Peer Tutoring & Training

Instructions

1. Sign into the Penji website or app using your RISD email.

2. Select one of two Co-Works options on Penji by clicking:

   • “Switch to Co-Works” for equipment training and reservation

   • “Switch to Co-Works Peer Tutoring” for tutoring appointments

3. If you need additional help:

   • For equipment training, refer to the scheduling equipment training guide.

   • For workshops, refer to the signing up for workshops guide.

   • For peer tutoring, refer to the scheduling peer tutoring guide.

* Often applies to staff and faculty *

The system occasionally requires us to activate Co-Works scheduling manually on a Penji account.

If you are unable to see the “Switch to Co-Works” button or schedule training, submit your RISD email via this form.

You will be able to access Co-Works on Penji within 24 hours. Afterwards, follow the instructions above to schedule appointments.

Visit the lab or call during open hours.

Co-Works Help Line: (401) 277-4832

Peer Tutoring
Offerings vary depending on team member availability but generally include help with:

• Project ideation, research and development

• Illustrator, Photoshop and other common Adobe programs

• Rhino, SolidWorks and other 3D modeling software

• Popular computer programming languages

• Physical computing with Arduino and Raspberry Pi

• Analog making skills such as hand sewing/knitting and model making

Equipment Training
Laser Cutting, 3D Printing, UV Printing, Vinyl Cutting/Heat Transfer, Soldering, Machine Sewing, Carpet Tufting, Photo Documentation, Vacuum Forming, Biomaterials, Pen Plotting, Large Format Printing and Scanning, etc.

• Instruction focuses on single high-demand technologies.

• These require a 1-hour appointment to cover the basics.

• Pass the authorization test given during training for online reservation access.

• Schedule additional tutoring for help with advanced and experimental techniques.

Workshops
Ceramic 3D Printing, Paste Printing, Single Needle Digital Embroidery, etc.

• Instruction includes processes that use advanced or multiple technologies.

• These require 1-2 hour workshop appointments to cover the basics.

• Capacity is limited with priority for Co-Works programs.

• Pass the authorization test(s) given during training for online reservation access.

• Schedule additional tutoring for help with advanced and experimental techniques.

• Scheduling generally opens the second week of each semester.

• Repeated no-shows without prior cancellation may result in loss of access.

• Materials needed for training are included at no cost.

Conduct

• Unsupervised use of equipment is not allowed.

• You are responsible for cleaning up after yourself.

• Messy work must be done at designated workstations.

• Properly worn masks are encouraged in the lab.

• Discriminatory and disrespectful language or behavior will result in loss of access.

Safety

• Equipment safety rules are covered in training and must be followed.

• Proper use of equipment, materials and safety gear is required.

• No food or drink at equipment workstations or near computers.

• All aerosols and fumes must be contained using the spray booth.

• Blades, needles, etc. must be properly disposed of in sharps canisters.

• Not adhering to policies or other unsafe behavior will result in loss of access.