Department of Media and Communication

Equipment & Facilities

The Department of Media and Communication, housed in Walson Hall, provides state-of-the-art facilities (post-production labs, a classroom, a multimedia production studio) and equipment that give students hands-on experiences with a range of multimedia technologies and practices.

Students and faculty have access to a variety of high-end production equipment including an array of professional and prosumer-level digital video cameras (DVCam, miniDVCam), digital audio recorders, a variety of directional and omnidirectional microphones, lighting kits and tripod systems, and various production accessories.  View a detailed list of equipment. To reserve equipment, students must be currently enrolled in or have already successfully completed relevant production coursework and training, or have instructor permission.

Walson Hall features four production and post-production environments:  a multimedia studio; a classroom with sixteen iMac computers with an array of multimedia editing software; two post-production labs with Apple computers; and two sound recording booths.  The classroom, Walson 115, is available for student use outside of regularly scheduled class hours.  Reservations for Walson 115 are not required.  The studio is also available on a reservation basis outside of regularly scheduled classes for video and photography shoots, music recording, and other multimedia production purposes. 

Equipment Reservation, Sign-out and Return System

Access to and use of equipment and facilities is on a reservation basis. Students currently enrolled in production courses have priority scheduling.  Otherwise, reservations are on a first-come, first-served basis.  Equipment reservation hours are Monday through Friday, 9am-4pm.   Reservations cannot be made during the weekend.  Reservations may be made in person with Sue Fredericks in the Media and Communication office in Walson Hall, via email to sfrederi@muhlenberg.edu, or by phone at 484-664-3480.   Scheduling at least 48 hours in advance is the most effective way to assure the equipment is available when you need it. 

To reserve equipment or facilities:

1. inquire directly at the Media and Communication department desk in Walson Hall for availability between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m
2. contact Sue Fredericks with your request:  sfrederi@muhlenberg.edu, x3480

All equipment must be signed out before it leaves the building.  Equipment is checked out on a 24-hour basis unless special arrangements are made for a longer period.  Sign out forms are available only in the Media and Communication main office and equipment may only be signed out Monday through Friday, 9 am-4pm.  If you require equipment over a weekend or holiday, you must pick it up Friday or the day before the holiday before 4 pm. 

To sign out reserved equipment:

1. see Sue Fredericks, Tony Dalton or a student worker in the department of Media and Communication between 9 am and 4 pm Monday through Friday
2. complete required equipment sign out form, to be signed by the person taking out the equipment and the staff member checking out the equipment

To return equipment:

1. as a rule, equipment must be returned within 24 hours of sign-out (unless special arrangements are made and indicated on sign-out form)
2. make sure that equipment is returned on time so that others can use it
3. return all equipment at the same time and in the same condition you checked it out--a staff person will confirm all equipment is returned and in order
4. report any problems with equipment when you return it

For loaned equipment items, safety and security is the responsibility of the borrower. The borrower assumes responsibility for any damage, loss or theft.  Should equipment damage occur, the borrower will be responsible for the repair costs or the cost of the equipment if beyond repair. For a lost item, the borrower will be responsible for the replacement cost. 

Technical Assistance

Anthony Dalton is the Digital Cultures Learning Space Tech Assistant. He is available to provide technical assistance to students and faculty during the hours listed below. For assistance during other times, please contact Sean Miller at the Tech Support Help Desk at 484-664-3566.  Please note, this is for technical support in the studio and classroom / lab facilities, not for equipment sign out or return.

adalton@muhlenberg.edu   ph. 484-664-3871

REGULAR HOURS: 
Monday 12 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Wednesday 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Friday 12 p.m.-6 p.m.

Nick Minnich is the student media assistant. He is available to provide technical support to students and faculty.
Contact Nick via email at NM236386@gws2.muhlenberg.edu