Toaster Policies

The Toaster Innovation Hub offers individuals the opportunity to join our community to inspire and support innovation and entrepreneurship with the University of Minnesota. The Toaster is free and open to all UMN students, faculty staff, administration, and Friends of the Toaster (alumni, community partners, donors).

Join as a Student

Any interested UMN student (undergraduate and graduate) is eligible to join the Toaster Community.

Perks to Joining:

• Newsletter updates about the Toaster and other innovation/entrepreneurship activities around campus.
• Access to reserve the Toaster Small Group Space.
• Request to utilize a Toaster locker on a case by case basis. Locker Request Form
• Member only events or early notification/registration of events.

How to Join: Complete the Toaster Student Community Sign-up Form

Join as a UMN Faculty, Staff, or Administrator

Any interested UMN Faculty, Staff, or Administrator is eligible to join the Toaster Community.

Perks to Joining:

• Newsletter updates about the Toaster and other innovation/entrepreneurship activities around campus.
• Propose and facilitate classes, meetup, workshops, activities or events
• Promote content via Toaster communications (e.g., newsletter, social meeting, monitor slide deck)
• Member only events or early notification/registration of events.

How to Join: Complete the Toaster Community Sign-up Form for UMN Faculty, Staff, and Administrator

Any active registered student organizations (RSO) and/or campus life organizations (CLO) that have an innovation, entrepreneurship, or making focused mission can be come Toaster Affiliated.

Perks to Becoming Affiliated:

•  Ability to book both event space (Ideation Hub, Launch Pad, Connections Lounge, Breakerspace) and small group spaces in Toaster for recurring meetings up to a semester in advance.
  • The Toaster Operations Coordinator will have final approval authority for all events in these spaces.
• Ability to book event space (Ideation Hub, Launch Pad, Connections Lounge, Breakerspace) for innovation/ entrepreneurship related events, workshops, etc.
  • The Toaster Operations Coordinator will have final approval authority for all events in these spaces.
• Request to utilize a Toaster locker each semester, available on case by case basis – Locker Request Form
• Promote content via Toaster communications (e.g. newsletter, social media, monitor slide deck, events board) and a Toaster Affiliate banner to promote organization.
  • All content must go to the Operations Coordinator for approval.
• Member only events or early notification/registration or events.

How to Join: Complete the Toaster Community Sign-up Form for Registered Student and Campus Life Organizations.

The Toaster provides a variety of small group collaborative spaces. Individual students and student organizations that join the Toaster can reserve Toaster small group collaborative spaces for student facing meetings.

Toaster space is a free-to-use, users of the Toaster spaces are expected to follow applicable University Libraries and University of Minnesota policies, including the Student Code of Conduct.​ 

Full and Printable Version of the Group Work Space Policy.

Availability of Use 

• The spaces are available per today’s Walter Library hours, unless the room is reserved.
• Weekends: The spaces are available on weekends, unless the spaces are reserved.
• Individuals and Student Organizations that have joined the Toaster may reserve the Small Group Work Spaces in the Toaster.

Eligibility of Use 

• The Toaster Small Group Work spaces (booths, private meeting rooms, tables, and video conferencing corner) are available for use by the general public unless reserved.
• Group work has space priority over individual work for all spaces in the Toaster.

Reserving the Room 

• The Toaster Small Group Work spaces (Grande Group Table, Group Study Table  A, Group Study Table B, Bench Group Table, Group Study Room B15C, Group Study Room B15D (Audio Studio) ) are available for reservation via a web link provided to individuals that have joined the Toaster.  Student organizations that have joined the Toaster may reserve the space via the link or by contacting the Toaster Operations Coordinator: toaster@umn.edu. For more information on joining the Toaster see: Joining the Toaster above.  
• Reservations are limited to 2 hours a day and typically may only be made up to two weeks in advance. Student Organizations that have joined the Toaster may request recurring meetings by contacting the Toaster Operations Coordinator: toaster@umn.edu
• Priority is always given to groups of 2 or more (single users, even those with reservations, may be asked to move).
• Spaces revert to first-come, first served if not claimed within 15 minutes.
• Users must return the spaces to a clean, organized state regardless of how they found it. 

The Toaster provides a variety of spaces that can host classes, events, workshops, meetings, and other types of activities. Student Organizations that join the Toaster as well as University Departments, Faculty, or Staff can reserve Toaster event spaces for student facing innovation and/or entrepreneurship related programming or meetings.

Toaster space is a free-to-use, users of the Toaster for events are expected to follow applicable University Libraries and University of Minnesota policies, including the Student Code of Conduct.​  Breakerspace users are also asked to respect and use the equipment safely as detailed by the Libraries Makerspaces code of conduct.

Full and Printable Version of the Event Space Facilities Policy.

Availability of Use

• The spaces are available per today's Toaster Innovation Hub hours, unless the space is reserved.

• Weekends: The spaces are available on the weekends, unless the spaces are reserved.

• University Departments, Faculty, Staff, or Student Organizations that join the Toaster may reserve the space for programs which must be student facing and related to innovation and/or entrepreneurship.

• Reservations must be scheduled with the Toaster Operations Coordinator via the events form at least 14 day in advance. These spaces can be reserved up to a semester in advance, but no later than 14 days before the event.

• Spaces are not available outside of the Toaster Innovation Hub hours. Additionally, events that take place outside of the hours Toaster staff are on site will be reviewed to determine the viability and appropriateness of the event with out staff supervision.

Eligibility of Use

• All areas in the Toaster are available for se by the general public (unless they are reserved), but the priority is for group activities that directly support UMN student innovation and entrepreneurship work.
• The Toaster Connections Lounge, Ideation Hub, Launch Pad event spaces are available for reservation. Priority of scheduling aligns with the Libraries/Holmes Center Partnership Memorandum of Agreement.
  • First priority is given to Libraries and Holmes Center programming for students related to innovation and entrepreneurship.
  • Second priority is given to student-run events related to innovation and entrepreneurship.
  • Third priority is given to events sponsored by the UMN-Twin Cities faculty, colleges, departments, and University innovation and entrepreneurship resources and programs.
  • Usage by non-university entities is only allowed if a substantial collaboration exists between the Libraries, or the Holmes Center for Entrepreneurship and the non-University entity that is consistent with the academic mission of the University and the innovation and entrepreneurship focus of the space.
• Events must align with the goals and mission of the space: to connect UMN students with innovation and entrepreneurship resources and expertise. The University Libraries reserves the right to review proposed activities and refuse rental and/or reservation for non-permissible users.

Reserving Event Space

• To reserve the Toaster Connections Lounge, Ideation Hub, Launch Pad, Breakerspace, or Video Conference Corner our event reservation form must be completed.
• Reservations must be submitted at least 14 days in advance.

Conditions of Use

• Facilities Use Agreement:
  • University Community: A Facilities Use Agreement is not required if a University department, a Campus Life Program group, or a Registered Student Organization (with fewer than 100 students, no physical activity, and/or no alcohol) is involved in the event.
  • Non-University Entities, including Registered Student Organizations: A Facilities Use Agreement is required for the following situations (fully executing the agreement requires approval from the Office of General Counsel, Real Estate Office, and Risk management Office and proof of insurance on file prior to events) see all details in full policy language:
    • Non-University entity is involved in the event and the libraries is not responsible for setting all pertinent details.
    • Alcohol will be served at the event.
    • Event will include an admission fee or physical performance.
    • Registered Student Organization has 100 or mores students participating in the event.
• Food: Any food for an event must be cleared through the Toaster Operations Coordinator. All food arrangements are the responsibility of the user.
  • No University Food Permit is required when one of these exceptions applies:
    • Events where 25 or fewer University individuals attend.
    • Events for which all food is prepared entirely by the University Dining Service.
    • Internal University faculty, staff, service unit, or office events to which the general campus community is not invited 9events open to an entire academic school, departments, or college are nor considered an internal event).
    • events where the only foods served are prepackaged and considered non-potentially hazard by Minnesota Food Code.
    • External private evets, which must have a signed Facilities Use Agreement for prior to the event.
  • Food Permit is required for all events  not covered by one of the exceptions listed above.
    • When a Food Permit is required, the user should submit the permit application to the University's Department of Environmental Health and Safety for approval at least 3 week before the event, so that a copy of the permit can be sent to the Toaster Operations Coordinator five (5) prior to the event.
  • Failure to clean up food after an event will result in a $75/hour cleaning fee.
• Alcohol: Please review the full policy document for details for including alcohol in an event. Note that the review process is multilayered and individuals need to begin the process at least 4-5 months ahead of the prosed event date.
• Open Flames: Flames of any kind are prohibited in all University Libraries locations. This includes candles and Sterno heaters used by caterers. Most caterers can accommodate this requirement if given notice.
• Right of Refusal: The Library reserves the right to refuse a request to reserve or rent space and the right to waive rental fees at its own discretion.
• Animals: Libraries users and staff must comply with the University Administrative Policy: Animals on Campus.

Users of the Toaster Makerspace (Breakerspace) and Health Sciences Library Makerspace agree to respect and abide by UMN Libraries' policies, University-wide guidelines and policies, and the Student Code of Conduct, as well as state and federal laws, including those around copyright and intellectual property.

General Expectations

• The library makerspaces are shared spaces and free to use. Take care of them. 
• Use only what you need.
• Ask a staff member for help if you are uncomfortable or uncertain of what to do.
• Report problems or broken equipment immediately to a staff member, or email
  • breakerspace@umn.edu
  • hslmakerspace@umn.edu 
• Help us create a respectful and safe environment. Follow safety procedures and university policies.
• Share your knowledge if you can, and help others use the space.

Review the Makerspace Code of Conduct website to read about the Access, Commercial Use, Storage, and Equipment Use conduct expectations.

Flyers/posters may be posted on the appropriate Toaster bulletin board(s) with departmental approval. The Toaster post three types of flyers/posters:

• Items that related to Recognized Student Organizations or Campus Life Groups (no flyers about parties).
• Items that are related to University sponsored or IRB approved research study participation.
• Items that are related to University Library events/services or other University student support services. 

Publications should be brought to the Toaster Information Desk for approval during Toaster business hours. Postings will be limited to one item per event and no larger than 11"x17"; violators may lose future distribution privileges. Postings cannot interfere with another that has already been posted, unless a posting is outdated. Publications, including posters, flyers, and signs, must be posted in a way that makes them easy to remove and does not cause damage to or deface the surfaces to which they are attached. Materials may not be posted with paste, glue, adhesive backing, or other similar means. The use of staples and pushpin is permissible, where usage does not cause damage. Violators may be billed for the costs of clean-up or repairs resulting from inappropriate posting or use of adhesives; violators may lose future distribution privileges.

Market research and other customer discovery in the Toaster space is allowed based on these guidelines:

• All market research events need to be approved by the Toaster staff (Operations Coordinator/Innovation Outreach and Program Specialist) and are subject to vetting to ensure fit to the Toaster mission. Individuals seeking approval need to submit the Market Research or Customer Discovery Request.
• Those conducting market research can not directly approach individuals in the Toaster or Walter spaces. They can use small, passive signage in the Toaster to direct people to where the market research is taking place. They can also use other communication channels (e.g. student group listservs) to invite people to visit them in the Toaster.
• Toaster staff can periodically announce the projects during the scheduled time in the space and can promote using the same channels used for other Toaster activities.

Operational Considerations:

• Market Research: The action or activity of gathering information about consumers' needs and preferences.
• Customer Discovery: The initial and iterative process of understanding customer's situations, needs, and pain points.

The Toaster provides access to lockers for individuals or groups that are part of the Toaster Community. Lockers can be rented for either a semester or short term.

General conditions for any rental:

• The individual who signs the locker rental agreement must be a current student of the University of Minnesota.
• The renter agrees to be liable for damage to the locker unit, or storage location caused by inherent or defective condition of the contents within the locker, or the reckless or destructive actions of the renter(s).
• The loss, theft, or damage of the renter's goods are not the responsibility of the University, the Toaster, or Walter Library under any conditions.
• The Toaster and Walter Library staff reserve the right to enter any locker at any time and to change locker code at any time, without prior notice. 
• The Toaster staff may publish dates in the Toaster locker area for vacating lockers outside the contracted rental period with one week notice. If this occurs, the renter agrees to comply or their property will be removed by Toaster staff.
• The rental agreement may be canceled at any time.
• Use of the locker must be terminated by the last day of this agreement’s term, at which point locker contents must be removed. After this date, any articles left in the locker will be removed by Toaster staff and deemed “forfeited” by the renter.
• Items stored in lockers must not be cash or valuables, food or perishable goods, living plants or animals, waste, flammable or hazardous goods, illegal substances, toxic, polluted or contaminated goods, and/or firearms, weapons and/or combustibles.

Additional conditions:

• Semester-long Rental:
  • Semester-term lockers can only be rented by student groups who have joined the Toaster Community and hold affiliate status.
  • The individual that signs the locker agreement must be an officer in the student group.
• Short-term Rental:
  • Short-term us lockers can be rented by students or student groups (holding affiliated status) who have joined the Toaster Community.
  • Individual student: The purpose of the rental for an individual make be connected to entrepreneurship, innovation, or making.
  • Short-term rentals are contracted for periods of time ranging from one day not to exceed two weeks. At the end of two weeks, a renter can negotiate for another contracted time period not to exceed two weeks based on locker availability and Toaster Community need.

Submit a request to rent a locker.