Policies

Disclaimer

Please be aware that this is a common use facility that is utilized by many researchers who expect the equipment to be in proper working order at the beginning of their session. Microscopes are expensive to repair and time spent on maintenance is at the expense of the users. Please be courteous to others and be careful when operating the microscopes.

Signing Up for Equipment  

Users can only sign up for equipment one week in advance or within the week. For complex experiments, special arrangements can be made with the Director. Use for every system must be documented in the Excel log sheet located on the Desktop (even if it is just to copy some files). If you log on to the PC, log it in the Excel sheet. If there is no Excel entry, you will be billed at imaging rates.

Usage Limits

• Labs are limited to 6 hours of use per day between 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM. Consult the Director if you need to reserve more time on the microscope.
• Do not book more time than you need; abuse will result in billing of unused time.
• Image acquisition takes priority over image analysis. Please use the Hulk for data analysis.
• Start your session punctually. Repeat over-scheduling will result in billing for the full scheduled time, not just hours used.

Cancelling Sessions:

• If you need to cancel your session, contact the Director. Reservations in the Campus Calendar can be deleted as long as they are deleted before the scheduled time begins.
• Repeated “no-shows” will result in billing of all scheduled time and possible suspension of user privileges.
• You are responsible for making sure the equipment was turned off by the previous user.  This is especially important if you cancelled your reservation the same day or just before your start time. Lack of proper shut down for any equipment will result in billing for the entire time the equipment was on.

Using the Microscopes

The LMCF requires users to have a University IdentiKey or a facility personal present for temporay use. Keep all light sources on standby whenever possible to prolong their life. At the end of your session, check the MCDB Calendar; if someone will be utilizing the instrument, please leave it on and log out of your IdentiKey account, otherwise shut down the instrument. Contact the next user if you finish early. Turn each microscope on or off as described; don't turn on components you won't use. Arc lamps must be kept on for 30 minutes at a minimum and need to cool for 60 minutes before being reignited. The life of the lasers and mercury arc bulbs are not infinite; do not leave the microscopes on overnight.

No alcohol or mind altering drugs may be used by anyone using the LMCF; if the Director suspects this is the case, you will be asked to leave the facility. Horse play and practical jokes will not be tolerated at any time. Do not leave any specimens or samples in the facility, dispose of them in your lab. Properly clean up your workspace and any oil objectives you used. Lack of proper facility edict will not be toloarted and privillages to use the facility will be revoked. If you are not sure how to properly clean an objective or operate the equipment please ask for help. In general - when in doubt ASK FOR HELP!