Reservations are available for machine shop tools and for the ShopBot CNC router.  

Teams should refrain from booking all available spots. The system cannot prevent overbooking of a particular machine, and cannot verify that a user has the required training and operator status. Scheduled mentors are shown on the calendar for users who require one.  The first time you use SuperSaaS you will be prompted to create an account. Only umich.edu email addresses are accepted.

Click the image below to access a list of Wilson Center tools and equipment in the Mobius portal.  Mobius is a mobile-friendly, web-based portal that helps students, facility managers, faculty, and staff find the tools they need, and how to access the makerspaces that are available to them. Mobius is available to all members of the U-M community.

Vehicles

The basic foundation of the Center, the core philosophy that makes this place work, is the ability of the citizens to take responsibility for their actions. In this spirit, training, reservations, and issues with the vehicles are managed by a student led Truck Board. Questions, comments, and concerns may be addressed to truckboard@umich.edu

Driver Authorization

Drivers must have a current driver’s license to use the Wilson Center vehicles. Those with a current driver license who wish to drive the Wilson Center trucks should complete this training request form to start the authorization process.

In addition to the above authorization process, those students who wish to use Wilson Center trucks for towing a trailer must coordinate with Vanessa Korte (vkorte@umich.edu) to obtain a DOT medical card and then sign additional paperwork before truck training can begin. Truck training is then scheduled with one of the truck trainers. This process, depending on the skill level of the trainee and the schedules of the trainer and trainee, can be lengthy – plan truck training well in advance (3-4 months) of your anticipated need.

Authorizations are typically good for one year. If your birthday occurs within your one-year time frame, you are required to share your updated license with Vanessa Korte before driving a vehicle.

All trips of a greater distance than “local errands” must have two or more authorized drivers. Make sure you have enough team members approved/trained well in advance.

Reservation Request

All vehicle reservation requests must be submitted using this Request Form.

Only requests submitted though this form will be considered.

Before You Leave

The driver of the vehicle is responsible for checking the vehicle before each use to be sure that the following items are working properly. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Windshield wipers, windshield wiper blades and windshield wiper fluid
• Headlights, turn indicators, and brake lights
• Mirror adjustment
• Proper tire pressure
• Horn test
• Brake test
• Dashboard for any warning lights
• Leaking liquids underneath vehicle
• First aid kit fully stocked

If you find something that is not in optimum condition, you are required to report it before taking the vehicle.

Reread all rules pertaining to Wilson Center vehicles before starting your trip.

On the Road

From the Logistics, Transportation and Parking (LTP) website:

• Motor vehicles furnished by the University are to be used exclusively for University business and must be parked on University property (owned or leased) when not in use.
• The driver of a University vehicle is responsible for any moving or parking violations he or she may incur while operating the vehicle.
• The Office of Risk Management insures all University vehicles with a $1000 deductible.
• Smoking and alcoholic beverages are prohibited in University vehicles.

Driving while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, medication, illness, fatigue, or injury is prohibited.

Driving in excess of the posted speed limit is prohibited.

Cell phone use, including making calls or reading or typing a text or email while driving, is prohibited.

Safety belts must be worn by all occupants of the vehicle at all times.

Strict adherence to all applicable traffic laws is required at all times.

Radar/laser detection devices are prohibited.

Wrecker service is available from 7 a.m. to 12:30 a.m., Monday through Friday, by phoning 734-764-2490. For after-hours emergency service, phone the Department of Public Safety at 734-763-1131.

Should a University vehicle require service or repair when out of town, it is highly recommended that pre-approval for the work be obtained from PTS Garage Operations if possible. Reimbursement for emergency repairs and road service is subject to review and approval. Itemized receipts and return of the replaced parts to Garage Operations is required. For work approval, telephone Garage Operations (collect) at 734-764-2490.

Allowing an unauthorized person to drive a Wilson Center vehicle is prohibited.

Returning the Vehicle

All vehicles should be clean when they are returned. This includes, but is not limited to the removal of food wrappers, pop/water bottles, and personal items from the inside and all items from the truck bed.

Return the vehicle with a full gas tank. The 3256 Baxter Road facility (24/7) and the 1213 Kipke Drive facility (M-F 6:00 am-12:00 am) are available for filling the Wilson Center vehicles, which have built-in proximity chips to activate the pumps.

Vehicle reservations are often scheduled back to back so be considerate and return the vehicle key to the key locker promptly when your reservation has ended. 

Report all warning signals that appear on the dashboard immediately.

Truck-Specific Rules

Truck drivers must adhere to all rules above, plus the following:

Training for the truck should be planned well in advance, as it takes a few sessions before a driver is approved to tow a trailer. Our trainers are students, team members, and employees of the Center and have very full schedules, hence, plan ahead.  

If you are towing a trailer, you are responsible for checking the trailer and trailer hitch to be sure they are in proper working order before you take to the road.

Truck drivers must have their own DOT Medical Card in their possession whenever driving the trucks, whether or not they are trailering. This is directly from federal and state laws, plus LTP regulations, governing vehicles over 10,000 pounds GVWR, which applies to all of our trucks. Contact Vanessa Korte at vkorte@umich.edu to schedule the physical examination required for obtaining a DOT Medical Card.