General Policies

  • Checking out equipment implies agreement to follow Occidental College and Student Production Handbook policies.
  • Unauthorized use of Media Arts and Culture equipment outside of assigned coursework is strictly prohibited and can lead to loss of privileges and disciplinary action.

Responsibility and Insurance

  • Students are financially responsible (up to $100 per item/kit) for any damage, loss, or theft of equipment.
  • Allianz College Student Renter’s Insurance is strongly recommended:
    • $3,000 cap is suggested.
    • Costs $69–$87 per year; can be canceled and prorated.
    • Covers both school and personal property.

Reservation Process

  • Equipment loan period are: Mon–Wed, Wed–Fri, or Fri–Mon.
  • Must reserve equipment online, no more than one week in advance (two weeks for senior comp students).
  • Equipment is assigned in order of request, with class-level priority.
  • Reservations must be made at least 24 hours in advance to ensure availability.

Check-Out Procedures

  • Students must inspect gear at checkout to confirm all items are present and functional.
  • You are responsible for all items once checked out, even if someone else damages them.
  • Never leave equipment unattended; stolen or damaged gear is your responsibility.

Check-In/Out Hours

  • Check-in: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM
  • Check-out: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
  • Unclaimed reservations by 5:00 PM will be forfeited.

Penalties for Late Pickup/Return

  1. 1st offense: Warning
  2. 2nd offense: 1-week suspension of privileges
  3. 3rd offense: 1-month suspension
  4. 4th offense: Suspension for the semester
  • Notify The Cage at least 24 hours in advance if you anticipate delays. Same-day excuses will not be accepted.

External Equipment Rentals

  • Only senior comps students may rent non-Oxy equipment.
  • Requires official proposal and faculty permission.
  • Students are not covered by Oxy insurance when renting externally; purchase of vendor insurance is strongly advised.
  • Vetted vendors offering student-friendly terms are listed on the Vendors page.

Summer & Study Abroad Use

  • Limited access due to insurance and oversight constraints.
  • Students must consult faculty early if planning to use gear during travel.
  • Travel insurance from third-party vendors (e.g., Truman Van Dyke Co.) is required.