RATES | CORE Facility Usage Definitions
Non-Commercialized Use
- University resources may not be used to subsidize any form of external business.
- Subsidized (non-commercialized) University resource usage outcomes must contribute to University research and development, education and/or service.
- Non-commercialized resource usage requires federally mandated rates set by the Office of the Vice President for Research and Dean of the Graduate School (OVPRDGS) and Coordinated Operating Research Entities (CORE) Administration.
Commercialized Use
- Non-subsidized service rates allow for the IMRC Center to provide University resources for individuals who have procured funding through industry contracts, sole proprietorships, partnerships, corporations, or limited liability companies.
- For any commercialization of IMRC Center resources, the University must maintain strict non-competitive pricing with regard to all other businesses within the state of Maine to remain in compliance with federal and state regulations.
- Commercialized resource usage requires CORE approved rates set by IMRC Center Administration based on non-competitive industrial rates.
Coordinated Operating Research Entities Service Center Policy
IMRC Center Rates | Effective 9/1/2023
IMRC Center Non-Commercial Use Service Rates
IMRC Center Commercial Use Service Rates
IMRC Center Materials Rates
Funding Projects and Services at the IMRC Center
In addition to being an interdisciplinary experiential learning center, the IMRC is also classified as a campus cost center. In order to provide access to interactive learning environments, high-performance research, design, media production, and prototyping tools, as well as in-house technical support and training, the IMRC Center operates in close collaboration with multiple university partners offering unique approaches and opportunities to procure funding.
One such partner is the Center for Undergraduate Research, which offers funding opportunities through an applied Fellowship. Another is the Coordinated Operating Research Entities, which offers funding opportunities through a voucher program. Both programs are outlined below.
Other sources of internal support for faculty & students:
• Graduate Students may consider the Graduate Student Government’s Grants Program.
• Faculty seeking internal support for research may consider the UMaine Faculty Research Funds Program administered by the Office of Research Development.
Funding projects through the CUGR Fellowship Program
The Center for Undergraduate Research (CUGR) Academic Year and Summer Fellowships were established to help provide financial support for undergraduate students in hopes of creating an environment where students can become involved in meaningful faculty-supervised research. All student proposals must include an abstract, project description, a timeline, a budget justification, and a faculty commitment letter, and are reviewed and scored by the CUGR Advisory Committee. The awarded projects are selected based on the scores from the reviews and panel discussions. To learn more about the CUGR Fellowship Program, click here or email cugr@maine.edu.
Funding IMRC Center Projects | Apply for a CORE Voucher
The CORE Voucher Program, funded through the Office of the Vice President for Research, provides financial assistance for University of Maine faculty and students to access CORE facilities in support of their academic and research pursuits. Though there is no specific limit for a voucher request, awards typically range from $250 to $1000, depending on services requested. For faculty-directed research projects, the CORE voucher program generally is intended to cover no more than 50% of the cost of requested services. For self-funded projects, the CORE voucher may be used to cover the entirety of the service fees. For IMRC Center Services, self-funded typically means the service requestor has selected “IMRC Self-Pay Lab” in iLab.
How to Apply:
Faculty and/or student applicants must complete the CORE Voucher Program Application. Please note that requests should be received at least 2 weeks prior to the proposed start and that retroactive requests are not considered.
Applicants are asked to supply the following:
• description of the CORE services needed
• description of how the requested service will impact a project
• approximate dates the facility will be needed
• responsible faculty member (research advisor, course instructor, etc.)
• source of remaining funds for project budget, if applicable
Review and Approval Process:
• Requests will be funded on a first-come, first-served basis until the funds are depleted
• Requests will be reviewed and approved by CORE Administrative Staff as well as the appropriate Facility Manager. In rare instances, applications may also be reviewed by a faculty advisor to the CORE facility specified in the application
IMRC Center Laboratory Policy Agreement
All users must read the following laboratory safety rules and policies, and indicate that they understand them as applied to working in the IMRC Center Lab areas. Specifically:
1. All lab users must abide by the published and posted regulations and accept personal responsibility for their work in the IMRC Center laboratories. They understand that any failure to do so can result in loss of privileges.
2. All lab users understand the lab access rules, monitor/supervision requirements, operating hours, and that the labs may be subject to video monitoring.
3. All lab users refrain from attempts to use any machine, tool, or equipment that they do not have training and permission to use. All lab users must ask for instruction and/or training during business hours before using any resource with which they are not familiar.
4. All lab users will check in with a lab manager, lab tech, or monitor upon entering or leaving the shop during business hours, and prior to operating any machinery. All lab users assume responsibility for using resources without a supervisor, tech, or monitor should they be eligible, trained, and permitted to use resources after hours.
5. If a lab user has been granted after-hours privileges, they understand that they are responsible for the safety, security, and conduct of any guests to whom they provide access to the facilities.
6. All lab users will wear appropriate levels of personal protective equipment as outlined in the laboratory training or when designated by additional lab rules. All lab users understand the required attire to work in the labs and will not enter the labs unless so attired.
7. After use, all lab users will maintain, clean, and disinfect all shared spaces and equipment that they have used. All lab users have been given access to, have read, understand, and will abide by all UMS COVID-19 guidelines posted at https://umaine.edu/return/health-and-safety/
8. For any equipment a lab user find missing, needing repair, or that they damage, all lab users must promptly notify the lab manager or lab tech in person, or by email after hours. All users must leave a prominent cautionary note on the machine (or lab door if a resource is missing) listing their name, research group, or class, and a phone number or email address where they can be reached.
9. All lab users understand the IMRC Center commercial and non-commercial use policy and definitions outlined in this training and at https://imrccenter.umaine.edu/policy.
10. The University of Maine and the IMRC Center are not liable for any of the products users make at the labs.
Certification: All lab users understand that it is a privilege and learning opportunity to use the IMRC Center Lab areas. They agree to abide by all University of Maine regulations and stipulations placed upon them as conditions for working in these areas.
IMRC Center Covid-19 Safety Guidelines & Policy
The IMRC Center aligns with and adheres to all campus guidelines and safety measures outlined by UMaine/Return and UMaine/Return/Research. For more information, please contact 207.581.2681 or email umaine.alerts@maine.edu
How IMRC Center iLab request forms are processed
Multifunction room reservations and service requests are evaluated by IMRC personnel, and requestors receive a confirmation email through the IMRC CORE iLab portal containing a cost estimate. Once this estimate is reviewed and approved, the service or reservation will be booked in the iLab resource schedule by IMRC Center administration. If you have any questions or would like assistance with registration, reserving equipment, or making a service request, please email imrc@maine.edu.
IMRC Center Nonpayment Policy
Please note that IMRC Center policy restricts users from accessing the facility and its equipment, regardless of prior training and iLab status, after 14 days of nonpayment beyond invoice date. Access is reinstated (typically within 48hrs) following the full payment of any outstanding balance. If you are experiencing a financial hardship that makes timely payment a challenge, please don’t hesitate to contact us at imrc@maine.edu. As an IMRC Center user, we know that you value the services that we provide. Keeping outstanding balances low allows us to advocate for the continuation and expansion of beneficial resources.
IMRC Center Cancellation Policy
Cancellation within 24 hours of service start date must be made in person or by phone at 207-581-8822
Commercial usage cancellation after user agreement to service estimate will incur 25% of all applicable service costs
Commercial usage cancellation within two weeks of service start date will incur 50% of all applicable service costs
Commercial usage cancellation at or after start of service will incur all applicable service costs
Non-Commercial usage cancellation will incur all service fees for service(s) already completed at or before time of cancellation
IMRC Center Equipment/Facility Damage Policy
Damage to IMRC Center equipment or facilities through negligent, reckless, or willful conduct is billable.
Service Excellence and Interdisciplinary Experiential Learning
As a University of Maine facility, The IMRC Center is a place of interdisciplinary, experiential learning first and foremost. We ask all users to understand that equipment and technology may falter or be busy from time to time and that students or staff may make mistakes during their learning process. In accessing IMRC services, all users acknowledge that all best efforts are made to set and meet clear expectations of service excellence in accordance with the Operational Guidelines & Essential Functions of the Center, under the guidance of UMaine Research, and in alignment with the Vision & Values of the University.
