Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get to the OEDK?
OEDK is on Rice University's campus, at entrance 21. The closest parking is in the North Annex Lot. A map is available here.
How do I get access to OEDK?
The OEDK will remain locked at all times, with card access granted to those who have been authorized to use the facility. Card access to the OEDK will be limited to students who sign a contract governing the appropriate use of the facility.
A student can request approval for card access to the OEDK through the OEDK Student Usage Contract if he/she:
is taking a course that meets in the OEDK
is a member of a team working on a design project associated with an engineering course (the team must include at least one engineering undergraduate)
is a member of a student team working on a project not associated with an engineering course but approved for use of OEDK facilities (requires at least one member of the team to be an undergraduate engineering student)
is an undergraduate engineering student working with an engineering faculty member on a design project that requires use of the OEDK facilities
is a graduate student in MEMS who needs access to the OEDK machine shop for a research-related project as approved by the department
is an engineering graduate student working as a teaching assistant who needs access to the OEDK to work with engineering design teams in the OEDK
Only those students who fall into one or more of the above categories are eligible to request use OEDK resources such as the project work benches, the machine shop, the computational lab, conference rooms or the rapid prototyping labs.
Faculty and Staff can request access through the OEDK Facility Usage Contract if they:
- Teaching a course in the OEDK
- Mentoring student teams in the OEDK
- Working on events at the OEDK
- Conducting tours at the OEDK
- Participating in other approved activities in the OEDK (e.g., outreach workshops)
If you meet these criteria, you can also fill out a Work Table Request Form.
There's an emergency in the kitchen. What do I do?
CALL THE CAMPUS EMERGENCY NUMBER: 6000 FROM A CAMPUS PHONE, 713-348-6000 FROM A CELL PHONE. Be familiar with the location of the first aid kit, fire extinguishers, telephones to be prepared for this situation.
How do I get a cabinet? How do I get a lock for it?
Locking Cabinets are available to teams. Request a lock from a Design Technician. You should lock up valuable parts prior to leaving the area. DO NOT lock up general use equipment (marked with Red Tape or with M.E. Shop written on it), as others need to use it.
I need to use this tool, but I don't know how. Who do I talk to?
If you need help in the Kitchen or need to use tools that you do not know how to use, contact one of the design technicians for help.
I tried to get help from one of the technicians, but they were busy, what do I do?
When you need assistance from a lab technicians, scheduling a time is suggested. Walk up help requests will be handled on an "as available" basis. If you really need something done, come in IN THE MORNING, because the technicians are much busier later in the day. Do not come at 3 or 4 to start a 1-2 hour activity. If you do this, you are running the risk of encroaching on their personal time, and they will not help you. Be considerate of the technicians time, and you will find them a very valuable resource.
What are the rules for the student lounge area?
Like any place, please keep it clean, and throw your trash and recyclables in the correct bins. the refrigerator will be cleaned out completely each Monday morning. NO ALCOHOL. Period. If you are caught, you may be BANNED from OEDK
What are the rules regarding table use?
Please be respectful of other teams and their tools and equipment. Store backpacks under your own worktable and not on other tables or in the walk areas.
I want to use one of the conference rooms. How can I reserve one?
You can reserve one of the rooms here , after reading the Policies for Reserving a Room . If no one is using a conference room, you may use it, but you MUST vacate if someone with a reservation shows up to use it.
Is there anything that cannot be disposed of in normal trash cans?
Yes. Disposal of batteries, metal shavings, and hazardous waste CANNOT be made in regular trash cans. Contact one of the technicians for disposal of these materials.
I have a project that I would like to see worked on by Rice undergraduates. How do I do this?
If you go here, you can fill out a form suggesting a new project.
Are food and drink allowed in the design space?
So long as you clean up your mess, eating or drinking in the OEDK design space is allowed. There is a refrigerator in the student lounge that you can use for food or beverages. It is cleaned out weekly so be sure to label and clean up your food when you are done. Don't forget, NO ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES ARE ALLOWED. Refer to the policies here .
What are the policies on phone calls in the kitchen?
If they are toll free, you can use the phones in the prototyping area (dial 9 for outside number), any campus extension (last 4 digits), local calls, and toll free numbers. Non-toll free numbers require the use of a Forced Authorization Code. See Carlos Amaro obtain the code to make design project related phone calls. One of the phones in the prototyping area is portable so you can use it at your work area.