University. Nathan is an active student on his campus and like many [[File:Nathan UIF Profile.JPG|thumb|Nathan UIF Profile.JPG]]students from different universities, he is interested in bringing people from interdisciplinary backgrounds together. With his strong interest in creating an environment where students can ideate, build projects and learn, Nathan and his club, Innovation Club, created this collaborative work space at his university known as a “makerspace.”

<li>If you need a space, you’re gonna have to work hard but don't be discouraged!<ol style="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;">

<li>Talk to faculty at your university and ask them for opinions and advice. Often times they can point you in a good direction</li>

<li>Make a list of what you want to see in that spaceand dream big! 3D printers, ~~light construction~~ machine equipment, project supplies like popsicle sticks and pipe cleaners, or hand tools and raw materials. think about what students will use and how it will benefit them.</li><li>Find the proper building for your space. What will students be doing in your space? Doing homework, hanging out, ~~meeting with their classmates~~building large-scale projects?<ol style="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><li>Consider holding events in your space - students will ~~like this~~ learn where you are and faculty may be more inclined to support</li><li>Think of ways to benefit the whole university with your one space... It's challenging but ultimately will give your space more support (and more money). This could look like community betterment projects, or human-centered problem solving using the tools in your new space.</li>

</ol></li>

<li>People are using your space, so how do you get it to be student run?<ol style="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;">

<li>Create opportunities. Give students a stake in the space, ~~have them exchange volunteer time~~ offering extended access or ~~unrestricted access~~benefits.<ol style="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;">

<li>At this point is important to consider safety! If your space has machinery or anything dangerous talk to your supporting faculty. Train students basic safety skills</li>

</ol></li>

<li>Try to get outside funding that will cover the cost of materials so that anything students do is free for them. Seriously, what student wouldn’t come learn how to use a 3D printer for free? It’s free!<ol style="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;">

<li>Funding can be achieved through grants, faculty, fundraising, or even crowdfunding. Think about starting a crowdfund that supports students and their projects - including your own!</li>

<li>Offer workshops with guided projects to get people creative, and turn them loose on their own projects when they come to you with them. Sometimes the crazier the better, just make sure to get pictures so that you can share with others.</li>

</ol></li>

<li>You might find many art, business or engineering students using this space primarily. Why not try collaborating with students or clubs/organizations from different majors and come up with project ideas that benefit the both of you? Or even offer lessons in an area that they are unfamiliar with, but are interested in learning more?</li>

</ol></li>

<li>Interdisciplinary work is a great life skill to learn, and If you help several departments with official school projects you can get money for your space, and ultimately for your own projects.</li>

</ol></li>

<li>What do you do if this thing gets big . . . really big#If you generate enough positive response you may be able to become a recognized or official part of the university's practice##Try to negotiate for your own building or dedicated space, again dream big.##Make an effort to involve your work in the school's cirriculum, doing this will help you tap into major funding and resources not to mention the number of people who will be coming into your space.##Make sure to keep up with safety guidelines and ensure that you are attentive of new rules you may be under as you expand. You will have a lot more people keeping a close eye on you as you grow.#Tell the world about it!##Be proud of your work. Advertise on your job profiles, and look for media outlets on campus or in the community to share the idea of your maker space.##Sometimes companies will be willing to donate materials or equipment to your school, sometimes you can work with your school to offer them write offs for their donations, or honor them using plaques or advertising in your space.#Keep Making cool stuff##The more high quality, creative, problem-solving products that come out of your space the better. Keep good documentation and people will notice your work. This is what leads to jobs and interviews later on.</olli>

'''Your Vision'''

'''Contributors:'''

'''Drake Dawson'''

[[Andrew Stroud]]

[http://universityinnovation.org/wiki/User:Patriciaho Patricia Ho]

DDawson

17

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