Graduate Student Workspaces

This webpage is a home for policies and procedures across the Faculty of Science for graduate students.

Graduate Student Open Workspace Policy

Background

To maximise space available to research-stream graduate students, to encourage more collaboration, connection and mentorship between senior and junior graduate students, faculty and other researchers, the Faculty of Science has implemented an open student study spaces for all research-stream graduate students across the Science Research Building, the Science building and the Arts C Wing.

These spaces include: SR219, SR220, SR309, SR320, SR413, SR414, N3013, 3C07, N2038, N2041 and N2042.

What Does an Open Student Study Space Mean?

Research-stream graduate students will be able to pick your desk each day. This will allow you to sit near your research space, with your friends, or in a designated quiet study room, based on your daily needs. At the end of the day (or when you are finished with your work), you will have the option to store your things in a locker overnight, ready for the next day’s activities.

Other Facilities

• Laurier's Library Room bookings
• Other bookable spaces include The Dean’s Boardroom (booking through the Dean’s office), SR-112 and Departmental meeting rooms (bookable through your departments).

Rooms Available

Lockers

Lockers are available in the following locations:

• Science Research 1st floor: 21 lockers
• Science Research 2nd floor: 27 lockers
• Science Research 3rd floor: 21 lockers
• Science Research 4th floor: 21 lockers
• Science Building, N3013 3rd floor: 12 lockers

Equipment Available

Each graduate student open workspace room will have a desk or desks with a designated monitor available for use. If there are issues with this equipment, please complete the equipment reporting form.

It is the responsibility of the student to bring an appropriate lock for their own use.

Students will be asked to remove all personal belongings for a few days once annually (1st week of September) so that lockers can be cleaned and repaired as necessary.

Kitchen Facilities

Kitchen, fridge facilities are located in the following areas:

• Science Research 2nd floor: North end of the hall
• Science Research 3rd floor: North end of the hall
• Science Research 4th floor: North end of the hall
• Science Building: N3013

Policies and Procedures

Work Alone Policy

Students are reminded to download the SAFEHawk app, and to follow the Work Alone information available through the app:

Work Alone Feature

Work Alone is a feature that has been added to the SAFEHawk app to ensure the safety of Laurier students.

As per policy 7.15, all employees (including student employees) working alone in their building or office may be required to call the Special Constable Service periodically to ensure safety. The Work Alone feature in the SAFEHawk app allows you to check in through the app; it will also send an alert reminding you to check in.

Although not required, even non-employee students can register and check in to the Special Constable Service using the Work Alone feature.

If a student or employee fails to check in, a special constable will be dispatched to their registered location.

Requests for Accommodation

Students who require accommodation of an assigned desk for part or all of their academic studies will be provided with opportunity to bring forward their request through their Departmental Graduate Coordinator.

Students who require permanent accommodation for the full length of their studies at Laurier will need a recommendation from the Accessible Learning Office.

Students who require temporary accommodation (i.e. a broken leg) should contact the Departmental Graduate Coordinator who will work with the Dean of Science Office to ensure an appropriate accommodation is available.

Lab Safety Policy

Students accessing research labs are reminded that training is required prior to entry into labs.

Make sure you review lab safety protocols as needed.

Room and Equipment Damage Reporting Form

Students are encouraged to use the room and equipment damage reporting form to report damaged or malfunctioning equipment.

This link will also allow reporting of misuse of graduate student workspace.

The following will be prominently posted in each shared space to encourage collegial and appropriate use:

Desk Etiquette and Cleanliness

• Clear desk policy: Take all personal items with you when you leave; nothing should stay on the desk overnight.
• Leave it spotless: Wipe down surfaces, throw away trash, and leave the workstation completely ready for the next student.
• Use lockers: Store unused items, books, and extra gear in designated student lockers rather than cluttering shared desks.
• Protect shared tech: Do not alter permanent hardware configurations or mismanage shared monitors and cables.

Environment and Conduct

• Keep noise low: Maintain a respectful volume in open-plan spaces and take phone or video calls to designated breakout areas or phone booths.
• Reserved desks: Certain desks have been designated as reserved. Please respect these spaces, even if they look empty.
• Report issues: Notify facility management or department staff immediately if you encounter broken equipment or maintenance problems.