Facilities & Equipment

Sirko Makerspace Overview
Located in the Center for the Arts (Room 1417), the Sirko Makerspace empowers students and faculty to create using tools like the Cricut Maker 3, Glowforge Pro Laser Printer, Dremel 3D printer, Cricut Easy Press 2, and more. Whether you’re a designer, artist, or entrepreneur, the space supports everything from engraving and 3D design to heat pressing custom mugs.

Access & Use
Open to all current Valparaiso University students and faculty with no lab fees or reservations required. Visit during open hours—staff will assist and provide equipment training. Machine use is first-come, first-serve (2-hour limit when others are waiting).

Materials
You may bring your own materials or purchase limited supplies onsite. Contact makerspace@valpo.edu before your visit to ensure compatibility and availability.

Fall 2024 Hours

• Mon: 9 AM–12 PM; 2 PM–4 PM
• Tue: 10:30 AM–1:30 PM
• Wed: 9 AM–12 PM; 2 PM–4 PM
• Thu: 3:30 PM–6:30 PM
• Fri: 9 AM–12 PM; 2:30 PM–6:30 PM
  Subject to staff availability — check the website for updates.

Equipment

• Cricut Maker 3
• Glowforge Pro Laser Printer
• Dremel DigiLab 3D Printer
• Cricut Easy Press 2 & Mug Press
• Neil Button Makers (1″ & 3″)

FAQs

• Who can use it? Any Valpo student, faculty, or staff.
• Materials? Email makerspace@valpo.edu before buying. Supplies may be purchased at the space.

Contact & Appointments
Email: makerspace@valpo.edu
Location: Valparaiso University, Center for the Arts 1417, 1709 Chapel Dr., Valparaiso, IN 46383

Yes. The equipment assistants do their best to make sure the equipment is ready for you to check out. However, it is your responsibility to double-check the equipment to make sure you have all the proper equipment.

A late fine of $15.00 starts to apply at 4:00 p.m. on the date the equipment is due (this includes weekends).

You can bring either cash, Beacon Bucks, or a check made out to Valparaiso University to the Equipment Room or to KCH 29. If you are not able to pay your fine in full, you are able to make incremental payments. For larger fines, please contact  to set up a payment plan. 

No. If you have an outstanding fine, you will not be able to check out equipment and/or reserve equipment.

Yes. If you need to have someone else return your equipment, they need to be aware of any missing and/or broken parts of the equipment and have their OneCard or an ID available for identification. You will be billed and notified via email of any missing and/or broken parts, late fines, and/or any other issues with the equipment.

You may reserve equipment for up to two days. Equipment is due back no later than 4:00 p.m. on the return date. Thursday reservations are one day only. A reservation made on a Thursday must be returned back no later than 1:00 p.m. on Friday.

Yes, see the extension form. Only equipment staff will approve if we have the equipment available.

If equipment is returned late three times, you will be placed on a temporary suspension from being able to reserve equipment. If you are late after the fifteen-day suspension, your ability to reserve equipment will be revoked for the remainder of the semester. The equipment room has the ability to suspend or revoke a student’s ability to reserve equipment if, upon review, it is determined that the policy is being taken advantage of.

Yes, but the equipment room is not an instructional room; the equipment assistants are not trained to teach you how to use the equipment. The equipment assistants will try their best to answer questions. If you are unfamiliar with the operation of equipment, it is encouraged to consult your professor for instruction.

You will be held accountable for any lost, stolen, and/or broken equipment. You will be notified of the fee associated with the lost or damaged equipment.

No, but it is recommended you have backup batteries for the audio recorders. All of the audio recorders take AA batteries. You are able to reserve rechargeable AA batteries, but they must be returned with the reservation.

Yes, you are responsible for supplying your own memory cards, but the equipment room will have them available to reserve as well. If you reserve one from the equipment room, it must be returned by 4:00 p.m. on the due date or a late fee will be assessed.

Unfortunately, no. Due to the limited amount of equipment, students are only allowed to check out one camera at a time.

Unfortunately, due to the limited amount of equipment and classroom restrictions, students are only allowed to check out or the other at a time.