Classroom Support Policies

Classroom Support

Our primary function is Classroom Support. Classroom needs take priority over special event, conference, and non-academic needs. Within these categories, requests will be honored on a first-come, first-served basis.

All requests must be submitted through the online Classroom Support request form or via email to classhelp@smith.edu. We do not accept requests in person or over the phone.

We ask that requests be submitted at least one week in advance. For requests submitted less than one week in advance, we may ask that you check out portable equipment from the Wright Computer Center.

Due to staff cuts, we can no longer provide a technician to stay for the duration of classes, workshops, conferences, or special events. We will be happy to provide equipment and help the faculty member or presenter get started. We also provide training on how to use the equipment built into classrooms and auditoriums. To arrange a time for training, please email classhelp@smith.edu . If you need a technician for the duration of your event, we can provide you with a list of trained students with whom you can make separate arrangements.

We do not provide audiotaping or videotaping services. To inquire about other options, please contact Jeff Heath (jheath@smith.edu) in the Center for Media Production.

Setups for Classes

If a class requires AV equipment outside of our staffed hours, it must be scheduled into a room with built-in equipment or equipment must be checked out. During staffed hours, we will do our best to respond to all class requests, subject to equipment and staff availability.

Conferences and Special Events

If you will require audio-visual equipment for your conference or special event, we ask that you please reserve a room with built-in equipment. To see which rooms have the equipment you need, please reference our classroom equipment database.

Due to staff cuts, we can no longer provide a technician to stay for the duration of your conferences or special event. We will be happy to provide equipment and help your presenters get started. If you need a technician for the duration of your event, we can provide you with a list of trained students with whom you can make separate arrangements.

Circulating Equipment

We have a wide range of equipment available for check-out. This equipment will be given out on a first come, first served basis. However, academic use has priority, so requests for equipment for recreation may be bumped if there is an academic need.

Equipment may be reserved by emailing a request to classhelp@smith.edu.

We are happy to provide training on the use of any of our checkout equipment. Please ask the lab consultant to show you how to use your equipment when you check it out.

If you are checking out a data projector for use with your own laptop, we strongly recommend that you bring in the laptop and have the lab consultant show you how to use the two pieces of equipment together.

Circulating equipment is for on-campus, short-term use only. Our standard checkout period is two days. Longer checkout periods or permission for off-campus use is by special arrangement with the Classroom Support Supervisor only.

If equipment is returned late, is damaged, or is missing components, a fine will be assessed. Late fees are $5 per day. For damage or missing components we will charge what it costs us to repair or replace the damaged or missing component.