5X

Workshops

At the DI Hub, our workshops offer a hands-on opportunity to explore, learn, and experiment with a wide range of maker technologies and creative processes. Whether you're interested in 3D printing, laser cutting, design innovation, or interdisciplinary problem-solving, our workshops are designed to provide practical skills and inspiration to help you push boundaries and bring your ideas to life. 

Our offerings are open to all 5X students, staff, faculty, and community members regardless of your department, skill level, or experience!

About our Workshops

The DI Hub offers a diverse selection of workshops throughout the year. Our workshops cover everything from mastering equipment in the Reactor Makerspace to design-thinking approaches and team-based innovation challenges. Here’s a snapshot of what we offer:

  • Hands-On Equipment Training: Learn how to use tools such as 3D printers, laser cutters, CNC machines, and vinyl cutters. These sessions are designed for all experience levels and focus on safe, efficient equipment operation so you can feel confident working on your own Reactor projects. .

  • Design Innovation Sessions: Collaborate on interdisciplinary projects that emphasize creative problem-solving, prototyping, and entrepreneurial thinking. . 

  • Mini-Makes: Want to make something cool, but don’t have a lot of time? Join one of our Mini-Makes to create something unique from prefabricated components. . 

  • Mega-Makes: Dive into longer, project-based workshops where you can apply your skills to complete personal or team-based projects. .

  • Special Events: Engage with peers, faculty, and community members in one of our many special events designed to foster innovation and collaboration across disciplines. . 

Our workshops are designed to be flexible and responsive to the needs of our members. We frequently update our offerings based on feedback and emerging technologies. 

Workshop Policies & Procedures

To ensure a positive and productive experience for all participants, please review our workshop policies and procedures:

  • Pre-Registration: Most DI Hub workshops require advance registration, which can be completed through the DI Hub’s  or in-person at the Reactor front desk (DI Hub room 150).

  • Attendance: We recommend that participants arrive at least 5 minutes early for all workshops. Depending on the nature of the workshop, late arrivals may be asked to reschedule.

  • Cancellations: If you wish to cancel a workshop registration you can do so via our  . For paid workshop cancellations, you must email di@kent.edu at least 24 hours before the scheduled workshop to receive a full refund. Members who fail to attend a workshop without prior notification will not be eligible for a refund. Requests for refunds due to extenuating circumstances will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

  • DI Hub Cancellations: In the event that the DI Hub cancels a workshop due to unforeseen circumstances or low enrollment, participants will receive a full refund. DI Hub staff will make every effort to notify registered participants of cancellations in a timely manner. 

  • Safety Protocols: All participants must follow safety procedures, especially in the Reactor Makerspace. This includes wearing appropriate protective gear and following instructor guidelines.

  • Skill Levels: We offer workshops for various skill levels. Some require prior experience or prerequisites; others are open to all. Be sure to read workshop descriptions carefully before registering.

  • Workshop Capacity: Due to equipment and space limitations, workshop sizes are capped. Please register early to secure your spot.

  • Feedback & Improvement: After attending a workshop, we encourage participants to complete a to help us improve our offerings. 

Suggest a Workshop

Have an idea for a workshop? We love to hear from our members! Whether it’s a new technology you want to explore, a creative process you’re curious about, or a collaborative project idea, we welcome your suggestions. Use the form below to suggest a workshop, and our team will review it for potential inclusion in our future offerings.

Host Your Own Workshop

Interested in leading a workshop at the DI Hub? We encourage students, staff, faculty, and community members with expertise in relevant fields to share their knowledge and skills with the rest of the DI community! Our team will work with you to develop the format, content, and structure that fits within our community-driven ethos.

To propose a workshop, please complete our “Program/Event Request Form” and select “Develop an Event with DI Staff.”  Our team will then be in touch to discuss next steps.

Badge Your Workshop Experience

At the DI Hub, we offer the opportunity to earn digital badges that recognize the skills you acquire in our workshops. These badges can be added to your Canvas digital portfolio, LinkedIn profile, or resume, showcasing your expertise in specific maker technologies or innovation strategies.

Current Badge Options Include:

  • Coming Soon!

As we expand our badging program, we plan to offer even more specialized badges, allowing you to document your growth and skills development at the DI Hub. 

The Future of DI Hub Workshops

We are constantly evolving our workshop offerings to meet the needs of our members and stay at the cutting edge of maker technologies and design thinking. Our goal is to continue expanding into areas like advanced manufacturing, immersive media, and interdisciplinary challenges that draw from a variety of fields.

In the near future, we aim to:

  • Introduce additional online training and resources for remote learning.

  • Offer advanced badging programs that include a series of workshops, culminating in a skills-based project.

  • Deepen our partnerships with industry experts and community organizations to offer specialized training and collaborative opportunities.

Stay tuned as we grow, and don’t hesitate to get involved—whether by attending, leading, or suggesting new workshops! 

For any questions or more information about our workshops, please contact the DI Hub team at di@kent.edu  

photo of student working in wood shop
© 2024 5X All rights reserved.