The MILL
The Making is Learning Lab
The Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL), in collaboration with The MIX, is excited to open UAFs newest makerspace located directly in our CTL office at 131 Bunnell.
The MILL complements existing support for innovative instruction in all modalities by providing a constructivist lab for instructors and staff to develop pedagogy based on students doing and making. As a cross-modality hub, it is designed to inspire interdisciplinary collaboration and explore the edges of technology-enabled teaching and learning. Accessible to faculty, students, and staff during scheduled events and open hours, this makerspace takes a unique approach by placing making at the center of learning, encouraging innovation, and contributing to the academic and personal growth of our community. With multiple tools and materials on hand, this initiative enhances student engagement and creativity, further enriching the UAF educational experience.
Open Hours
| Monday | 10:00 am -3:00 pm |
| Tuesday | 10:00 am -3:00 pm |
| Wednesday | 10:00 am -3:00 pm |
| Thursday | 10:00 am -3:00 pm |
| Friday | 10:00 am -3:00 pm |
Teaching as Learning Lab:
Thursdays 1-4 pm
Join us for the CTL’s new Teaching as Learning Lab face-to-face in Bunnell 145! Instructional designers are here to help with your teaching and technology questions, and our makerspace will be open for an opportunity to work on projects independently and together. Questions? Contact Kendell Newman.
Request the MILL for Your Event
Did you know you can request the MILL makerspace for a meeting or a synchronous session for a class?
Available Equipment
The ChatGPT 4 Workstation
In the makerspace there is a laptop set up in this space for faculty to access a ChatGPT 4 account for free. Drop by our office in the Bunnel building to give it a try. ChatGPT is a large language model chatbot, developed by OpenAI. ChatGPT 4 is a paid tier of this tool.
The Teaching & Learning Studio
The Teaching & Learning Studio in Bunnell 143C (inside the CTL offices) is a rapidly reservable or drop-in space available to all UAF affiliates, including students. After a short training to use this space, users can schedule time in the room via Google Calendar and use the room during normal business hours of CTL.
The Latest at The MILL
-
Ideation Studio at the MILL
Ideation Studio is a series of hands-on workshops intended to help researchers, faculty, staff and students work together to solve Alaska challenges across silos. Participants network with others, come up with new ideas, expand on existing ideas and discover how others are solving complex and wicked problems in Alaska. Participants automatically qualify to apply for…
-
MILL Makerspace November Challenge
What Are You Thankful For? Now is a great time of year to pause and reflect on what brings joy and gratitude into our lives. Whether it’s the people who support us, hobbies that bring us happiness, or moments that have shaped us, acknowledging what we’re thankful for helps us focus on the positive things…
-
Mindful Art Making for Self-Care
Join us for an hour of sensory engagement through a free-flow painting and writing exercise in a non-judgemental space. No previous experience is required. It can be a powerful tool for stress reduction and relaxation, processing emotions, and enhancing self-awareness. Can’t come at noon? Drop in to the MILL from 1-3pm instead. The MILL (Making…
-
MILL Makerspace Inktober Challenge
This month we are participating in Inktober. The challenge of consistently responding to a daily drawing prompt throughout the month. “Inktober is a month long art challenge created by artist Jake Parker that is focused on improving skill and developing positive drawing habits.” (www.inktober.com) For the MILL’s version of these prompts, consider the proposal that…
-
MILL Makerspace September Challenge
Seasonal Learning Summer in Alaska is a time of experiential learning as we build new skills through hands-on, informal learning experiences. Did you pack raft for the first time this summer? Did you mentor a student through their first field season? Did you learn a new food preservation method? Summer learning experiences challenge us as…
-
MILL Makerspace June Challenge
June’s challenge asks you to bring in the outside. This month, embrace the vibrant and not-singular landscapes of Alaska’s summer as your creative inspiration in this unique making challenge. Collect natural items from your hikes, bikes or floats — be it a colorful leaf, a smooth river stone, a wildflower, or whatever inspires you. Bring…
-
Watercolor Wednesdays this summer
Watercolor Wednesday is happening over the summer! Join us in the Mill Makerspace, Bunnell 143, from noon to 2pm. Space is limited to 10 people due to limited supplies, so please reserve the dates you intend to join us. Summer DatesWednesday, May 15, 2024FULL!* Wednesday, May 29, 2024FULL!* Wednesday, Jun 12, 2024Wednesday, Jun 26, 2024Wednesday, Jul…
-
MILL Makerspace May Challenge
May’s makerspace challenge is all about mindfulness! This month, explore the transformative power of Mindful making at The MILL. This challenge celebrates the integration of mindfulness in education, enhancing learning through the development of self-esteem and confidence. Engage in creative projects that reconnect the cognitive and affective elements of learning, promoting both personal growth and…
-
MILL Makerspace April Challenge
Spring Awakening We have a new makerspace challenge for April. This challenge invites you to get inspired by the changing season—melting snow, returning birds, budding plants, and longer days—and create something in The MILL. Whether it’s connecting your teaching and learning to the changing season or art inspired by how this time of year makes…
-
Traditional Crafts Class Will be Hosted in the MILL
APAR F150, Traditional Crafts (CRN 37491) is a 2-week, 2-credit class to be led by Jennifer Adams, and hosted in The MILL makerspace. Please join the class if you are interested in learning about traditional beading. WHEN: 8 April – 19 April, 2024. Please refer to the schedule below for specific times. WHERE: This hybrid…
-
Fiber Arts Afternoons
A new drop-in fiber arts meet-up every Thursday afternoon from 2-4 PM. Come explore the parallels between handiwork and academic work and reflect on the practices of learning, teaching, and mentoring that they share.
-
MILL Makerspace March Challenge
Explore sound as a method in expressing educational journeys, research, personal growth, and discoveries. Whether it’s through the creation of new instruments, the innovation of sound into visual art, or the composition of songs and soundscapes, we encourage you to think outside the box and use sound as a bridge for exploration, connection, and discovery.…