Equipment Checkout Room (ECR)

Who We Are

The Equipment Checkout Room (ECR) is an equipment library located in the Calder Arts Center, Room 1403, on Grand Valley State University's Allendale campus. The ECR serves 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 access equipment for school-related projects through their instructors.

Available items include still and video cameras, audio recorders, microphones, projectors, tripods, lights, laptops, drawing tablets, computers, and much more. The ECR is managed by full-time staff members who provide equipment support and assistance to the department.

Student Equipment Checkout

Students who need equipment for a class project should speak with their instructor. Instructors reserve equipment through the ECR on behalf of their students. Students do not reserve or check out equipment directly through the ECR.

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 classes within the Department of Visual and Media Arts.
  • Running a financially responsible service for the university.

Access Overview

  • You must be currently enrolled and attending a class in Art, FVP, or PHO to use the equipment.
  • Equipment must be used for class projects, unless approved by a faculty member.
  • If you need equipment for a class project, please speak with your instructor. Your instructor will reserve and pick up the equipment on your behalf.
  • Any equipment checked out for your use is your financial responsibility, including late fees, damage, and loss. You are financially responsible for items until they are checked back in.
  • Students are responsible for following their instructor's directions regarding equipment use and return.

ECR - Procedures, Rules and Responsibilities

How to Reserve Equipment
  • Speak with your instructor if you need equipment for a class project. Your instructor will make the equipment reservation through the ECR and pick up the equipment on your behalf.
  • Equipment reservations can be made up to one week in advance. It is best to speak with your instructor at least 2 days in advance to allow time for the reservation.
  • Your instructor will coordinate the reservation and equipment pickup with the ECR.
  • Equipment checkout times may vary from hours to days, depending on the equipment and project needs. Please speak with your instructor if you have questions about equipment availability or checkout times.

  • Equipment Pickup

  • Students should speak with their instructor if they need equipment for a class project. Instructors are responsible for reserving and picking up equipment on behalf of their students.

  • Instructors should let the ECR know if they will be late or need to cancel their reservation, preferably by email.

  • Equipment reserved for students must be picked up by the instructor who made the reservation.
  • Return equipment exactly the way it was given to you.
  • All cables should be coiled properly and secured with the provided strap.
  • Each individual item should be returned to the ECR employee.
  • Do not return cases with microphones, cables, batteries, or other equipment still inside.
  • Pay attention to the expected return time for the equipment. Late fees may apply immediately after the checkout window expires.
  • Instructors are responsible for returning equipment reserved on behalf of their students. Please ensure all equipment and accessories are returned on time and in the same condition they were received.
  • Extensions may be granted upon request for up to two days.
  • Late equipment is not eligible for extensions. 
  • Any equipment returned damaged, lost, stolen, or never returned may result in a replacement fee. Late fees may also apply when equipment is not returned by the expected return time.
  • The instructor who reserved the equipment will be responsible for addressing any late fees, replacement fees, or other charges associated with the equipment.
  • We will contact the instructor by email, text, or phone regarding overdue, missing, or damaged equipment.
  • If equipment is not returned within 30 days of the expected return date, the replacement cost for the equipment may be charged to the appropriate GVSU account.
  • 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

Coming soon! 

Late Fee Payment

Click on the link to pay any late fees related to equipment checkout.

ECR Late Fee Payment Form

Questions?

For general questions and information, please contact [email protected]


Page last modified September 17, 2026
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