Proposal

Narrative

The Media Lab: Empowering Creative Communication & Instruction Overview: We propose the creation of the The Media Lab (HC 114), a modern multimedia production space where students and faculty can record, edit, and share high-quality educational content. The studio will empower our community to communicate science, research, and ideas through accessible, visually engaging digital formats. Project Description: The Media Lab Studio will feature professional lighting, cameras, and sound-dampening equipment to support: • Student-Created Content: Research videos, digital posters, and podcasts that enhance science communication and creativity. • Faculty Instructional Recording: On-demand video lectures, lab demonstrations, and content creation for hybrid and online courses. • Accessibility & Quality: Software supporting captioning and ADA compliance will ensure inclusive access to all instructional materials. Impact: The Media Lab will serve 500–1,000 users annually, including undergraduates, postbacs, graduate students, and faculty. It will elevate the quality of instructional resources, foster creativity, and help prepare students for professional science communication and media engagement. Budget: The total estimated cost is $30,000, including approximately $18,000 for audio-visual equipment, $7,500 for acoustic and room upgrades, and $4,500 for software and editing tools. Conclusion: The Media Lab will position FAU Jupiter as a leader in innovative science communication and inclusive instruction. It offers immediate academic value, hands-on skill development, and long-term impact on the campus’s ability to share discoveries with the world. **HC 114 will remain a classroom but due to its size, it has lower usage, so when not holding classes, the Media Lab equipment can be utilized. This will enhance space utilization.

Facilities

The addition of sound-dampening panels and blackout curtains to enhance audio and visual creation.

Hardware Requirements

Cameras, microphones, LED lighting, tripods, monitors, and control system.

Software Requirements

Adobe Creative Suite, Camtasia, accessibility/captioning software, updates.

Personnel Costs

None.

Other Costs

None.

Timeline

Project Timeline (April–August 2026): April–May 2026: Finalize equipment list and room layout; initiate purchasing of audio-visual hardware and acoustic materials. June–July 2026: Complete delivery, room preparation, and installation of equipment and sound treatments; integrate software and accessibility tools. August 2026: Final testing and configuration with FAU OIT; soft launch of The Media Lab for student and faculty use at the start of the fall semester. **Timeline is flexible and will be coordinated with FAU OIT based on availability and scheduling.

Sustainability

The FAU Jupiter Office of Academic Affairs will oversee and maintain The Media Lab, ensuring equipment, software, and instructional resources remain current and accessible for continued student and faculty use.

Resource Matching

The Wilkes Honors College and Student Government and interested and may contribute to this project.

Implementing Organization

Jupiter Academic Affairs and OIT