Card Access
CIA students do not have badge access to the MidTown Collaboration Center. However, they can enter MCC through the front doors located on E. 66th Street. To access the Interactive Media Lab front doors during operational hours, students can use their CIA ID card.
For XR Studio class use, ID cards will provide access to that space during scheduled class times.
For use of IML studios and labs outside of class time, students can follow the following procedures:
Access to studios, labs and other secured spaces that are not designated as open studio spaces requires students to check out an access badge from the IML equipment checkout.
Checked out badges provide temporary access to keycard-controlled and keyed spaces approved for student use.
Access badges must be returned at the conclusion of the session or as directed by IML staff.
Check-in Procedures
All students must check in at the IML Equipment Checkout / Front Desk when using the Interactive Media Lab outside of scheduled class time.
Check in is required to:
Verify authorization + eligibility
Receive access to approved spaces
Check out required access badges or equipment
Students may be asked to present a valid CIA ID at check-in. Students must follow all instructions provided by IML staff during check-in and use of facilities.
After Hours Restrictions
Students may only use the Interactive Media Lab outside of posted operational hours under the following conditions:
During scheduled class time at the IML
During approved IML hosted Open Studio hours
With prior approval for specific activities, programs or events
Students are not permitted to:
Access the IML independently after hours
Remain in the facility after hours without IML staff or scheduled class's faculty member.
Bring guests or non-CIA participants during after-hours use without prior approval
Students found in the IML outside of approved after-hours of use may lose access privileges.
Guest Policy
Students may host limited guests within the Interactive Media Lab under the conditions outlined below. Guest access is a privilege and must not interfere with safety, security, or scheduled use of IML spaces.
Guests must be escorted at all times by the hosting CIA student while in the IML
All guests must check in at the IML Front Desk upon arrival.
Guests must comply with all IML, MCC, and CIA policies.
Guests are not permitted to operate IML equipment or access studios independently unless explicitly approved and trained as part of an authorized activity.
Guest Limits
Students may host one non-CIA community guest at a time without prior approval.
Requests to host more than one guest or to host non-CIA groups must be pre-approved by the IML Operations Manager or designee.
Unapproved group visits or gatherings are not permitted.
Approved Guest Use Cases
Guest access may be permitted for the following academic purposes.
Meetings related to CIA class projects or BFA work
Models or talent participating in class projects or BFA work
Project collaborators participate in supervised, approved academic activities.
Guest access for non-academic, social, or casual use is not permitted.
Guest Restrictions + Prohibited Activities
Guests may not:
Operate equipment or use studios without IML authorization
Access restricted or secured spaces independently
Remain in the facility without their CIA student host present
Be present during after-hours use
Grant access to others or allow tailgating