General Access 

A valid ID is required for all use of the IML. 

General Booking Procedures 

To ensure equitable access, proper staffing and safe operation of all facilities, the following general booking procedures apply to the Interactive Media Lab. 

XR Studio use and all external (community or industry) bookings are strongly recommended to be submitted at least two weeks in advance of the intended use or event. 

Internal IML bookings (CIA students, faculty and staff) are recommended to be submitted at least 24 hours in advance. This policy does not apply to the XR Studio. Please note, some spaces and equipment may require prior authorization, training or demonstrated proficiency before a booking can be confirmed. 

All booking requests are reviewed and approved by the IML Operations Manager or designee. Bookings are confirmed on a first-come, first-served basis and may be denied due to: 

• Scheduling conflicts 

• Attempted double booking 

• Staffing or security limitations 

• Failure to meet training or authorization requirements 

Failure to show for a confirmed booking without providing at least 24 hours’ advance notice may result in loss of future booking privileges. 

After Hours Access 

All use of the IML outside of posted operational hours requires prior approval from the IML Operations Manager, unless otherwise designated as an approved IML-hosted program. Additional security or staffing fees may apply. Failure to comply with after-hours policies may result in revocation of access privileges.  

Extended Open Studio Exception 

The IML may periodically offer scheduled extended open studio hours for CIA community outside of standard operational hours. These sessions are considered IML-hosted, supervised activities and do not require individual after-hours access approval for participating CIA students. Access during extended open studio hours is limited to the CIA community and restricted to the spaces designated for that session. For use of other spaces, pre-approval using the booking process is required. 

Guests and Non-CIA Participants 

Bringing non-CIA community members or external guests during open studio hours is not permitted without prior approval.  

Any after-hours use involving community members, industry partners, or other non-CIA participants requires advance approval form the IML Operations Manager and is subject to applicable security, supervision, and fee requirements. 

Unauthorized Users + Door Propping Policy 

Anyone without proper training or authorization is strictly prohibited from operating IML equipment. Unauthorized visitors are prohibited from using equipment in the studios or assisting anyone in using CIA equipment, regardless of their level of expertise or experience. A request must be communicated by any student wishing to bring visitors into the facility. Although, the IML is open to the public, prior to training and authorization is required. 

The doors to the Interactive Media Lab are not to be propped open, nor should the latches be tampered to prevent engaging the locking mechanism during IML closed times. 

Entry + Exit Expectations 

The IML is open to the public by appointment only. All guests must be signed in with the IML Front Desk for entry.  

If any of the scenarios listed below take place at the IML, you should first call MCC Security at 216-615-7145 and notify the CIA employee stationed at the IML’s Equipment Checkout / Front Desk. That CIA employee will then notify CIA security and The Cleveland Foundation. 

Scenarios in which you might need to contact MCC security include: 

• If someone asks you to let them into or tries to follow you (“piggy-back”) into a non-public area of the IML suite. 

• If someone presents what appears to be a warrant, subpoena or other legal document 

• If someone asks you to provide records of any kind 

• If someone asks you to help identify a member of the CIA community 

Tour Policies 

Requests for tours or visitors need to be routed through the IML Operations Manager or other related CIA parties (Admissions Office, Office for Institutional Advancement or Office of the President). 

All tours within the IML must be communicated to the IML Operations Manager. All tours require a CIA escort through the facility. 

Visitor Expectations 

Visitors must remain within approved areas and may not enter restricted spaces without explicit authorization. 

Visitors may not operate IML equipment or systems unless they have received prior training and authorization and are participating in an approved activity.  

Visitors may not grant access to others, prop doors, or allow tailgating into secured areas.