Nestled in OM2651 on the second floor of Old Main near the Faculty of Law elevator is a space many students may not know exists: the TRU Media Information Centre (MIC). This resource is accessible to all journalism, communications and visual arts students and serves multiple purposes.
For the uninitiated, the MIC currently acts as an equipment distribution space, providing technology like cameras, audio recorders, and other media-making accessories for class projects or personal use. And soon, new services will be added as well.
After adding new technology in recent months, an in-office program advisor is next on the checklist for TRU’s Media Information Centre (MIC).
“Students are really happy that there is somewhere they can go that has the resources that they need for these classes,” MIC work-study student Carly Kay said. “A lot of this stuff is really expensive, and on a student budget, that’s just not feasible.”
According to Luke Redgrove, the journalism lab technician, equipment rentals are free of cost and are also available to non-program students who are taking electives.
“We do get a lot of students that come in here … asking what courses they need to take [for their degrees]. We don’t have anyone trained to do that, but soon, we should have an advisor in here,” Redgrove said.
The MIC also provides technical assignment help and offers info on career opportunities and program-specific events. Although not yet confirmed, Redgrove hopes to expand the MIC’s technical support and provide academic advising for the winter semester.
This year, the MIC expanded its catalogue to include virtual reality equipment. The Occulus Quest 2 is available for rental for course-specific students on their site, but curious students can test the equipment out under supervision in the MIC.
“Not a lot of students know that we have this stuff, which is a shame because a lot of it is really cool,” Redgrove said. “It’s about educating the students as far as what the workforce is gonna be like for their generation… these big companies are really pushing immersive media as the new smartphone.”
Communications Professor Piotr Zakrzewski is currently Introduction to Immersive Media, an upper-level course where students work with this new equipment.
Redgrove also explained that the MIC has 3D printers that most students need to be aware of.
“Those [3D printers] are severely underutilized, and I want more students to use them,” Redgrove said. “We have it all set up in the back for any student working on an assignment that involves 3D rendering.”
Table space is available inside and outside the office, which some students use to study or work on group projects.
The MIC website and social media pages also feature course updates, job opportunities, scholarship announcements, and other relevant information. To speak with someone directly, visit the Media Information Centre in room OM2691 or visit their website.