Kzoo Makers vs University Makerspaces

⚠️ The Most Important Difference

University makerspaces (WMU, KVCC) are NOT open to the public. They are exclusively for enrolled students and faculty. If you're not currently taking classes, you cannot access these facilities.

Kzoo Makers is the only full-spectrum makerspace in Kalamazoo that the general public can join and use.

🏛️ Kzoo Makers

Community Makerspace

Who Can Use It: Anyone in the public (membership required)

Open to all ages and backgrounds
No enrollment or coursework required
Flexible membership tiers
Evenings and weekends available
56 hours a week of access for trained members
Commercial/entrepreneurial use allowed
Volunteer-run, community-driven
Peer mentorship model

Purpose: Real-world making, fabrication, entrepreneurship, skill development

🎓 University Makerspaces

WMU & KVCC

Who Can Use It: Enrolled students and faculty only

Closed to the general public
Must be enrolled in courses
Cost included in tuition
Academic hours only (no evenings/weekends)
Semester-bound access
Academic use only (no commercial)
Faculty/staff supervision required
Course-based training

Purpose: Academic coursework, curriculum support, educational demonstrations

Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	Kzoo Makers	WMU Makerspaces	KVCC Labs
Public Access	✅ Yes (membership)	❌ Students/faculty only	❌ Students only
Enrollment Required	❌ No	✅ Must be WMU student	✅ Must be KVCC student
Cost	$5-$60/month	Included in tuition ($$$)	Included in tuition ($$)
Hours	Evenings/weekends + 56 hours/week	Academic/library hours only	Academic schedule only
Access Duration	Ongoing (as long as member)	Semester-bound	Semester-bound
Wood Shop	✅ Full shop	❌	❌ (program-specific only)
Metal Shop / Welding	✅ MIG/TIG, grinders, fabrication	❌ (except specific programs)	⚠️ Program-only
CNC Routing	✅ Full-size CNC	⚠️ Department-specific	⚠️ Program-only
Laser Cutting	✅ Industrial laser	❌	⚠️ Program-only
3D Printing	✅ Hands-on access	⚠️ Limited / phased out	⚠️ Program-only
Electronics	✅ Full benches, soldering	⚠️ Engineering labs only	⚠️ Program-only
Textiles / Sewing	✅	❌	❌
Commercial Use	✅ Explicitly supported	❌ Academic only	⚠️ Program-dependent
Training Model	Mandatory safety, peer mentorship	Course-based	Course-based
Staffing	Volunteer-run	Library staff / faculty	Instructors only
Drop-In Use	✅ Yes (after training)	❌ Course-scheduled	❌ Course-scheduled

Understanding the Fundamental Difference

Why University Makerspaces Are Closed Systems

University makerspaces exist to support academic programs and coursework. They are:

Curriculum-bound: Tools and access are tied to specific courses and programs
Liability-restricted: Only students and faculty covered by university insurance
Schedule-limited: Operate during academic hours and semesters
Department-specific: Many tools are restricted to specific majors or programs
Academically-focused: Designed for educational outcomes, not real-world fabrication

Why Kzoo Makers Is an Open System

Kzoo Makers exists to serve the community and support real-world making. We are:

Public-access: Anyone can join regardless of educational status
Project-driven: Tools are available for any legitimate project
Flexible-schedule: Open evenings, weekends, and 56 hours a week for trained members
Full-spectrum: All tools available to all trained members
Real-world focused: Supports entrepreneurship, prototyping, and fabrication

WMU Makerspaces

Locations: Zhang Legacy Collections Center (library), various academic departments

Access: WMU students and faculty only

Equipment:

Limited 3D printing (being phased out)
Some department-specific CNC
Engineering labs (major-restricted)
Digital media tools

Notable Limitations:

No public access
No wood shop
No general metal shop
No laser cutting (general access)
Academic hours only

Detailed WMU Comparison

KVCC Labs

Locations: Various campus buildings, program-specific

Access: KVCC students enrolled in specific programs

Equipment:

Welding labs (welding program only)
CNC equipment (manufacturing program)
3D printing (program-specific)
New Media lab (digital focus)

Notable Limitations:

No public access
Program-enrollment required
No general wood shop
Course-scheduled access only
Academic calendar bound

Which Option Is Right for You?

Choose University Makerspaces If:

You are currently enrolled as a student at WMU or KVCC
You need tools for coursework or class projects
You want equipment access included in your tuition
You're comfortable with academic schedules and restrictions

Choose Kzoo Makers If:

You are NOT a current student (or want access beyond coursework)
You need wood shop, metal shop, or welding access
You want hands-on control of professional tools
You need flexible hours (evenings, weekends, 56 hours/week)
You're working on business, entrepreneurial, or personal projects
You want ongoing access, not semester-bound
You value community and peer mentorship

The Bottom Line

If you're a student at WMU or KVCC, take advantage of the makerspaces available to you through your tuition. They're valuable resources for coursework.

If you're NOT a student—or if you need tools beyond what universities offer—Kzoo Makers is your only option for full-spectrum fabrication access in Kalamazoo.

We're the only public makerspace with wood, metal, CNC, laser, and welding under one roof.

Common Questions

Can I access WMU or KVCC makerspaces if I'm not a student?

No. University makerspaces are exclusively for enrolled students and faculty. There is no public access or guest membership option.

Can I take a class at KVCC just to access their makerspace?

Technically yes, but you'd need to enroll in a specific program (like welding or manufacturing), pay tuition, and access would be limited to course schedules. For most people, a Kzoo Makers membership is more practical and affordable.

I'm a WMU student. Should I join Kzoo Makers too?

Many WMU students do! Kzoo Makers offers tools WMU doesn't have (wood shop, metal shop, laser cutter) and provides access beyond academic hours and semesters. It's a great complement to university resources.

Do university makerspaces have better equipment?

Not necessarily. While universities may have specialized equipment for specific programs, Kzoo Makers offers a broader range of fabrication tools under one roof with hands-on access. Universities often restrict advanced equipment to specific majors or courses.