Policies and Rates
A user should not attempt to personally use a microscope unless he/she is taking a training course or academic credit course in electron microscopy. Use by a non-qualified operator will result in loss of usage privileges of the facility.
MMRL Schedule: The regular hours of the MMRL will be from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday (9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., if the University is on the summer schedule). The facility will be open at other times only to qualified independent night operators or by special arrangement with the MMRL Director/Co-director or instructors.
Instrument scheduling: In order to permit as many researchers and outreach groups as possible to use the instruments and to help researchers plan their time for using the MMRL, a web based instrument calendar and sign-up sheet for the use of each instrument will be posted at MMRL website. Users have to schedule in advance up to four-hour blocks of time in a day. Scheduling will be done on a weekly basis.
If scheduled maintenance/repair or if time for training is needed on an instrument, notice will be posted on the MMRL website.
Scheduling training and assistance: If a training or assistance is needed, the researcher should contact the MMRL director a week or two (the earlier the better) prior to needing the microscopy work.
No-shows: Anyone scheduled to use the MMRL facilities is expected to do so at the assigned time. If one cannot come to the MMRL or the sample is not ready, he/she contact the EM staff in advance to cancel the schedule. Repeatedly does not use the microscope at an assigned time, privileges for use of the MMRL facilities will be restricted during the week.
Log Books: Log books are provided for each piece of equipment in the MMRL. Each time a piece of equipment is utilized an entry must be placed in the log sheet. Entries will vary, but will include the name of the user, user’s advisor, date, and time (starting and ending) of use, and comments. It is essential that these logs be maintained to facilitate instrument maintenance.
Rates
Hourly charges: Hourly charges for internal, external academic, and external industrial users will be calculated for the equipment's maintenance and supply costs. Cost basis includes: (1) direct usage and specimen preparation costs; (2) supplies required to sample preparation; (2) supplies to maintain the instruments; (3) service contracts; and (4) administrative costs.
Non-payment of charges may result in loss of privileges in the MMRL until payment is made.
Rates can be obtained by downloading the PDF files below: