Open Letter to Francine Conway Urging the Expansion of the Rutgers Makerspace
Chancellor Conway,
We, the undersigned, write this letter in support of the Rutgers Makerspace and its proposed upgrade into a large modern facility at Rutgers University New Brunswick.
Since its inception in 2011, the Rutgers Makerspace has been a hub of innovation and creativity, drawing participants annually from nearly every discipline at Rutgers University. This dynamic space, equipped with a woodshop, metal shop, and facilities for 3D printing, leatherwork, embroidery, laser cutting, electronics, and more, empowers students and faculty alike to transform their ideas into reality. The Makerspace is not just a facility; it's a thriving community where startups, student orgs, Greek life, and more come to life.
Originally a pioneering initiative, the Rutgers Makerspace set a benchmark nationwide, inspiring similar spaces across the country. However, today, it finds itself outpaced by peer institutions that have developed more expansive and advanced facilities.
In 2016, a plan was conceived to relocate the Makerspace from its cramped quarters in a dated World War II era building to a spacious 30,000 sq ft vacant building on Cook Campus. This move would not only preserve the Makerspace but also significantly enhance its capabilities and reach. Despite diligent preparations for this transition, including large investments in new equipment, an unexpected setback recently occurred. The designated property was no longer available for the Makerspace and the project was halted indefinitely, leaving 14 tractor trailers of new equipment, and the potential it represents, locked away, inaccessible to those who need it most.
The impact of this decision extends beyond the confines of Rutgers. The Makerspace is a vital resource for many in our community who otherwise lack access to such tools and equipment, playing a crucial role in fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion in STEM and the arts.
We, the united voices of Rutgers – students, alumni, faculty, staff, and members of the broader community – urgently appeal to you to intervene. Our plea is straightforward: secure the originally intended 30,000 sq ft property for the Rutgers Makerspace.
This is more than a space; it's a symbol of Rutgers' commitment to innovation and excellence. We believe the narrative of 'from first to worst' should not reflect our university's ethos. Let's write a new chapter, one that reaffirms Rutgers' role as a leader in fostering creativity and innovation through high impact experiential learning.
We, the undersigned, write this letter in support of the Rutgers Makerspace and its proposed upgrade into a large modern facility at Rutgers University New Brunswick.
Since its inception in 2011, the Rutgers Makerspace has been a hub of innovation and creativity, drawing participants annually from nearly every discipline at Rutgers University. This dynamic space, equipped with a woodshop, metal shop, and facilities for 3D printing, leatherwork, embroidery, laser cutting, electronics, and more, empowers students and faculty alike to transform their ideas into reality. The Makerspace is not just a facility; it's a thriving community where startups, student orgs, Greek life, and more come to life.
Originally a pioneering initiative, the Rutgers Makerspace set a benchmark nationwide, inspiring similar spaces across the country. However, today, it finds itself outpaced by peer institutions that have developed more expansive and advanced facilities.
In 2016, a plan was conceived to relocate the Makerspace from its cramped quarters in a dated World War II era building to a spacious 30,000 sq ft vacant building on Cook Campus. This move would not only preserve the Makerspace but also significantly enhance its capabilities and reach. Despite diligent preparations for this transition, including large investments in new equipment, an unexpected setback recently occurred. The designated property was no longer available for the Makerspace and the project was halted indefinitely, leaving 14 tractor trailers of new equipment, and the potential it represents, locked away, inaccessible to those who need it most.
The impact of this decision extends beyond the confines of Rutgers. The Makerspace is a vital resource for many in our community who otherwise lack access to such tools and equipment, playing a crucial role in fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion in STEM and the arts.
We, the united voices of Rutgers – students, alumni, faculty, staff, and members of the broader community – urgently appeal to you to intervene. Our plea is straightforward: secure the originally intended 30,000 sq ft property for the Rutgers Makerspace.
This is more than a space; it's a symbol of Rutgers' commitment to innovation and excellence. We believe the narrative of 'from first to worst' should not reflect our university's ethos. Let's write a new chapter, one that reaffirms Rutgers' role as a leader in fostering creativity and innovation through high impact experiential learning.
This initiative was launched and organized by Bethany Stanton and Vallab Nayak. This letter is not endorsed by the Rutgers Makerspace.