MAL Fines and Fees

The fines listed in this section of the handbook are put into place to ensure the proper care of the equipment that students are allowed to use. When equipment is damaged, it needs to be reported immediately. This can be taken into consideration when it is decided how much money is going to be charged to a student's account.

The cost of fines depends on each situation: loss/theft, damages/negligence, and late fees.

Equipment must be returned at or before the time it is scheduled. The late fees are set up so you will be accountable and responsible to return all equipment on time. If there is some extenuating circumstance, fill out a Late Fee Contesting Form. The amount of equipment that we have is limited so it is in high demand, if it does not come back on time you may be delaying another student’s project.

MAL LATE RETURN POLICY

• If equipment is returned late, there will be a fine of $10.00 per booking per day with a $100 maximum per booking.
  
  • (Example: If a student has 2 items checked out in one booking and is late returning their equipment, the first day they will be fined $10, the second day another $10 (total $20) and so on until they have accumulated a total fine of $100 for that booking.)
  • If a student reaches the maximum fine for a booking ($100), their access will be suspended until the fine is paid and they have met with the MAL manager.
  • Fines begin the minute after the scheduled return time.
• Three strikes and you’re out. If you return equipment late three times, access to any of the MAL facilities will be suspended. To lift any suspension you will need to appear in an Access Meeting. It is your responsibility to clear up your record with the MAL. Do not try to get around the system by having someone else check out equipment for you. If this is discovered, you and the other student will have your privileges suspended.
• All late fines will be applied to your BYU financial center account

RATE	FINE MAXIMUM	FINE EXAMPLE
$10 per booking, per day	$100 per booking	3 items in one booking that is 2 days late: $10.00 fine x 1 booking= $10.00 x 2 days late= $20 total fine

LOSS, THEFT, OR DAMAGE POLICY

Loss and Theft are defined as any instance where equipment placed under student care ends up missing or stolen.

LOSS

If a student loses a piece of equipment they will be held responsible for its replacement in part or in full as determined by the MAL (See chart in Damage/Negligence tab). If the replacement costs for one item exceed $500, MAL will work with the student and BYU Risk Management to replace the item.

THEFT

If a piece of equipment ends up stolen the cost for replacement will be the responsibility of the student in part or in full as determined by the MAL. For the remaining replacement costs, if any, that exceed $500 the MAL, with the student, will work with BYU Risk Management or replacement of the item. If any piece of equipment is stolen, a police report is required to be filed by the person responsible for the equipment.

DAMAGE

The MAL has staff to ensure that the equipment is in good working order. When checking out equipment, it is your responsibility to confirm that the equipment is working properly and demonstrate competency while prepping the equipment. If equipment is damaged while you have it, inform the MAL employee immediately. You are financially responsible for negligence or carelessness with the equipment and will need to follow the damage assessment procedure. If a student returns damaged equipment showing signs of abuse or neglect, the following procedure will apply:

1. The student or UPM of the project should report the damage to their instructor/project advisor and to the appropriate MAL employee who will evaluate the situation. They should also fill out a Damaged Equipment Report. Access may be put on hold until the matter is resolved.
2. The MAL staff will turn the equipment over to the lab area supervisor who will examine the equipment and prepare a damage assessment.
3. The student will be contacted by the MAL to review the damages and related circumstances.
4. The MAL will review the damage assessment report and the student’s response, and will then make a decision as to whether the damage falls under: loss/theft (student responsible for replacement depending on assessment), carelessness (BYU Risk Management Insurance, MAL Funds, and/or student depending on assessment), or abuse/willful negligence (student or student and MAL funds)
5. An email will be sent to the student informing him/her of the decision reached and of the impending consequences (if any).
6. The student may appeal the decision to the MAL. If the judgment stands, the student will be assessed a fine for the repair or replacement of the equipment.
7. Until the item is repaired it will be taken out of circulation (on Connect2). Once repaired the item will be placed back in circulation.

CARELESSNESS

Carelessness is defined as damage where students or faculty are not trained as required to operate equipment, or when there appears to be an absence of proper care of equipment, including losing the equipment.

ABUSE / NEGLIGENCE

This is defined as damage where a student has shown disregard for appropriate care. BYU Risk Management will NOT cover horseplay or negligence. The student will be held responsible for repair costs either in full or partially as determined by the MAL. Any remaining difference in repair costs if not assessed to the student will be paid with MAL funds.

LOST/THEFT/CARELESSNESS/ABUSE/NEGLIGENCE FINES

REPAIR/REPLACEMENT COST	YOU PAY
Less than $100	All
Between $100-500	Half
More than $500	25%

NOTE: The Media Arts Lab reserves the right to modify these amounts on a case-by-case basis.

CONTESTING FINES

To contest a fine that you do not believe you should have been charged please fill out this form: Fine Contest Form