Equipment Checkout Room (ECR)
Who We Are
The Equipment Checkout Room (ECR) is an equipment library on Grand Valley State University's Valley campus, located in the Calder Arts Center, room 132. The ECR serves only faculty, staff, and students in the Department of Visual and Media Arts. Students enrolled in Art History, Art Education, Film and Video Production, Photography, and Studio Art can borrow equipment for school-related projects.
Available items include still and video cameras, audio recorders, microphones, projectors, tripods, lights, laptops, drawing tablets, computers, and much more. The ECR is run by student workers with the assistance of two full-time staff members, all holding a wealth of knowledge about the equipment.
The goals of the ECR include:
- Equipping students to be productive members of the digital arts and media industries
- Facilitating the integration of digital media and production technology into the classes within the Department of Visual and Media Arts
- Running a financially responsible service for the university
Location
The ECR is located in room 1403 Calder Arts Center.
Fall 2025 Hours
Monday–Thursday 8:00 AM–7:00 PM
(The ECR is closed for all university breaks and holidays.)
Contact Information
Access Overview
- You must be currently enrolled and attending a class in ART, FVP, or PHO to use the equipment.
- Any equipment must be used for class projects, unless approved by a faculty member.
- Any equipment checked out under your name is your financial responsibility, including late fees, damage, and loss. You are financially responsible for items until they are checked back in.
- You must remain at the check-in window until your order is returned to ensure accuracy of returned items.
- You must complete enrollment in BlackBoard before using the ECR. This includes uploading an ID photo and agreeing to the ECR policies.
Procedures, Rules and Responsibilities
How to Reserve Equipment
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Equipment reservations should be made by email at [email protected]
- Equipment reservations can be made up to one week in advance, it is best to submit your reservations at least 2 days in advance
- Reservations must be picked up within one hour of the time of the reservation, you may call or email to change the reservation time.
- Equipment can be checked out for up to four days during the week
Equipment Pickup
- Please let us know if you will be late or need to cancel your reservation. [PHONE]
- All equipment reserved by a student needs to be picked up by the student who made the reservation.
Equipment Return
- Return equipment exactly the way it was given to you.
- All cables should be coiled properly and secured with the given strap.
- Each individual item should be given to the employee.
- Do not return the cases with microphones/cables/batteries/etc. still inside.
Faculty returning equipment after hours may use the dropbox available. Students will need to return the equipment the following day the room is open.
Late Fees
- A late fee of $10/day will be applied to your reservation if the equipment does not get returned on the due date.
- Students are responsible for the safe return of all equipment on time. Late fees will be assessed at $10 per day and can be paid at: PSR Late Fee
Checkout/Reservation Extensions
- Extensions may be granted upon request for up to two days.
- Late equipment is not eligible for extensions.
Lost, Stolen, Damaged or Never-Returned Items
- You are financially responsible for the equipment you borrow from the ECR, in many cases renters or homeowners insurance will cover the equipment.
- You are liable for any late fees incurred on your account. Any equipment brought back damaged or found to be missing will result in a replacement fee.
- Until a fee is paid in full, the student will not be allowed to make any reservations (equipment or room). After two late fees, the student's access to equipment will be reviewed. Any fees not paid by the end of the semester roll over into the following semester and privileges will still be withheld at that time until payment is received.
- We will contact you many times to return equipment through email, by text, and by phone call. If 30 days pass from the time the equipment is due the replacement cost for all equipment will be charged to your GVSU student account.
Special Permissions
- If you need special permission for a piece of equipment or an extended checkout, contact [email protected].
Large Volume Reservations
- For large volume reservations (class-related equipment), email [email protected]
- Large reservations can be made up to one week in advance. It is best to submit your reservations at least 2 business days in advance.
Equipment List
Click on the link to see a list of equipment available for checkout.
Late Fee Payment
Click on the link to pay any late fees related to equipment checkout.
Questions?
For general questions and information, please contact [email protected]