VR Stations

VR Stations will be unavailable until further notice  (8/21/20, reviewed 8/8/22)

In this Section:

Students are invited to tryout two Virtual Reality (VR) Stations located on the 6th floor of the Library. VR is a creative tool, a way to play and explore, a mode for transporting one's self into different virtual worlds.

Before students can use these resources, they must complete the Student VR Stations Orientation, which is designed to introduce students to the policies and procedures that ensure proper and safe use of the VR equipment and software. 

Disclaimer:

Warning: By using one of the VR headsets, you recognize and understand that the use of a VR headset involves certain risks. Use of the headset is voluntary and at your own risk. You are also voluntarily giving up substantial rights, including the right to bring any claim or actions against FIT or its employees. The college is not liable for any discomfort, injuries or illness occurring, or financial risks associated with your use of the VR headset or any associated equipment.

Some people may experience motion sickness, nausea, disorientation, fear of heights, blurred vision, seizures or other discomfort while viewing virtual reality content. If you experience any of these symptoms whatsoever, stop using the equipment immediately, remove the VR headset and notify a monitor or staff member.

To reduce the risk of injury or discomfort you should always follow the instructions and recommendations as outlined in our "Use and Safety Manual", located at each station, and observe these precautions while using the equipment.

Equipment

HTC Vive Pro System

Location

Student VR Stations are located inside the FIT Library's open space on the 6th floor of the Library, in the Goodman Center.

Hours

  • Monday - Thursday: TBD - latest reservation at TBD
  • Friday: TBD - latest reservation at TBD
  • Saturday: TBD - latest reservation at TBD
  • Sunday: TBD - latest reservation at TBD

These hours will vary during planned and unplanned College and Library closures, during holidays, recesses, and Summer and Winter semesters. Visit Library Hours page for details.

General Policies

Mandatory Student VR Station Orientation completion is required before student can start using VR. At this orientation student will sign "Student VR Station User Agreement" which requires to:

  • Ask for help when student is uncertain of what to do, or how to operate equipment - Lab Monitor is the first person to approach
  • Report accidents and injuries immediately to Student Monitors, Security Officer or Staff
  • Use safety guidelines as shown in the orientation
  • Work and behave in a way that protects the safety of the student and others
  • Take responsibility for their belongings
  • Not allow anyone else to use VR equipment checked out by the student, or let anyone be in the Activity Area
  • Take financial responsibility for all equipment checked out and used by the student, and for replacement of any item that is damaged or not returned
  • Leave food and drinks outside of the VR Activity Area
  • Use the VR Stations for VR related activities only
  • Respect and abide by all guidelines and policies, and the terms of the User Agreement covering intellectual property, lawful purposes and more (VR User Agreement, page 2)

General Precautions:

  • To reduce the risk of injury or discomfort you should always follow these instructions and observe these precautions while using the headset:
  • Use Only In A Safe Environment: The headset produces an immersive virtual reality experience that distracts you from and completely blocks your view of your actual surroundings.
  • Always be aware of your surroundings before beginning use and while using the headset. Use caution to avoid injury and remain seated unless your content experience requires standing.
  • Use of the headset may cause loss of balance. Remember that the objects you see in the virtual environment do not exist in the real environment, so don’t sit or stand on them or use them for support.
  • Serious injuries can occur from tripping, running into or striking walls, furniture or other objects, so clear an area for safe use before using the headset. Take special care to ensure that you are not near other people, objects, stairs, balconies, open doorways, windows, furniture, open flames, ceiling fans or light fixtures or other items that you can bump into or knock down when using—or immediately after using—the headset. Remove any tripping hazards from the area before using the headset.
  • Remember that while using the headset you may be unaware that people may
    enter your immediate area.
  • Do not handle sharp or otherwise dangerous objects while using the
    headset.
  • Never wear the headset in situations that require attention, such as walking, bicycling,
    or driving.
  • Make sure the headset is level and secured comfortably on your head, and that you see
    a single, clear image.
  • Make sure any headphone cables if used are not tripping hazards.
  • Ease into the use of the headset to allow your body to adjust; use for only a few minutes at a time at first, ad only increase the amount of time using the headset gradually as you grow accustomed to virtual reality. 
  • Looking around when first entering virtual reality can help you adjust to any small
    differences between your real-world movements and the resulting virtual reality experience.
  • Do not use the headset while in a moving vehicle such as a car, bus, or train, as this can increase your susceptibility to adverse symptoms.
  • Take at least a 10 to 15 minute break every 30 minutes, even if you don’t think you need it.
  • Each person is different, so take more frequent and longer breaks if you feel discomfort. You should decide what works best for you. 
  • If using headphones, listening to sound at high volumes can cause irreparable damage to
    your hearing. Background noise, as well as continued exposure to high volume levels, can make sounds seem quieter than they actually are.
  • Due to the immersive nature of the virtual reality experience, do not use the headset with the sound at a high volume so that you can maintain awareness of your surroundings and reduce the risk of hearing damage

Reservations

  • The Student VR Stations are available to current FIT students with valid FIT ID's, after they have completed mandatory Student VR Station orientation
  • A current FIT email address is needed to complete the Electronic Reservation Form for one of the two VR Stations.
    • Please note: Access to the  Reservations Site  will be granted on individual basis after attending the VR User Orientation and signing the User Agreement. 
  • Reservations are required, and can be made up to 14 days in advance; same day reservations are permitted.
  • Student will receive a confirmation email upon acceptance of the reservation, student will be asked to present this email upon arrival.
  • If student arrives late they can still use VR, but they are required to end their activity and return the equipment at the end of their reserved time.
  • Student VR Stations can be booked by the hour for a 2 hour long session.

Contact Information

Students are encouraged to contact the ITDP - Innovative Technology & Digital Production team with questions about policies and reservations or anything else related to the Student VR Stations by emailing [email protected]