Code of Conduct

Purpose

The STEAM Center strives to provide a welcoming, safe, and inclusive environment for exploration and learning. Visitors are expected to act responsibly, follow staff instructions, and respect the rights of others.

Core Standards

• Respect: Treat all staff and participants courteously.
• Safety: Use equipment and materials only as instructed; follow all posted safety signs and complete safety training as required.
• Integrity: Use City property and technology lawfully and ethically.
• Responsibility: Report accidents, malfunctions, or unsafe conditions to staff immediately.
• Inclusivity: Uphold the City’s commitment to universal access and non-discrimination.

Prohibited Conduct

Short-Term Infractions (subject to warning or suspension up to 30 days):

• Disruptive behavior or loud noise interfering with programs or operations.
• Eating or drinking in restricted areas.
• Failure to wear protective equipment when required.
• Use of restrooms for non-intended purposes.
• Sleeping, loitering, or obstructing walkways.
• Solicitation, selling, or posting materials without authorization.
• Adults participating in youth-only spaces without accompanying minors.
• Unauthorized photography or videography that disrupts activities or violates privacy.

Serious Infractions (may result in suspension up to 1 year and/or criminal trespass):

• Harassment, threats, or intimidation of staff or participants.
• Possession or use of alcohol, illegal drugs, or controlled substances.
• Vandalism, theft, or misuse of City property.
• Tampering with safety or network systems.
• Possession of weapons other than those permitted by state law.
• Viewing or creating obscene or violent content on City equipment.
• Public lewdness, disorderly conduct, or illegal activity.
• Returning to the premises during a suspension period.

Enforcement and Appeals

Staff will explain the rule and seek compliance. Continued violation may result in temporary or long-term suspension. Serious or illegal behavior will result in removal and possible referral to law enforcement. Short-term suspensions (≤30 days) may be appealed to the STEAM Center Executive Director or Library Director within seven business days. Long-term suspensions (>90 days) may be appealed to the Library Director or designee.

Purpose

STEAM Center rooms and labs are primarily reserved for City-sponsored educational programs. When available, they may be used by community partners whose activities promote learning, civic engagement, and innovation.

Reservation Policy

• STEAM-sponsored and STEAM-aligned events take priority.
• Other reservations are first-come, first-served; recurring events are limited to two per month.
• Viewpoint neutrality applies, but illegal or disruptive uses are prohibited.
• Promotional materials must state: “This event is not endorsed or sponsored by the Bledsoe-Miller STEAM Center or Transformation Waco.”
• Renters must comply with all policies or risk termination and future denial.
• Rental requests (for events and birthdays) must be submitted electronically using the Rental Request Form or Birthday Rental Request Form. Rental requests will be addressed within 3 business days.

Rules and Restrictions

• No political or campaign events.
• Follow occupancy, safety, and behavior policies.
• Supervise minors (2 adults per 20 youth).
• No candles, open flames, alcohol, tobacco, smoking, or vaping.
• Damage, excessive wear, or unapproved décor prohibited.
• Renters indemnify and hold harmless the City of Waco.

Fees and Waivers

Fees are set by the City Council; payment is due within three business days of approval. No-charge use applies to City departments and education partners. Fee waivers are available for free, public, STEAM-related events.

Cancellations & Refunds

Cancellations must be submitted in writing. If cancellation occurs within 30 days of signing the contract, the room rental fee and payments will be returned to the Licensee. After 30 days, the Licensee forfeits reimbursement of the room rental fee and any payments made to the STEAM Center.

Usage

• Overstay may incur additional charges.
• Users handle setup and cleanup; furniture must be restored to its original layout.
• Access to labs or technology spaces requires staff approval.

Purpose

The STEAM Center’s labs, maker spaces, and studios are designed to encourage experimentation and creativity through safe, hands-on experiences. This policy establishes requirements for access, safety, and accountability in the use of specialized tools, machines, and technology.

Access Requirements

Access to specific equipment—such as 3D printers, laser cutters, soldering irons, or digital fabrication tools—will be to participants who have completed an approved orientation, training, or certification. Participants under age 18 must be accompanied by a trained adult or enrolled in a supervised program led by authorized staff.

Safety Standards

All users are required to follow posted safety rules and use personal protective equipment. Staff reserve the right to stop unsafe activities. Use of flammable or hazardous materials is strictly prohibited.

Liability and Damage

Users are responsible for the proper use of all equipment and materials. Any malfunction or injury must be reported immediately to staff. Users may be held financially responsible for damages resulting from negligence or intentional misuse.

Purpose

The STEAM Center welcomes learners of all ages and strives to provide a secure and supportive environment for youth participants.

Parental and Guardian Responsibilities

Children in fifth grade or younger must be accompanied by a parent or guardian unless enrolled in a supervised program. For drop-off programs, parents or guardians must complete a registration form that includes emergency contact information and consent to participate.

Supervision Ratios and Group Visits

For group visits or field trips, the supervising organization must provide at least one adult chaperone for every 10 youth participants. Staff may adjust ratios based on activity type or safety considerations.

Program Dismissal and Late Pickup

Youth must be picked up promptly at the conclusion of any program. The STEAM Center is not responsible for youth left unattended outside of program hours. There will be a $15.00 late fee for every 15 minutes after pick-up time. Sign-in and sign-out sheets are located in the camp or course meeting room. Upon arrival, students must be signed in with the time of arrival. We require that students are signed in and out daily.

Students will only be released to the specified parent/guardian and/or other people listed on the registration form. Any changes to the pickup list after registration must be done in person. The person who picks up a student must be at least 18 years of age and show a photo ID, such as a driver’s license.

Purpose

The STEAM Center provides access to computers, design software, and the internet to support educational and creative activities.

Appropriate Use

Technology and digital equipment must be used for lawful, educational, and creative purposes. Users must not install software, alter system settings, or bypass security controls. Viewing or sharing obscene or discriminatory content is prohibited.

Data and Privacy

Users are responsible for saving their work on their own storage device (or personal cloud) and should not store personal information on public computers. The City of Waco does not guarantee privacy for files created or stored on its systems.

Network and Security

Tampering with City technology systems, including hacking or unauthorized access, may result in loss of privileges and legal consequences.

Purpose

The STEAM Center is committed to providing an inclusive environment that ensures equal access to facilities, programs, and services for all individuals.

ADA Compliance

The STEAM Center adheres to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and will provide reasonable accommodations upon request. Participants requiring accommodations should notify staff at least 48 hours in advance when possible.

Universal Access

All programs, services, and materials are provided without discrimination based on race, color, national origin, gender, religion, disability, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Materials and signage will be available in English and Spanish whenever feasible.

Purpose

To protect the privacy of participants while allowing appropriate documentation and promotion of City-sponsored activities.

Personal Photography and Filming

Visitors may take casual photos for personal use if it does not disrupt programs or infringe on others’ privacy. Staff may restrict photography in sensitive areas, such as youth programs or labs, with safety considerations.

Official Media and Promotions

Filming, photography, or interviews for commercial or promotional purposes require advance approval through City Communications. Participants may appear in City and STEAM Center publicity materials unless they opt out in writing.

Privacy Protections

The City and STEAM-Center will not share participant contact information, personal data, or individual images without consent, except as required by law.

Purpose

To provide clear guidance for responding to emergencies and maintaining a safe environment for all staff and participants.

Emergency Response

Staff are trained in basic first aid and emergency response. All visitors must follow staff instructions during fire alarms, severe weather alerts, or lockdown procedures. Emergency exits must remain accessible at all times.

Incident Reporting

All injuries, safety hazards, or suspicious activities must be reported immediately to staff. Incident reports will be forwarded to the City’s Risk Management Office.

Authority of Person-in-Charge (PIC)

The designated Manager or Person-in-Charge has the authority to close areas or suspend operations when conditions present a safety risk.

Purpose

To outline the approved fees for facility rentals, lab usage, and related services as determined by the City of Waco.

Fee Establishment

A fee range will be approved by the City of Waco City Council and reviewed annually as part of the City’s budget process. Specific fees for each program will be determined by Transformation Waco within the set range approved by the City.

Payments and Refunds

Payment is due within three business days of reservation approval unless otherwise specified. Refunds follow the procedures outlined in the Meeting Room Policy.

Fee Waivers

The Library & Cultural Assets Director or designee may approve fee waivers for programs that are free, public, and directly advance the STEAM Center’s educational mission.

Purpose

To ensure that all participants are treated fairly and that due process is available when privileges are suspended or denied.

Progressive Discipline

Violations of policy will be addressed through progressive measures including verbal warnings, temporary suspension, and long-term suspension if necessary.

Appeals Process

Individuals receiving a suspension may appeal in writing to the STEAM Center Executive Director within seven business days. If unresolved, the appeal may be submitted to the Library & Cultural Assets Director or reviewed by the Library Advisory Commission.

Purpose

This policy outlines the rights, responsibilities, and ownership guidelines for individuals and groups creating projects at the Bledsoe-Miller STEAM Center, including but not limited to music, video, digital media, art, and other STEAM-related content.

Access and Use of STEAM Center Resources When a guest engages with the STEAM Center to create a project, they are granted access to the Center’s equipment, studio spaces, software, and other creative resources. Clients are responsible for the content they choose to create—or not create—during their time using Center resources.

Ownership of Creative Content All content produced using STEAM Center resources belongs entirely to the guest. Upon completion of the project, the client retains 100% ownership, including all rights to release, distribute, or profit from the work. The STEAM Center does not make legal distinctions in ownership between youth and adult clients.

Third-Party Collaboration If a project involves collaboration with third-party contributors—such as musicians, writers, artists, or other creators—the client is responsible for establishing agreements regarding rights, credits, and compensation. The STEAM Center does not mediate these agreements.

Compliance with Intellectual Property Laws All projects created at the STEAM Center must comply with copyright, trademark, and other applicable intellectual property laws. Clients are solely responsible for ensuring that their work does not infringe on the rights of others. The STEAM Center is not responsible for monitoring or enforcing copyright or trademark compliance for client projects. Clients should seek permission or licensing where necessary when using third-party content in their work.

Policy Compliance By using STEAM Center resources to create a project, clients acknowledge their understanding of this policy and agree to adhere to all terms regarding use, ownership, and collaboration.