Faculty Use Guidelines

You can use large-group training spaces for faculty development and student seminars/workshops outside an academic unit's standard scheduled curriculum. For example, appropriate events include enrichment seminars on information acquisition and management, case-based learning, clinical problem-solving, and/or interprofessional education.

Small-group study rooms are for small student or faculty groups participating in problem-based learning or case-based learning, or any team-based learning, especially if information and resource acquisition is important to the success of the project. Small group and individual space may be used by faculty -- with or without the support of instructional design, Web design, or library support personnel -- to develop course materials such as technology-enhanced learning.

The AHC Learning Commons is not intended as classroom space for a school's semester curriculum, for administrative or management meetings, non-educational-focused events, or for continuing education events targeted to practitioners not affiliated with the University of Minnesota Academic Health Center. (The Learning Commons is also not a student computer lab for individual projects using, for example, WORD, PowerPoint, or Excel.)

Hours: Open from 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday - Friday. Scheduling use at times other than regular operating hours requires a minimum of two weeks advance notice, and is subject to the discretion of the Learning Commons Manager.

To reserve a room: Download and complete the Room Request Form, then submit it. Rooms are not reserved until the form has been confirmed by Patrick Garrison or Marshall Hoff at the Learning Commons. You will receive confirmation by return e-mail.

Allow for set-up time: It is essential to include time for set-up (i.e., between 15 - 30 minutes before the event begins) and time for clean-up following the event (i.e., another 15 minutes) in your reservation request. This will ensure that you have sufficient time before and after your visit that will not conflict with other users.

Cancellations: Must be made 72 hours prior to scheduled use. Failure to notify the Learning Commons within that time frame will result in a late cancellation charge of $10 per room per hour.

Learn how to use instructional technology: Large group training spaces are equipped with digital projectors and instructor laptops. In addition, you can reserve up to 15 participant wireless laptops in advance, based upon availability. We encourage you to schedule a few minutes 'training time' with Patrick Garrison (612-626-3882) if you have any questions about using this equipment.

Request videoconferencing support: When completing the Room Request Form, be sure to include a request for videoconferencing support if you will require it during your event. In most cases, we can schedule a technician to manage the videoconference.

Clean up following use:

• Please leave all training spaces and equipment as you found them. Return all supplies, equipment, and furniture to their original locations. Put trash and paper in the receptacles in appropriate receptacles. Wipe up soiled surfaces.
• If participants have brought beverage containers into the commons, please remove them at the end of the session.
• Turn off the data projector, laptop, and other computers when the session is complete.

Damage: When completing the Room Request Form, users are asked to include a CUFS number. The CUFS account will only be used in the event that rooms, furniture, or carpet are left in a damaged state and must be cleaned or repaired.

Feedback and evaluation of services: Please complete an evaluation following each use of the Commons to provide us with ongoing feedback and ideas for improved service. We will e-mail you the evaluation following your educational activity.

Emergencies: Please call 911. Phones are located at the front desk, and in the large group training rooms. Please also notify a staff member if an emergency occurs.