Connect With Us
Explore our digital ecosystem and join the Slugworks community across platforms.

Slugworks Website
Explore our makerspace facilities and resources

Canvas Course
Access training modules and certifications

Slugworks Instagram
Follow our community and student projects
CLICK AND DRAG PHOTOS AROUND TO MOVE THEM!
Our Slugworks Stories!












Certification Badges
Each badge represents completion of specific Canvas modules, providing structured pathways to equipment access and expertise.

Creatorspace Access
Complete Creatorspace (BE-54)

The Shop Access
Complete The Shop (BE-51)

Club Hub Access
Complete The Club Hub (BE-49)

Paint Booth Access
Complete Paint Booth (BE-50)

Sewing Machine Certification
Complete Sewing Machines (BE-54)

Cricut Maker 3 Certification
Complete Cricut Maker 3 (BE-54)

3D Printer Certification
Complete 3D Printers (BE-54)

Laser Cutter Certification
Complete Laser Cutter (BE-51)
Safety & SOPs
In order for students to gain full access to each area in Slugworks, they must complete safety-focused Canvas modules specific to each zone and machine. These modules include quizzes and knowledge checks that confirm understanding of operational and environmental safety. Below are some of the icons featured in these Canvas modules. These visuals and SOP modules ensure a safe, welcoming, and well-supported experience.
Safety Glasses
Closed-Toe Shoes
Protective Clothing
Tie Back Hair
Avoid Entanglement
Avoid Debris
Contact Staff
See It in Action
Watch how Slugworks uses Canvas to streamline training, scheduling, and certification across our makerspaces.
Slugworks Learning by Design Community Curator Aidan Gu walks through the student onboarding experience via Canvas—highlighting how students explore maker modules, unlock safety certifications, and stay connected through automated newsletters.
Seamless Certification Across Campus
This shared certification workflow between DSI and Slugworks allows students to complete training once and unlock tools in both locations. The entire process is handled through a single streamlined Canvas module.
The Digital Scholarship Innovation Studio (DSI), located in the Science and Engineering Library, offers hands-on resources for digital fabrication, 3D data, and critical making. This unified system reduces duplication, encourages cross-campus collaboration, and supports open experimentation.
The workflow below shows how students move through certification to gain access at both DSI and Slugworks.
CLICK IMAGE TO SEE CANVAS IN ACTION!

Canvas Calendar & Booking
Students complete safety modules in Canvas, then seamlessly schedule in-person checkoffs through integrated Appointlet booking.

After completing required safety modules, students can immediately book their in-person checkoffs through Canvas-integrated Appointlet scheduling.
Streamlined Process:
- • Complete safety training modules
- • Schedule checkoff appointments
- • Receive automated confirmations
- • Access granted upon completion

Canvas Calendar syncs with Appointlet to provide a unified scheduling experience, reducing administrative overhead.
Benefits:
- • Unified calendar view
- • Automated reminders
- • Conflict prevention
- • Progress tracking
Using Canvas to Understand Our Growth
Because all users go through the Canvas LMS, we can track certifications, tool usage, time-to-completion, demographics, and more. This gives us clear insight into how the space is growing—and who we're serving.
Demographics
Track engagement across departments and backgrounds
Tool Usage
Monitor equipment popularity and patterns
Completion Time
Analyze training progression speed
Growth Trends
Track makerspace expansion over time
We presented this data to Dean of Engineering Alexander Wolf to showcase Slugworks’ growth, community impact, and potential. Aidan Gu also had the opportunity to speak with Chancellor Cynthia Larive about the project’s role in supporting broader student success and strengthening community engagement at UCSC.
Example data shown during the presentation to Dean Wolf.

Example: Student distribution by academic division ('24–'25). Data anonymized for demonstration.

Example: Top majors represented in general membership ('24-'25). Data anonymized for demonstration.

Example: Race and ethnicity breakdown for general members ('24-'25). Data anonymized for demonstration.

A Zoom conversation between Aidan Gu and Chancellor Cynthia Larive about Slugworks’ impact, community growth, and potential for future institutional support.
What It Looks Like in Canvas
The Canvas course includes modules for onboarding, machine certification, safety training, and scheduling walkthroughs.
This self-paced structure is designed for scalability, helping students progress smoothly and independently through certification steps.
CLICK IMAGE TO SEE CANVAS IN ACTION!

Automated Newsletter Integration
Joining our Canvas course automatically enrolls students into a custom Google Group newsletter powered by Apps Script. No extra steps needed.

Canvas Enrollment

Google Groups (via Script)
Newsletter Email
Project Team

Mr. Aidan Gu
Learning by Design Community Curator
University of California, Santa Cruz

Dr. Kristina Golubiewski-Davis
Director, University Library Center for Digital Scholarship
University of California, Santa Cruz
Special thanks to Sankritya Anand Rai (Sankie) for contributing to the development of this website.
About the Poster
ISAM 2025 Abstract
University makerspaces face a universal challenge: bridging the gap between diverse users and fostering inclusive, scalable engagement. This poster presents a model for leveraging Canvas as a centralized platform to onboard, train, and connect makers while strengthening ties across campus.
Certification: Canvas's badging system transforms skill-building into visible achievements, combatting imposter syndrome by validating incremental progress (e.g., safety training, equipment mastery). Micro-credentials gamify learning, externalize competency, and reinforce identity—shifting mindsets from "I don't belong" to "I've earned this."
Collaboration: Canvas breaks down disciplinary silos by hosting interdisciplinary project portals and shared resources. Faculty integrate makerspace modules into their coursework, while students can co-create across departments, turning the makerspace's canvas into a collaboration machine.
Connectivity & Communication: Targeted messaging, calendar integration, and announcements cultivate community beyond physical space. Highlighting student projects and organizing events within Canvas sustains engagement, linking novice and expert makers in a continuous feedback loop.
By utilizing Canvas as a makerspace nexus, institutions can democratize access, streamline administration, and build student confidence—all while weaving experiential learning into the broader academic fabric.