College of Science

Science Equipment Checkout & Van Use

Information on how to checkout a CSUMB van can be found on the Van Use for Students web page. If you have any questions about van use, please contact cos_defensivedriving@csumb.edu

Equipment Checkout

Select equipment is available for checkout by science faculty, staff, and students working on approved projects for classes, capstones, ENSCI, and ESTP graduate student projects.

Equipment Checkout/ Return Time and Location

Please contact cos_equipmentcheckout@csumb.edu to request equipment. If your request is approved we will arrange pickup in the Chapman Science Center, Bldg 53, Room E135 during our office hours from 11:30 am-12:30 pm Monday through Friday. A support technician will be in the room and able to process equipment checkouts and returns. Don't forget to wear a mask when you are on campus!

Requesting Equipment

To request equipment, please send email to cos_equipmentcheckout@csumb.edu with at least 24 hours in advance (excluding weekends). Include the following information:

• List of specific items and quantities that you are requesting.
• Identify which class and instructor or PI and approved project you will need the items for
• Date and time you wish to pick up and return items (Appointments will be confirmed when request is approved.)
• Your phone number in case a technician needs to contact you
• Any pertinent information you wish to share about your project or field site

You will receive a confirmation email when your checkout request has been processed.

Example Checkout Request

I'd like to check out the following list of equipment for ENVS 350 on October 15th at 11:00. We can return the equipment on October 18th between 11am and 12pm.

1 anemometer

1 clinometer

1 compass

1 GPS unit

1 , 50 meter transect tape

10 pin flags

1 clipboard

1 soil thermometer

A gear bag

My cell phone number: 555-555-5555

Equipment Returns

• Equipment must be returned on-time and to the same location from which it was checked out. On-time return of borrowed equipment is crucial, as common-use equipment is often needed immediately upon return.
• You are expected to return the equipment clean and in working condition. For instance, if you bring back a transect tape you took to the beach, please rinse it with fresh water and dry it before rolling it up and turning it in. Please allow time for equipment to be properly examined and checked in by a technician.
• Note that some types of equipment may be particularly sensitive to heat, moisture, dust, jostling, or other environmental factors. You will want to treat equipment with care, as you will be held financially responsible for damage.
• Please report any equipment malfunction or maintenance issues. If something breaks out in the field please inform us promptly so we can try to work with you on finding a replacement.
• If you cannot make the assigned return time, please arrange for someone else to return your equipment or email sns_equipmentcheckout@csumb.edu in advance or as soon as possible to arrange another time to return items.
• Please note that we may request that equipment be returned earlier than planned.
• Inability to follow the equipment checkout procedures could result in suspension of privileges to check out science equipment and materials.

Books and Field Guides

Many books and field guides related to ecology, natural history, plant and animal identification are also available for checkout. If you are interested in requesting any of these resources, please include the title(s) you'd like.

ESTP & ENSTU Capstone students

Before you check out equipment for your project, you will need to complete, with the help of your advisor, an Independent Project Resource Request form (below). This form must be signed by your advisor. Once your project is approved, you will be assigned a tech contact to whom you will email your specific requests as outlined above.

ENSCI graduate students

In general, your advisor will be providing you with the equipment and space required for your project work. If needed, you may request use of instructional equipment. After consultation with your advisor, you will submit an SNS Independent Project Resource Request form (below), and have it signed by your project advisor. Once approved, you can request the equipment when you need it, following the steps outlined above.

Equipment Training

Students must be trained on equipment in class prior to checking it out. The one exception to the in-class training rule will be for students with approved capstone or graduate projects, whose advisor may provide training before the equipment is checked out.

Priority

In the event of an equipment conflict, we will prioritize requests by type, according to the priority below.

• Instructor in-class needs for undergraduate College of Science lab and field classes, followed by in-class needs for other classes
• Approved undergraduate capstone projects and approved graduate student projects
• Independent project needs for upper division undergraduate science lab and field classes, followed by independent project needs for lower division undergraduate science lab and field classes
• Instructional needs for other classes not included above
• Other requests including grant-related projects