Internal Frequently Asked Questions
(updated Feb 2021)
1. Who I should I contact for help and which email address should I use? (updated Feb 2021)
--Ordering Supplies - Sarah Bannerman, Main Office ([email protected])
--Grad Student Issues including submitting graduate student safety forms - Tara Israel, Bovey Main Office ([email protected])
--Hiring, HR and Employment Contracts and Submitting Safety Paperwork (techs, postdocs, undergrads) - Kelly Scholtes, Main Office ([email protected])
--Chair's Signature, Jen Kingswell, Main Office ([email protected])
--Keys and Office Space, Jen Kingswell, Main Office ([email protected])
--Undergraduate Courses - Gisele Angel, Main Office ([email protected])
--Room Scheduling - Gisele Angel, Main Office ([email protected])
--Computer Issues - Mike Peppard, Second Floor ([email protected])
--Plant Growth Facilities - Sue Couling, 1st Floor ([email protected])
--Common Room Equipment Issues including Autoclave Repairs, Chris Grainger, 2nd floor ([email protected])
--Elora Research Station Land Reservation - Dave Kells, Manager ([email protected])
2. Autoclave. Is there an extra autoclave? What happens if it breaks?
Yes, feel free to use the autoclaves in the common equipment rooms on the second and fourth floors. If one is broken, alert Chris Grainger ([email protected]) if it is the unit itself, or Physical Resources if it is an external plumbing issue.
3. Computer: What do I do if a lab computer is broken/has crashed?
Contact Mike Peppard ([email protected])
4. Computer: Is there a place to back-up my files?
Yes, you can back them up on One Drive (free) or Carbonite (lab will pay for backing up)
5A. Software (general): For Guelph students/staff, lots of free or discounted software is available from the Guelph CCS Software Distribution site.
5B. Software (SAS): See or email Mike Peppard ([email protected]) to install on your computer.
6. Cylinders: Where do I obtain CO2 or helium cylinders from?
Contact Sue Couling or Manish. They are stored, locked, on the first floor.
7. Dry Ice: Where is the dry ice?
We make our own at the back of the lab.
8. Elevators?
The elevators are locked at the front of the building after 5pm. After that time, use them from the back doors, but be sure to press both buttons.
9. Emergencies?
The University Emergency Number is 2000 or 911 (off campus)
10. Food?
There is a microwave for food in the 3rd floor lounge – do not use the microwave in the lab which is for agarose gels only. Feel free to store food in the freezer located in the computer room. There is a vending machine (drinks only) on the first floor. After hours, there are vending machines in the University Centre. Gryphs (Hockey Arena, next door) is often open late as is the Grad Lounge (University Centre) and both serve food. Creelman Hall has excellent food and is a nice change from University Centre. The library has a Williams Coffee Pub open until 10pm on weekdays. Check out food options/menus/hours on campus at: http://www.hospitality.uoguelph.ca/onCampusDining.htm
All staff can obtain an Express Plus Credit account from Hospitality Services, a type of credit card for food on campus, which gives you a 10% discount. For more info, go to: http://www.hospitality.uoguelph.ca/expressPlusAccount.htm
11. Freezer: Is there a back-up –80C freezer?
Yes, there is one located in the 4th Common Equipment Room for emergency storage or when defrosting.
12. Growth Chambers/Greenhouse Space and checks?
You must reserve space with Sue Couling well in advance (see above). The lab pays for growth space by the month and it is very expensive. As soon as your project is complete, please let Sue know, so that we stop being charged. Before you start, please record the bulbs being used, ensure they are of the correct wavelength spectrum, check the range of the light output with the correct light meter (located in the lab) and record this, and install a temperature/humidity meter to gauge the range actually achieved, and also verify your watering/irrigation and fertilizer regime.
13. Ice: Where are the ice makers?
Located in all 3 common rooms on each floor.
14. Liquid Nitrogen: Where is the liquid nitrogen?
First floor. If the tank is empty, it takes several hours for the new dispenser to build up sufficient pressure.
15. Ordering: How do I order supplies?
Please write down your orders on the “Task” sheet hanging inside the lab. Alternatively, if you are not an undergrad, then access the “Purchase Requisition” file on one of the lab computers. This database allows you to search for all previous purchases using FileMakerPro. Print out two hard copies: send one copy to Department purchasing, and place one copy in the Purchasing Binder in the lab.
16. Photocopying?
The photocopy machine is located across from the Main Office. Ask someone for the lab photocopy code.
17. Posters: How do I get a poster made and how long does it take?
It’s done at The Graphics Studio located in Graham Hall 1312 (basement). It usually takes 2-3 days, but contact them. Then prepare your poster in Powerpoint and email or drop off a CD if the file size is large. It’s significantly cheaper to get a non-laminated poster which should be considered. Check out the website for more info: http://www.envbio.uoguelph.ca/graphicstudio/
There is also one located in the U.C. (1st floor), but they are more expensive.
18. Primers: Where do I order primers from?
Check the lab for the current favorite commercial supplier. Alternatively, Lab Services at 95 Stone Road will usually hand-deliver primers within 24-48 hours. You order online. Go to: http://www.uoguelph.ca/labservices/moreInfo.cfm
If you have already used the service, then login at: http://www.uoguelph.ca/labservices/
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 823-1268
19. Projector: How do I reserve a projector?
There is a reservation sheet outside Room 307. See Gisele in the Main Office and remember to sign out the equipment in the Main Office Equipment Binder.
20. Reimbursements: How do I get reimbursed?
For expenses less than $100, please keep all receipts and obtain an instant cash reimbursement from Jen Kingswell next to the Main Office. Please see Manish for an account number if you are not sure. For expenses greater than $100 (such as travel), you need to complete an online Travel Reimbursement Form. Please see Manish or anyone in the lab on how to do this.
21. Room Reservations: Which rooms need to be reserved and how do I do this?
Rooms 307 and 202 aneed to be reserved. See Gisele in the Main Office.
22. Seed storage: Where do I store my seeds?
Maize and other seeds are stored in the chilled Seed Storage Facility located on the first floor of the Crop Science Building. Look for the Raizada Lab drawers.
23. Sequencing: Is there a DNA sequencing facility on campus?
Yes, Lab Services at 95 Stone Road (823-1268). For more info, go to: http://www.uoguelph.ca/labservices/moreInfo.cfm
If you have already used the service, then login at: http://www.uoguelph.ca/labservices/
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 823-1268
24. Supplies: How do I obtain stationary, lab notebooks, cds etc?
Please do not feel shy about asking as you should not be buying these from your own money. Many of these are available in the Photocopier Room including paper, binders, printer cartridges, Cds, pens, etc.
--Ordering Supplies - Sarah Bannerman, Main Office ([email protected])
--Grad Student Issues including submitting graduate student safety forms - Tara Israel, Bovey Main Office ([email protected])
--Hiring, HR and Employment Contracts and Submitting Safety Paperwork (techs, postdocs, undergrads) - Kelly Scholtes, Main Office ([email protected])
--Chair's Signature, Jen Kingswell, Main Office ([email protected])
--Keys and Office Space, Jen Kingswell, Main Office ([email protected])
--Undergraduate Courses - Gisele Angel, Main Office ([email protected])
--Room Scheduling - Gisele Angel, Main Office ([email protected])
--Computer Issues - Mike Peppard, Second Floor ([email protected])
--Plant Growth Facilities - Sue Couling, 1st Floor ([email protected])
--Common Room Equipment Issues including Autoclave Repairs, Chris Grainger, 2nd floor ([email protected])
--Elora Research Station Land Reservation - Dave Kells, Manager ([email protected])
2. Autoclave. Is there an extra autoclave? What happens if it breaks?
Yes, feel free to use the autoclaves in the common equipment rooms on the second and fourth floors. If one is broken, alert Chris Grainger ([email protected]) if it is the unit itself, or Physical Resources if it is an external plumbing issue.
3. Computer: What do I do if a lab computer is broken/has crashed?
Contact Mike Peppard ([email protected])
4. Computer: Is there a place to back-up my files?
Yes, you can back them up on One Drive (free) or Carbonite (lab will pay for backing up)
5A. Software (general): For Guelph students/staff, lots of free or discounted software is available from the Guelph CCS Software Distribution site.
5B. Software (SAS): See or email Mike Peppard ([email protected]) to install on your computer.
6. Cylinders: Where do I obtain CO2 or helium cylinders from?
Contact Sue Couling or Manish. They are stored, locked, on the first floor.
7. Dry Ice: Where is the dry ice?
We make our own at the back of the lab.
8. Elevators?
The elevators are locked at the front of the building after 5pm. After that time, use them from the back doors, but be sure to press both buttons.
9. Emergencies?
The University Emergency Number is 2000 or 911 (off campus)
10. Food?
There is a microwave for food in the 3rd floor lounge – do not use the microwave in the lab which is for agarose gels only. Feel free to store food in the freezer located in the computer room. There is a vending machine (drinks only) on the first floor. After hours, there are vending machines in the University Centre. Gryphs (Hockey Arena, next door) is often open late as is the Grad Lounge (University Centre) and both serve food. Creelman Hall has excellent food and is a nice change from University Centre. The library has a Williams Coffee Pub open until 10pm on weekdays. Check out food options/menus/hours on campus at: http://www.hospitality.uoguelph.ca/onCampusDining.htm
All staff can obtain an Express Plus Credit account from Hospitality Services, a type of credit card for food on campus, which gives you a 10% discount. For more info, go to: http://www.hospitality.uoguelph.ca/expressPlusAccount.htm
11. Freezer: Is there a back-up –80C freezer?
Yes, there is one located in the 4th Common Equipment Room for emergency storage or when defrosting.
12. Growth Chambers/Greenhouse Space and checks?
You must reserve space with Sue Couling well in advance (see above). The lab pays for growth space by the month and it is very expensive. As soon as your project is complete, please let Sue know, so that we stop being charged. Before you start, please record the bulbs being used, ensure they are of the correct wavelength spectrum, check the range of the light output with the correct light meter (located in the lab) and record this, and install a temperature/humidity meter to gauge the range actually achieved, and also verify your watering/irrigation and fertilizer regime.
13. Ice: Where are the ice makers?
Located in all 3 common rooms on each floor.
14. Liquid Nitrogen: Where is the liquid nitrogen?
First floor. If the tank is empty, it takes several hours for the new dispenser to build up sufficient pressure.
15. Ordering: How do I order supplies?
Please write down your orders on the “Task” sheet hanging inside the lab. Alternatively, if you are not an undergrad, then access the “Purchase Requisition” file on one of the lab computers. This database allows you to search for all previous purchases using FileMakerPro. Print out two hard copies: send one copy to Department purchasing, and place one copy in the Purchasing Binder in the lab.
16. Photocopying?
The photocopy machine is located across from the Main Office. Ask someone for the lab photocopy code.
17. Posters: How do I get a poster made and how long does it take?
It’s done at The Graphics Studio located in Graham Hall 1312 (basement). It usually takes 2-3 days, but contact them. Then prepare your poster in Powerpoint and email or drop off a CD if the file size is large. It’s significantly cheaper to get a non-laminated poster which should be considered. Check out the website for more info: http://www.envbio.uoguelph.ca/graphicstudio/
There is also one located in the U.C. (1st floor), but they are more expensive.
18. Primers: Where do I order primers from?
Check the lab for the current favorite commercial supplier. Alternatively, Lab Services at 95 Stone Road will usually hand-deliver primers within 24-48 hours. You order online. Go to: http://www.uoguelph.ca/labservices/moreInfo.cfm
If you have already used the service, then login at: http://www.uoguelph.ca/labservices/
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 823-1268
19. Projector: How do I reserve a projector?
There is a reservation sheet outside Room 307. See Gisele in the Main Office and remember to sign out the equipment in the Main Office Equipment Binder.
20. Reimbursements: How do I get reimbursed?
For expenses less than $100, please keep all receipts and obtain an instant cash reimbursement from Jen Kingswell next to the Main Office. Please see Manish for an account number if you are not sure. For expenses greater than $100 (such as travel), you need to complete an online Travel Reimbursement Form. Please see Manish or anyone in the lab on how to do this.
21. Room Reservations: Which rooms need to be reserved and how do I do this?
Rooms 307 and 202 aneed to be reserved. See Gisele in the Main Office.
22. Seed storage: Where do I store my seeds?
Maize and other seeds are stored in the chilled Seed Storage Facility located on the first floor of the Crop Science Building. Look for the Raizada Lab drawers.
23. Sequencing: Is there a DNA sequencing facility on campus?
Yes, Lab Services at 95 Stone Road (823-1268). For more info, go to: http://www.uoguelph.ca/labservices/moreInfo.cfm
If you have already used the service, then login at: http://www.uoguelph.ca/labservices/
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 823-1268
24. Supplies: How do I obtain stationary, lab notebooks, cds etc?
Please do not feel shy about asking as you should not be buying these from your own money. Many of these are available in the Photocopier Room including paper, binders, printer cartridges, Cds, pens, etc.