The Rist Family Foundation Makerspace

The Makerspace is available to students and participants affiliated with the Daveler & Kauanui School of Entrepreneurship at Florida Gulf Coast University.

Eligible users include:

• DKSOE undergraduate and graduate students
• Entrepreneurship minor students
• Rist Family Foundation Institute for Entrepreneurship Programs and Competition Participants, and approved student organizations,

If you’re unsure about eligibility, contact the Entrepreneurship Lab Manager before completing training.

DKSOE Programs

All users must complete the DKSOE Lab Safety Training prior to using the Makerspace.

• Training is delivered through Canvas.

• Covers general lab safety, equipment awareness, and space expectations

• Some equipment may require additional, tiered training before use

Completion of safety training is required before use of the Makerspace is approved.

ENROLL IN SAFETY TRAINING

When you arrive at the Makerspace:

• Check in using the Makerspace sign-in link.
• Get support from staff or student assistants as needed.
• Bring your idea, files, and materials and start building.

All projects created in the Makerspace belong to you.

MAKERSPACE CHECK-IN

After using the Makerspace, you may be invited to share feedback about your experience.

• Your input helps improve equipment access, training, and overall operations.
• Feedback may include how you used the space, what you created, and suggestions for supplies or equipment that could improve the Makerspace.

Sharing feedback is optional but encouraged.

SHARE YOUR FEEDBACK

The Rist Family Foundation Makerspace is open exclusively to Students currently enrolled in a course or degree program offered by the Daveler & Kauanui School of Entrepreneurship (DKSOE) or Participants in co-curricular programs offered by the Rist Family Foundation Institute for Entrepreneurship (RFIE).

Before using equipment, all users must complete general safety training. Additional “tiered” training is required for higher-risk machines. The tiers (Green, Yellow, Red) ensure users are certified at the right level for the tools they want to use. Training is offered through scheduled sessions, workshops, or project-based instruction.

The Makerspace supports a wide range of projects, from simple class assignments to advanced prototypes and creative builds. Students regularly use the space to create:

• 3D-printed prototypes and product parts

• Laser-engraved and laser-cut signs, models, and components

• Posters, presentation boards, and large-format prints

• Custom T-shirts, hats, stickers, and other apparel or merchandise

• Vinyl decals, labels, and graphics

• Physical models for class projects and presentations

• Packaging mock-ups and display materials

• Small furniture pieces, fixtures, and assembled prototypes

• Creative projects, art pieces, and personal builds

Whether you’re working on a class assignment, a startup idea, a club project, or a personal creative project, the Makerspace is designed to help you turn ideas into physical, real-world objects.

Students can earn service learning hours by volunteering in the Makerspace through approved roles such as assisting other students, supporting workshops or events, and helping with general Makerspace operations. All volunteers must complete Lab Safety Training, and hours are tracked based on approved activities and shifts. For more information or to get started, contact the Entrepreneurship Lab Manager.

Access to the labs is free. Standard consumables (e.g., paper, basic filament) are often provided for training and class projects. Specialized or high-volume materials (e.g., premium filaments, specialty fabrics, large-format media) may require students to bring their own. Costs will be clearly communicated before use.

Space is very limited in the Makerspace so everyone is encouraged to take their projects with them at the end of the day.

Projects developed in the Makerspace or Media Lab belong to the student or team that created them. FGCU does not claim ownership of student intellectual property. Students are encouraged to consult with the Runway Program, faculty mentors, or FGCU’s legal resources for guidance on patents, trademarks, or copyrights.

Once training is complete, students may use equipment during posted open hours as often as they like, subject to scheduling availability. Some high-demand equipment may require advance reservations or time limits to ensure fair access.

The labs are staffed by a full-time Lab Manager and trained student assistants who can provide guidance. Help is offered through project-based training, drop-in support, and scheduled workshops. For advanced media or design needs, faculty and peer mentors may also be available.

Yes. Students are welcome to bring approved materials for use with Makerspace equipment. However, all materials must be cleared by lab staff to ensure safety and compatibility with the machines.

Immediately notify lab staff. Never attempt to repair equipment on your own. Staff will handle maintenance, troubleshooting, or escalate the issue if necessary.

Yes. The Makerspace and Media Lab are part of FGCU’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Students regularly use the labs to prototype products, design branding materials, create pitch decks, and test business ideas. Many ventures supported by the Runway Program and DKSOE courses have been launched using lab resources.